Probably the greatest all round guitarist of all time. The great players interviewed here said they can't get near a lot of his picking. Just a graceful, extremely melodic picker and a beautiful human being.

As great a musician as he was , he was even a greater man . He turned in his membership at the Nashville Golf Club in protest to his black musician friends not being allowed to join him there . I met him in 1976 in Edmonton Canada . There were posters all over the Jubilee Auditorium " A night with Chet Atkins and Friends " . so I grabbed one and schemed a way to get it autographed by him " SOMEHOW " . After the show , I told my wife to wait in the lobby as I walked past all the security backstage to fund his dressing room and get an autograph . When I found his dressing room , I knocked on his door , he opened the door and said , how are you , can I help you . A FEW SECONDS later a security guy walked into the room and said . " you're not supposed to be in here "! Chet just looked up and said , " oh that's okay , he's a friend of mine " ... as I caught my breath again I stammered out for an autograph on the poster I was holding . He signed it : To Ed .. your friend Chet Atkins . I spoke to him a little while , and he never gave me the bum's rush ... so I thanked him and ran out to the lobby to show my wife what I had ... my guitar ability suddenly increased overnight from just one handshake ! my experience with Chet !

@Tarantellas1

4 жыл бұрын

What a beautiful story, thank you for sharing it! This video got me teared up on several occasions. What a man! God Bless!

@gregparrott

4 жыл бұрын

Nice story and experience. Thanks for sharing.

@houstonsheltonbees814

4 жыл бұрын

Wow great backstory 👍 thanks for sharing with us. Hello from the Kentucky mountains USA

@mickgatz214

4 жыл бұрын

What an awesome experience!. That memory to have in your heart for life! Greeting from Australia mate!

@bethbartlett5692

4 жыл бұрын

What a Sweet share and a Higher Minded/Mature Mind understanding. 💫

An English friend of mine gave me a Dire Straits album and said he didn't like it since it was more country. I grew up in the country, even though I like rock. And then the next album was Mark and Chet. I listened to that album hundreds of times. Mark is like a greatful student at the feet of a master, but that is the way life is supposed to be. Everyone was carried to a higher level.

His 'Neck and Neck' album and the PBS special with Knopfler is absolutely incredible. My Father's Hat will make you weep.

I first met Chet and his wife at Doc Watsons’ Merlefest in North Wilkesboro N. Carolina in 1985 I believe... great man and a great person

@gibsonfan159

4 жыл бұрын

I was just about to comment that as great as Chet was, Doc is still the man in my neck of woods.

Totally agree with George. Somedays you feel like you are the master and other days the guitar is like a master over you. You feel you are learning the guitar for the first time.

One of the ABSOLUTE GREATS!! Legend and a hell of a man!! RIP Dear CHET!

What an amazing man! When I was growing up (got my first guitar at 12) my dad for years would say to me "You should learn how to play like Chet Atkins!" and he'd play a couple songs, I'd listen and think to myself "Jeez, that's so hard!" but if I'd only listened enough to give it an honest effort, I wouldn't be 64 years old and trying to learn to play like Chet Atkins!! 😂 So much respect not only for his playing but for the person he was too!

greatest guitar player ever!!! HANDS DOWN!!!!

I Love the music of Chet Atkins. RIP My Friend.

In 1957, I was 7 years old and taking piano lessons. At a friends house, I heard Chet Atkins, and my life changed without me even knowing it. I have made my living playing guitar. I wish I had gotten the chance to let him know what an incredible inspiration he has been to me... and still is!

Thanks to whoever made and distributed this wonderful movie about a wonderful man.

I've watched this video at least 5 times. Such a great story. I never knew how big Chet Atkins really was.

Thank you so much for this video! What a great man.

@artfrob3754

8 жыл бұрын

glad I was allowed to upload it Jeff

@brucewerner3459

8 жыл бұрын

I've been a "CHET" student quite awhile--this great video and story of the Giant Man really helps ne to understand better now. One person told of his great "humility"---I like that, and think we all knew that, but thanks for reminding us.

I don’t know-something so special about Chet Atkins . Every time I see or hear him, I get emotional. Just such a great musician and more importantly, a great human being . I guess I’m sad that he’s not with us anymore.

The one and ONLY Chet Akins. Bravo sir and thank you!

The joy and brilliance Chet spread around the world is incalculable. From poverty and humble beginnings too, an amazing man.

I've always felt good about Chet Atkins, and after watching this video I feel even better about him. One of the greatest talents of all time, and one of the best men of all time, too.

fantastic documentary. love Chet, fellow southern boy 😎

That was amazing. I saw Chet one of the last times he played in public, jamming with Jerry Reed at the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville. What a stupendous talent. Both are sorely missed.

@pauljalbert6957

4 жыл бұрын

That Bluebird cafe was featured in the TV series Nashville.

@FrancescoAlcozer

4 жыл бұрын

America land of well-being, good music and great guitar masters. Greetings. kzread.info/dash/bejne/oax_mcZqcrTRZMo.html *NASHVILLE 💘 BOOGIE* Gibson Guitar cover by *Bert 💚Weedon*

Starry, starry night..... Gentleness and grace.... breathless and breath taking. Sometimes we are reminded ..... angels are real

@TheLANC95

4 жыл бұрын

I came, almost futilely, into the comment section seeing this f anyone had mentioned what song Chet was playing at 38:00. THANK. YOU. I know you were just typing it out of casual music appreciation but you just saved me a massive headache. Again, thank you.

Outstanding biography a great man, loved his guitar picking. He is very much missed today and by many people.

Thank you so much for this beautiful movie about Chet, a divinely gifted guitarist and so much more. So many clips from songs I haven't heard before.

@dayerotth8273

3 жыл бұрын

To many adds for me. Yes I'm good bye to this site KZread No Good reason have Billions of dollars from sponsors and us

Chet was the most melodic player, but he could improvise with the greatest and never copy them, but he always held his ground. The most versatile guitarist in the last 100 years in my humble opinion. He will be enjoyed when many others may be regarded as more noise than music. The shear volume of his work is a great achievement. Mr. Guitar.

I have been listening to Chet Atkins play since the very early 60"s . Only after 45 years of playing the guitar (on & off) have I come to believe I sound a little bit like him---But that of course is only in my mind, LOL. Thanks for the video ,a real lesson in life that is humbling.

OMG This is so good. Do yourself a big favor and watch this...

I saw Chet twice and met him through my friend Leo Ward. Chet was my idol from the first watching him play Mr. Sandman and Trambone. He was of highest character and honesty and loved by all who met him. It would have been great to had him as a Dad. He was my greatest influence and I still after 40 years keep trying to emulate him. His style will never diem he is a true Country Gentleman.

Excellent Doc about a Timeless Talent and Universal Inspiration

@pauljalbert6957

4 жыл бұрын

I know if no one who had the diversity that Chet had. Classical, blues, country, rock, the list goes on. I have 36 of his LPs and each is unique.

wow I thought I was a Chet fan and then learn how much earlier he was behind the scenes and working guitar jobs. A whole new world of stuff to research, thanks so much.

Mr. Guitar. I have never heard a more elegant touch on a guitar than Chet Atkins had. Just staggering. Great upload @artfrob. Highly appreciated and moving to listen to all the great people in this video - tip their hat his way. Seems to me like he was a very warm person.

The best that has ever lived !!

I totally loved this. What a great tribute to the best ever...!

One of the best guitar players that ever lived Chet Atkins incredible talented at the time that he was born and poverty he beat All Odds one of a kind had the opportunity to meet him many years ago back in the early 80s it was incredible talented and humble his name is in the Grand Ole Opry the true living legend that will never be forgotten rest in peace Chet Atkins you inspired me since the age of eight years old 50 years later I still remember your music on AM living up north in New York City at the time but never forget him and where he came from he was a true humble Human Bean that will live on four generations after Generations 200 years from now if people still have the same value on true music they will pull out the archives the see this incredible human being you inspired a whole generation of the 20th century and beyond God bless you thank you for all you've done even though you're gone physically you live in our hearts forever

@MFDOOOOM

3 жыл бұрын

I agree with everything you said mate, but Please use punctuation lol its hard as hell to read

He's great. The bits in the studio he's like an old school factory boss

Thanks so much for putting this all together atrfrob. Picking since 1956 and came to the realization a long long time ago that Chet was "one of a kind" not just in his art but as a kind soul in a sea of sharks. Great job and you used only the best quality clips - especially the Chester/Lester material - indeed RARE! No question about it - Chet taught the world what guitar playing, and music appreciation was all about. A gentleman and an inspiration to us all. With a huge lump in our throats and a tear in our eye, Chet remains sorely missed in our Lives in Music all around the world - a fine tribute sir!

@demef758

4 жыл бұрын

I'd pay a lot of money just to get all of the outtakes, goofs, banter, and chatter that never made it to the Chester & Lester albums. The good time feelings on those two albums are magnificent.

Great video, great life, great person, greatest guitarists... I’m not happy that I was not able to learn about Chet earlier in my life. His influence will continue for generations

I sat with Ben Speer at his funeral at the Ryman...Eddie Arnold spoke..I was in the society

Good Lord, what a great musician. The world loves Chet.

amazing story, amazing guitar player. truly was Mr. guitar.

The first Chet record we had when I was a kid in the '60's was his Christmas album (I loved the cover with the guitar in the snowy forest!). As I got older my interest turned to rock, of course but still listened to him down through the years, and now I can learn some of his tunes on my 3 string cigar box guitars!!

Great and wonderful video. Always loved the famous Chet Atkins and enjoyed watching videos of so many fantastic artists world famous who also looked to Chet as a pioneer of the most beautiful instrument ever.

Thank you so much fpr sharing this classic gem.

I love his music. I had an 8mm film Of my family back from the late 50's put on DVD with some of his music in all the background.

@scotttucker5306

4 жыл бұрын

I have most of Chet's music! 🤗 Beautifull!

A real and rare joy-great musician, great person. Thanks.

He really was a guitar hero. He was much more than that, though. He was effortless. I picked up his Picks On The Beatles album. I really enjoyed that one, too. They don't make 'em like that anymore. Rest in peace and thank you for the music.

Thanks for uploading this, it's a really great film about a really great artist and a great man as well. I've enjoyed Chet's music for over 50 years and have yet to hear something by him that I didn't like.

So happy I had the opportunity to interview him back in the mid 1980's!

Wow, this is a fantastic film. It's a shame there is nothing here ( except a photo or two ) about the special relationship Chet and Jerry Reed shared. They made some great music together and it was obvious they really enjoyed playing and cutting up.

@MrTomanderson76

5 жыл бұрын

I totally agree!!! I have both albums on one cd. Those were absolutely amazing. The level of artistry was almost unbelievable.

@brandonmurphy4657

4 жыл бұрын

How was Jerry Reed on this

@Distantmoores

4 жыл бұрын

Jerry Reed was such an highly skilled guitarist. I never learned that fact until much after he passed. I knew his music and movies and some of his talent, but you-tube is such a great teacher, when you're interested in a subject. That's how I found Jerry' s picking skills. Wow. Just awesome!

@nicholaspalacio9672

4 жыл бұрын

I couldn’t believe when I was halfway through and they hadn’t mentioned word one of Jerry Reed, the man who in many ways got Chet really interested in playing guitar again. Great documentary nonetheless. Just wish they would have included some stuff about Jerry, another man who simply doesn’t have enough information/videos on the internet about him.

Many thanks for sharing this great documentary.

Excellent video, thanks. I did get to see Chet once, amazing.

Forever in your debt and forever your apprentice - Chet your the Greatest you have no equal !

Chet never ceases to amaze me! I had the opportunity to meet Chet after a concert he played in the summer of1973 (courtesy a friend's father who had worked with Chet in Nashville many years prior.) I am not a very talented musically, but hey, somebody's got to sit in the audience. Thank you for sharing this documentary!

One of the best tributes ever! Thx Chet!

At a staff meeting one day, my friend (and guitar player) says to me, “wanna see something cool?”. He pull out a yellowed piece of paper with Cher Atkins’ Nashville address and letterhead. The letter went on to thank my friend for lending him his Lenny Breau albums (we’re Canadian) and that he looks forward to visiting again soon. I was blown away! Thanks for this Documentary- Chet rules ( and so does George!)

@SamSveistrup

4 жыл бұрын

I know Lenny's grandson! @j.gartman on instagram. One of my good buddies and introduced me to his grandfathers music at an early age, he doesn't play music but sure enjoys listening to it and has a very similar style.

@dayerotth8273

3 жыл бұрын

@@SamSveistrup to many adds for me. Yes I'm good bye to this site KZread No Good reason have Billions of dollars from sponsors and us

I remember back in 1962 I bought his records. (That's telling my age. ) I sat in my room and played it over and over.

Chet playing "Yankee Doodle & Dixie" @ the same time was a real "WTF???" moment 4 me. Totally exceptional!!

A terrific video - one of the best.

He was definitely one of the greatest, his work proofs it

Absolutely legendary omg thank you so much for posting this stunning musically historical documentary!

Fabulous! Thank you to all involved with this treasured recording/documentary of Mr. Atkins.

Thank you for the upload. A fitting tribute to a virtuoso musician with so much integrity.

Simply got to get some of those recordings, to listen to, and the duets also are such masterpieces, thanks for the great video.😃🔥❤️

Very humble and so talented, he influenced so many brilliant musicians - it's music you can listen to over and over again

Guitar Legent Mr. Chet Atkin sir playing is unique in guitar history. His work is immense and everlasting. I lqve his tallents. This vdeo extract his life tiime experience in fifty five minutes but left will be want to watch. Thank you for video render. Gopal, guitarist, composer, south India -641014.

humble man who's guitar playing said more than any words or actions could articulate

As a guitar lover, I really dismissed him when I was younger....very ignorant of me! I wanted to emulate Ritchie Blackmore, Eddie Van Halen. .etc...but I was really missing out on my hometown hero! Just an unbelievable virtuoso and beautiful sound coming from the guitar! Rest in peace Chet

@jonwiddicombe101

3 жыл бұрын

Well, as they say “Youth is wasted on young people”... It takes 19 year old youth full of spunk to hear a demographic of proven psychopathic liars say “ Go shoot these complete strangers for freedom” then go do it and come back a walking Ghost. I’ll always front our Perimeter but aint fighting no banking psychopaths Smack Coca or Banana and Pineapple war. Its by design; but a credit to you you came around to the truth. The great ones are too smart to become “Stars” but Ritchie was no hack “Burn” and “You fool no one” were great works. But after what those SOBs did to dear old String bean I’m pretty sure the greats may be onto somethin’

The best thing i have watched in years, love it. Thanks a million!!!!!!!

Thank you so much for this post. Really nice perspective on the life of one of the best guitar players of the 20th century. One can really appreciate what it must have been like to learn, develop, and innovate a style of playing without the abundant tools that are at everyone's disposal today. I am personally still trying to learn from the master, and will continue until my last day on earth. Thank you, Chet

@artfrob3754

7 жыл бұрын

He had a rare talent an still is inspiring...

@dpietersz8774

7 жыл бұрын

Ron Deckelbaum Q

What a great man by all accounts of his generosity!.

A most wonderful video. A very beautiful 44.11 of time spent. Thank you:)

Chet made Nashville.... Chet was MR GUITAR!....FOREVER!.

What a wonderful documentary thank you.

Thanks for posting: very interesting.

Thank you for this!

Thank you for sharing totally enjoy all aspects of this video.

@artfrob3754

4 жыл бұрын

Very glad I was allowed to...

*Genius man - and Genius Guitarist* ... 🏆

Thanks for the post !!!

I like Charlie Prides comment on Chet, He's it.

What a great documentary....thank you.

George Benson summed it up so perfectly, that's all one can truthfully say.

It was Chet who inspired me to learn to play guitar many years ago, and while I have no hope ever of playing as well as he did, that somehow doesn't stop me from trying. I miss many of our musical artists who've passed on, but none more than him.

@artfrob3754

5 жыл бұрын

Same here MongoFreddie, there are other young guitarists keeping his style alive. Check out Katelyn Prieboy for one...

I'm another fan of this great artist.

What a great video, what made it even more interesting for me was around 42 minutes he plays not one but two 'bum notes'!! and he did that I am sure on purpose, I had to play it a few times to make sure my ears were not playing tricks on me!! but they are there, and I think he did it to amuse the Band in the back-ground, did anyone else notice them? I think it just appealed to his sense of humour, and you got to love that.

@zororosario

5 жыл бұрын

Yes, there is an inside joke in those two bum notes.. What the joke is i"m not sure but it was calculated masterfully.

@ruthmcadam

5 жыл бұрын

I agree. I think he did it purposefully. He says "I think I was sharp there" when he plays with Mark Knopfler on a song called "there'll be some changes made" ( their album 'Neck & Neck' ) and MK replies "Just play" and they do...he WASN'T sharp to MY ears......he is only sharp or flat when he chooses.....

@Zacharia503

5 жыл бұрын

He's made those 'mistakes' before (and probably since); it's just his little joke. The notes are far too clean to be mistakes. If youfind the record, he doesn't make them, but on almost all of his live performances, he does 'em. Just because he can.

@sammccue500

4 жыл бұрын

That was his sense of humor for sure. Chet didn't make mistakes.

@stephenfiore9960

4 жыл бұрын

*I think your referring to the time span of **41:53** to **41:59*

Beautiful documentary about a great musician and wonderful human being - just absolutely one of a kind … I didn’t know all these things about Chet Atkins-just amazing!

I'm sure that he's teaching the angels

I've never heard so many people say so many great things about a man. When Mark Knopfler said it's an honor just to be in the room with him and Chet said thank you Mark...it was so genuine. He respected his colleagues and everyone loved and respected him.

My 3 guitar hero's - chet , let Paul & Tommy Emmanuel .! Saw him play in Elkhart,in. In the 90's. He had cancer then, but what a great concert I will never forget!!! Thanks for posting this !

Also, such excellent audio in this movie. Song clips and interviews, five stars.

I just watched again. What a brilliant and classy man! I can't say enough good about him.

The Great Chet Atkin..great and a very humble man..RIP Chet Atkins aka “The Music Man”👊🏿❤️ my boi Tommy Emanuel’s hero and mentor..Thank you for sharing your video with the world..Aloha🤙Cheers🍷

After being a Chet Atkins fan since I knee-high to a small ant, I am constantly amazed at how many people he has, in some way, helped along the way, not to mention the "second to none" talent that Chet himself had. Chet, I certainly hope that the Good Lord enjoys your music as much as I have and let us know when you and the Good Lord make an album together. From George Benson to Mark Knoffler and Les Paul, you have done it all.

@allymayful

5 жыл бұрын

As an aussie, l especially love Tommy Emmanuel's story of writing to him as a kid, from the Aussie bush, which eventually lead to a wonderful relationship.

@demef758

Жыл бұрын

@@allymayful To this day, Tommy's shows feature a 10-minute tribute to Chet. He never misses the opportunity to praise Chester. Tommy picked up his attitude of helping up and comers from Chet.

@allymayful

Жыл бұрын

@@demef758 There are quiet a few lovely stories like this in the music world. That being a nice contrast to those of greed (from the admin side of the business) that we have heard too often.

This is a superb documentary. There is much here that I did not know about both Chet, those he engaged with, and many of those interviewed here.I bet that the only reason some people gave this a thumbs down' is that they lack patience for a 40+ minute video.

This is the most amazing documentary on Chet Atkins. :)

As of right now (April 2020) there are 60 "dislikes" on this video. I can't imagine how sad and adrift those three score are. I am not mad at them at all, I just feel sorry for them. This was a joyful video, thank you for it.

@stephenfiore9960

4 жыл бұрын

......ahh, don’t feel bad. They was just crying that they couldn’t play that good and hit the wrong button...

Super good man. Guitar giant

This was like a music business education.

Wow-just wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*Mercy, I love Charlie Pride, and his music.* Have since about 1967. I was a sprig of a child, but I certainly had 1st Class Taste. I also liked Ray Price back that far. Loved Willir since 1st time I heard his music. Mary Kay on her guitar too. That maybe be my favorite electric guitar. ...and I love Django Rinehart, thats the league Chet was in, ansolutely.

No doubt Chet was the Man ! 1His playing unbelievable , wonderful, you felt it inside. Thanks for this Movie.

So much respect for Chet a real. Icon true talent great musician