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 over one hundred solo albums, won fourteen Grammys, including a Grammy for "Lifetime Achievement," nine Country Music Association "Instrumentalist" awards, and was a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. His innovative playing style has inspired musicians from Mark Knopfler, George Harrison, and Paul McCartney to Earl Klugh, Tommy Emmanuel, Doc Watson, Lenny Breau, Jerry Reed and many others.

A compelling biography of an American music icon and his enduring legacy

About the Author

DON CUSIC is a historian of country music, 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.

Reviews

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 Nashville as Music City, U.S.A. will find this work to be of interest as well.

-- Timothy Dodge * author of The School of Arizona Dranes: Gospel Music Pioneer *

Chet Atkins: Mr. Guitar provides an illuminating portrait of the legendary Chet Atkins. Don Cusic details Atkins's work as a guitarist, producer, music executive, and guitar designer while also exploring his roles as mentor, friend, and husband-and, oh yes, golfer. This comprehensive biography is much needed as it studies the life and work of one of the main architects of the evolving Nashville sound from the mid-1950s into the 1980s.

-- Thomas M. Kitts * author of Ray Davies: Not Like Everyone Else *

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 decades and help to define and play some of the best American music. Bravo!

-- Ken Burns * award-winning filmmaker *

I loved Chet dearly. We both grew up in East Tennessee and felt like family. Chet was so dear to me, and I loved him as so many others did. We made great music together.

-- Dolly Parton * award-winning American singer, songwriter, actress, and philanthropist *

Chet was my friend and mentor and Trigger's godfather. He could tell the dirtiest jokes.

-- Willie Nelson * award-winning singer, guitarist, and songwriter *

Chet Atkins was called the Godfather of the Guitar, the Country Gentleman, Mister Guitar, and the Chief by some within his close circle. He's also been called one of the true architects of what is called the Nashville Sound. I'm just grateful I got to call him my mentor and dear, sweet friend for nearly 30 years. How lucky was I?

-- Steve Wariner * award-winning American country music singer, songwriter, and guitarist *

Chet Atkins was an amazing original, a one-of-a-kind, and a dear friend; there's no one more qualified to write about him than our mutual friend, Don Cusic.

-- Ray Stevens * American country and pop singer-songwriter *



Book Information
ISBN 9780820373393
Author Don Cusic
Format Hardback
Page Count 431
Imprint University of Georgia Press
Publisher University of Georgia Press