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Back to Oral History
  • Oral History

Jim Atkins

March 1, 1975 OH8 60 min.
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Biography


Guitarist. Regular performer on the WLS National Barn Dance during the mid-1930s. Later formed a trio with Les Paul. Half-brother of guitarist Chet Atkins.

Interview Summary

1975 March
(1 hour)
Guitarist Jim Atkins talks about his experiences as a musician. Discussion includes his early education; early musical influences; his start on WLS and the National Barn Dance; the start of the Les Paul trio; his experiences as a musician during the 1930s and early 1940s; the impact of Les Paul; recording with Chet Atkins in the late 1950s; and advice for the starting guitarist.