Chet Atkins: Mr. Guitar
Jun 2025 · Music of the American South Book 11 · University of Georgia Press
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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.
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 w...
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About the author
DON CUSIC is a historian of country music and the Curb Professor of Music Industry History and a professor of music business at Belmont University. His many books include Saved by Song: A History of Gospel and Christian Music and The Cowboy in Country Music: An Historical Survey with Artist Profiles. He served as a consultant on the Ken Burns documentary on country music and has appeared on numerous documentaries and TV shows. In 2022, Cusic was inducted into the Western Music Association Hall of Fame. He lives in Brentwood, Tennessee.
DON CUSIC is a historian of country music and the Curb Professor of Music Industry History and a professor of music business at Belmont University. His many books include Saved by Song: A History of Gospel and Christian Music and The Cowboy in Country Music: An Historical Survey with Artist Profi...
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