Chet was a pioneer of the electric guitar. As a teenager in the early '40s, he bought a pickup to electrify his guitar, even though his rural home had no electricity (he had to go to his schoolhouse to plug it in). When he got his first session call in 1945, on the debut recording of the group that would become the Oak Ridge Boys, it was the start of a career that would find him working with some of the most influential and legendary artists in popular music, including Elvis Presley, the Everly Brothers, Roy Orbison, Willie Nelson, Mark Knopfler, George Benson, and Paul McCartney, who has openly credited Chet for being a major influence on the Beatles.

My first exposure to his music was the album "Chester and Lester", with Lester Flatt, at a very young age. I could go on and on about specific recordings, but that would be the long way to say what I want to say. Chet Atkins inspired me to be a better musician and listener. He helped shape my musical tastes, and introduced me to a whole new level of music and musicianship. He was a great among guitarists, no matter what he was playing, a consummate perfectionist in both his sound and technique. Whenever I listen to his music, I have to smile, because it is so clear that was having fun playing it, and that is what music is all about. His love of music rang through with every note he played, every word he sang, and the world of music is a better place because of him. I think I speak for many musicians and music lovers alike when I say he will be greatly missed. So long Chet, and thanks for all the great music.

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