Chet Atkins

Personal Info

Birthday

June 20, 1924

Day of Death

2001-06-30

(77 years old)

Place of Birth

Luttrell, Tennessee, USA

Also Known As

Chester Atkins

Mr. Guitar

The Country Gentleman

Chet Atkins

Biography

Chester Burton "Chet" Atkins, known as "Mr. Guitar" and "The Country Gentleman", was an American musician, occasional vocalist, songwriter, and record producer, who along with Owen Bradley and Bob Ferguson, among others, created the country music style that came to be known as the Nashville sound, which expanded country music's appeal to adult pop music fans.

He was primarily known as a guitarist. He also played the mandolin, fiddle, banjo, and ukulele. Atkins's signature picking style was inspired by Merle Travis.

Known For

Nashville 99

Big Dreams & Broken Hearts: The Dottie West Story

Filmography

2016
Country's Family Reunion: Precious Memories (Vol. 1)
as Self
2014
The Winding Stream
as Self (archive footage)
2007
Opry Video Classics: Hall of Fame
as Self (archive footage)
1999
In Dreams: The Roy Orbison Story
as Self
The Genius of Lenny Breau
as Self
1996
Neil Diamond: Under a Tennessee Moon
as Self - Guest Artist
1995
Big Dreams & Broken Hearts: The Dottie West Story
as Chet Atkins
1993
Nanci Griffith: Other Voices, Other Rooms
as Self
1991
Guitar
as Self
Country Music Classics: Webb Pierce and Chet Atkins
as Self (archive footage)
1989
In the Hank Williams Tradition
as Self
Leo Kottke: Home + Away
as Self
1987
The Secret Policeman’s Third Ball
as Self
1978
Hee Haw 10th Anniversary Celebration
as Self
1977
Ann-Margret: Rhinestone Cowgirl
as Self
1964
Tennessee Jamboree
as Self