Chet Atkins was an American musician known for his contributions to country music as a guitarist and record executive. He is best recognized for his innovative guitar playing and work with artists like Elvis Presley, Hank Williams, and The Everly Brothers.
Personal and Family Life
Chet Atkins was born on June 20, 1924, in Luttrell, Tennessee. He married Leona Johnson on July 3, 1946, and they had one child together. He was also a licensed amateur radio operator with the call sign W4CGP.
Career
Chet was an influential guitarist who played on many classic hits and served as a producer for RCA Victor Records from 1958 to 1974. He worked with some of the biggest names in music, overseeing hundreds of recording sessions each year with top Nashville musicians. His creative genius helped shape the sound of modern popular music.
Death and Legacy
Chet Atkins passed away on June 30, 2001, in Nashville, Tennessee, due to cancer. His legacy lives on through his innovative techniques and the music he created, which continues to inspire musicians today.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| In Dreams: The Roy Orbison Story | 1999-10-07 | Self |
| The Secret Policeman’s Third Ball | 1987-01-01 | Self |
| Big Dreams & Broken Hearts: The Dottie West Story | 1995-01-22 | Chet Atkins |
| The Winding Stream | 2014-03-15 | Self (archive footage) |
| Opry Video Classics: Hall of Fame | 2007-11-21 | Self (archive footage) |
| Country Music Classics: Webb Pierce and Chet Atkins | 1991-01-01 | Self (archive footage) |
| Nanci Griffith: Other Voices, Other Rooms | 1993-12-31 | Self |
| Tennessee Jamboree | 1964-01-01 | Self |
| Country’s Family Reunion: Precious Memories (Vol. 1) | 2016-02-18 | Self |
| Guitar | 1991-01-01 | Self |
| Neil Diamond: Under a Tennessee Moon | 1996-02-24 | Self – Guest Artist |
| Chet Atkins: Rare Performances 1955-1975 | Self | |
| The Johnny Cash Show | 1969-06-07 | Self |
| Nashville 99 | 1977-04-01 | Chet Atkins |
| The Secret Policeman’s Ball | 1976-04-01 | Self |
| The Ed Sullivan Show | 1948-06-20 | Self – Guitarist |
| Numéro un | 1975-04-05 | Self |
| The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson | 1962-10-01 | Self |