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Chet Atkins was arguably the most influential American guitarist of the twentieth century and, through his work as a recording executive, is often credited as a founder of the Nashville Sound. In Chet Atkins: Mr. Guitar, noted music historian Don Cusic illuminates the legend, detailing Atkins's work as a guitarist, producer, music executive, and guitar designer, while also exploring his roles as mentor, friend, and husband.
Born in 1924 in Luttrell, Tennessee, Chester (Chet) Burton Atkins taught himself to play several instruments. A lifelong musician, he started his career playing alongside many other legendary entertainers, such as Red Foley, the Carter Family, Hank Snow, and Eddy Arnold. In the 1950s, as an RCA Victor manager, producer, and musician, Atkins was one of the early architects of the Nashville Sound, which led to the first crossover country-pop hits. He was also there at the beginning of rock and roll and played on the early recordings of Elvis Presley and the Everly Brothers. When the Beatles came to the United States in February 1964, the lead guitarist, George Harrison, was seen on TV playing a Gretsch guitar designed by Chet Atkins.
By the end of his life in 2001, Atkins had recorded more than one hundred solo albums; won fourteen Grammys, including a Grammy for Lifetime Achievement, and nine Country Music Association Instrumentalist awards; and was a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. His innovative playing style has inspired such musicians as Mark Knopfler, George Harrison, Paul McCartney, Earl Klugh, Tommy Emmanuel, Doc Watson, Lenny Breau, and Jerry Reed.
Born in 1924 in Luttrell, Tennessee, Chester (Chet) Burton Atkins taught himself to play several instruments. A lifelong musician, he started his career playing alongside many other legendary entertainers, such as Red Foley, the Carter Family, Hank Snow, and Eddy Arnold. In the 1950s, as an RCA Victor manager, producer, and musician, Atkins was one of the early architects of the Nashville Sound, which led to the first crossover country-pop hits. He was also there at the beginning of rock and roll and played on the early recordings of Elvis Presley and the Everly Brothers. When the Beatles came to the United States in February 1964, the lead guitarist, George Harrison, was seen on TV playing a Gretsch guitar designed by Chet Atkins.
By the end of his life in 2001, Atkins had recorded more than one hundred solo albums; won fourteen Grammys, including a Grammy for Lifetime Achievement, and nine Country Music Association Instrumentalist awards; and was a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. His innovative playing style has inspired such musicians as Mark Knopfler, George Harrison, Paul McCartney, Earl Klugh, Tommy Emmanuel, Doc Watson, Lenny Breau, and Jerry Reed.
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Reviews
"Don Cusic has performed a magnificent service to posterity with his magisterial and stunning biography of the legendary Chet Atkins, the virtuoso guitar player who's almost synonymous with country music and Nashville. Cusic is dogged in his research and exposition, tracking down every lead, but the story is never dry or dull; he vividly resurrects a man and a professional life that spanned decade
Ken Burns
"Chet Atkins: Mr. Guitar is likely to serve as the definitive biography for many years to come. In addition to country and American popular music enthusiasts and scholars, this work is likely to be of interest to historians and sociologists who focus on the American South and also to those readers with an interest in the recording/television/entertainment industry. Anyone interested in Nashv
Timothy Dodge
"When learning to play, I wanted to be Chet Atkins! But so did every other guitar player I knew. We were all trying to play like him. But there is/was only one Chet!! When I met him in Nashville, I let him know that he had produced and played on my very first single I bought with my paper round money. It was 'Till I Kissed You' by The Everly Brothers. He remembered it all very clearly. Then there
Peter Frampton