Chet Atkins was born Chester Burton Atkins in Luttrell, Tennessee, on 20 June 1924. His father was a music teacher who specialised in piano.
Atkins went from being a country guitarist to a Grand Ole Opry star to vice-president of RCA Victor when they bought up the unknown Elvis Presley‘s contract from Sun.
Chet produced the early Presley records putting more emphasis on the electric guitar, drums, and vocal backing groups than the very basic Sun tapes. He also produced the Everly Brothers for Cadence.
He was the inspiration behind most of the rock guitarists of the 50s and early 60s but, despite being a millionaire, could often be seen playing on sessions in Nashville, even for unknowns.
