Few names are as synonymous with the guitar as that of Chet Atkins. He set the standard by which generations of country fingerstyle guitarists have been measured. But his influence transcends regions and genres. The sound of 20th century guitar would not be the same without the impact of this gentle genius, who was at the height of his influence and creative powers when the performances presented in this video were captured. The much travelled "Mr Guitar" is seen playing in this collection everywhere from Nashville to Norway. His signature Gretsch Tennessean guitar, on which Chet made exquisitely effective use of its Bigsby vibrato bar, is heard in all its sweet, reverb-laden glory on many of these clips. But Chet, whose versatility embraces all styles of guitar, is also seen playing a classical guitar and Martin dreadnaught. No matter what he plays, the sound produced becomes a distinct auditory fingerprint of the man known in Nashville as CGP (Certified Guitar Player). The relaxed mastery evident in this video explains why Chet, along with such diverse geniuses as Thelonius Monk and Bill Monroe, was honored in 1993 with a Lifetime Achievement Award Grammy "For his peerless fingersytle guitar technique, his extensive creative legacy documented on more than one hundred albums, and his influential work on both sides of the recording console as a primary architect of the Nashville sound".
Purina Show (1955) - The Poor People of Paris
- Side by Side
- Makin' Believe
Ozark Jubilee (1958) - Villa
- Say Si Si
Norway (1963) - Levee Walking
- Wildwood Flower
- Yes Ma'am
- Malaguena
Medley:
- Greensleeves
- Streets of Laredo
- Peanut
- Vendor
- Tiger Rag
Norway (Nashville Cavalcade), (1973) - Alhambra
- Black Mountain Rag
Medley:
- Windy and Warm
- Back Home in Indiana
- Country Gentleman
- Mr. Sandman
- Wildwood
- Flower
- Freight Train
Medley:
- The Three Bells
- I Can't Stop Loving
- You
- Java
- He'll Have to Go
- When You're Hot
- You're Hot
- Oh Lonesome Me, Just Another Rag
- Mr. Bojangles
- Missionera
- Wheels
Porter Wagoner Show (1973) - Muskrat Ramble
Pop Goes the Country (1975) - Vincent
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