Chester Burton Atkins was born in Tennessee in 1924 into a music loving household. His mother would often sing and play piano while his father was a music teacher, evangelical singer and also a piano tuner. As a result of his musical home life, Chet was able to play guitar, fiddle and the banjo from a relatively young age, with his first instrument being a ukulele given to him aged 5.
Throughout his life Atkins always has jobs within the music industry, the first of which was playing with an orchestra for a radio station in Knoxville. In the years that followed Chet’s talent began to be discovered by other people within the music industry and before long he was touring with a number of musicians playing various genres across America.
Chet rapidly became a well-known session musician, playing on hits by Hank Williams, Faron Young and more. At the same time as becoming a recognised musician, he was sharpening his skills as a producer and record executive. Chet even arranged Elvis Presley’s first Nashville recording sessions, resulting in his breakthrough hit Heartbreak Hotel.
Throughout his career Chet won fourteen Grammy awards, was inducted into both the Country Music and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and released a total of 88 studio albums, as well as influencing scores of other guitarists.
