Biography

Guitarist and Nashville record producer. Born June 20, 1924. Died June 20, 2001. Career most active 1940s-1990s. Full name Chester Burton Atkins. RCA country producer 1957-1970s, influential in shaping the Nashville Sound. Known as “Mr. Guitar,” he is among the most recorded solo instrumentalists in the world. Member, Country Music Hall of Fame®.

Interview Summary

1992 September 18
(1 hour, 26 minutes)
Guitarist Chet Atkins recalls two of country music’s best-known figures, Jim Reeves and Fred Rose. His discussion of Jim Reeves includes memories from his work with Reeves and comments on Reeves’s international appeal and continuing popularity. His discussion of Fred Rose focuses on Rose’s songwriting and song crafting techniques and includes the story behind “Chattanoogie Shoe Shine Boy.” Also discusses Rose’s son Wesley, longtime president of Acuff-Rose Publications.