Guitar Evangelists

guitar evangelists

Chet Atkins – Country Guitar Music Legend Part 1

Guitarist Chet Atkins holds a place in musical history reserved for a very select few! His contributions to country music are enormous as is his influence on guitar players worldwide. Simply put, country music would not be the same today if it weren’t for Chet Atkins. Chet is likely the most recorded instrumentalist in the history of popular music! His guitar playing has graced the records of Elvis Presley, The Everly Brothers, Hank Williams, Jerry Reed and Les Paul to name but a few. Originally a disciple of country fingerstyle guitar legend Merle Travis, Chet’s ground breaking guitar work throughout his recording career of over 50 years has in turn influenced the styles of such notable guitar players as Mark Knopfler, Eric Johnson and George Harrison. Although his virtuosity on the instrument is well acknowledged, his talents were not limited to the guitar alone. As a producer for RCA Victor records he is often credited for single-handedly creating the “Nashville Sound” as we know it today – fusing the twang of traditional country with a pop sensibility. His list of producer credits reads like a “who’s who” in popular country music including Patsy Klein, Waylan Jennings, Charlie Pride, Elvis Presley and Jerry Reed. He also discovered and signed such legendary artists as Dolly Parton, Ronnie Milsap, Willie Nelson, and Steve Wariner.

Chester Burton Atkins was born on June 20th, 1924 in Luttrell, Tennessee about 20 miles northeast of Knoxville. His first musical influence was his older brother Jim, a highly accomplished guitar player who eventually went on to play with Les Paul. Chet’s parents separated when he was ten and he moved to Georgia to live with his father, who was a music teacher and song leader for several traveling evangelists. At his brother’s suggestion, the fiddle became Chet’s first instrument but it wasn’t long before he acquired a Sears Silvertone guitar and started learning how to play it. He advanced rapidly and by the time he left high school in 1941 at the age of 17, he had made up his mind to make a career for himself in music.

Chet’s sophisticated guitar style was a tough sell at first. He held a few performance slots at various radio stations in Knoxville and Cincinnati, but he was often dismissed because his style wasn’t hillbilly enough. During this time while working with Homer and Jethro, Chet met his future wife Leona Johnson and they married in 1946. Later that year Chet finally received a break when he made his first appearance at the Grand Old Opry where his ear-grabbing style was greatly received! Several more radio positions followed in Virginia and Missouri but in 1947 with the birth of his first daughter and poor job prospects, Chet moved back to Knoxville to work with Homer and Jethro. Eventually a tape of Chet’s radio performances was sent to RCA Victor’s office in Chicago and made its way to the desk of Steve Sholes, the label’s head of country music. After receiving a now historic call from Sholes, Chet moved his family to Nashville.

About the Author

Peabody Conservatory trained guitarist Steven Herron helps people succeed at becoming better guitar players. His company ChordMelody.com features an enormous, unique selection of
country guitar tab
as well as guitar books and instructional DVDs by
Chet Atkins
himself.

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