Chet Atkins, a Life in Music...

a really interesting documentary about this legendary guitar player and his influence in country music. Features a lot of guitar playing from Chet...

[@martinspencer366]

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.

[@anthonywhite2960]

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

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

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.

[@albertjacobs8155]

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.

[@brucehanover890]

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!

[@dannystiltner6524]

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]

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

[@eddriver7815]

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]

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

[@gregparrott]

Nice story and experience. Thanks for sharing.

[@houstonsheltonbees814]

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

[@mickgatz214]

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

[@bethbartlett5692]

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

[@johnjarou2357]

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

[@lpgrunt]

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

[@vincezab1]

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]

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

[@briandmckeown72]

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

[@allanrussack2844]

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.

[@bobareeniobobareenio2935]

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.

[@thomasmartinscott]

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!

[@martinspencer366]

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

[@rudyqualls75]

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.

[@ATMAtim]

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

[@SOLDbyYOU]

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

[@TheLANC95]

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.

[@1mespud]

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

[@papa_gummybear]

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

[@kevinsnyder4425]

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 !

[@pauljalbert6957]

I have 36 of his LP's collected since the 60's. Obviously I've always been more than a fan. He has always been my idol. Can only play one of his songs note for note . . . . . Yellow Bird.

[@incidentalist]

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

[@rockyland8895]

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

[@janedc5ch319]

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.

[@AllanWallsPhotography]

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]

That Bluebird cafe was featured in the TV series Nashville.

[@FrancescoAlcozer]

America land of well-being, good music and great guitar masters. Greetings. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pamuaJdnd7aeask *NASHVILLE 💘 BOOGIE* Gibson Guitar cover by *Bert 💚Weedon*

[@PLA5207]

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

[@ChiliCheeseSwag]

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.

[@corkyalexander]

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

[@friscoredm.3024]

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

[@greenharvestproductions6743]

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]

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

[@johnversluis3084]

The best that has ever lived !!

[@abagthisbig2894]

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]

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

[@spacemissing]

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.

[@johnjarou2357]

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

[@superslayerguy]

fantastic documentary. love Chet, fellow southern boy 😎

[@davidboyette4837]

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

[@zororosario]

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.

[@MikeMesure]

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

[@jeffmiller3112]

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

[@artfrob3754]

glad I was allowed to upload it Jeff

[@brucewerner3459]

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.

[@mariedelima9947]

Talk of a gifted brilliance Sir Chet Atkins was it . God blessed him because Hey just wanted to. help others and gave it his all munched loved and greatly missed We have to be thankful to have had him Hey. Made sure Hey put others first.

[@hammertownpavao]

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

[@Southernguitar74]

Chet Atkins is the greatest guitar player of all time.

[@packingten]

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

[@packingten]

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

[@revabodden11]

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

[@pcallas66]

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.

[@charlestew8792]

Thank you so much fpr sharing this classic gem.

[@gcuevasjl]

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

[@michaelhayes690]

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

[@dannymarks988]

Excellent Doc about a Timeless Talent and Universal Inspiration

[@pauljalbert6957]

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.

[@janglestick]

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.

[@donaldfowler9314]

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]

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

[@JFK1180]

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.

[@FuzzyBuzzBoy]

Thank you for this!

[@tenbroeck1958]

When George Benson praises your playing, that's kind of the ultimate!

[@jimharris8597]

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

[@nicklynch2088]

One of the best tributes ever! Thx Chet!

[@beachidiot]

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]

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

[@brandonmurphy4657]

How was Jerry Reed on this

[@Distantmoores]

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]

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.

[@hurdygurdyguy1]

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!!

[@idontneednostinkingchannel6848]

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]

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.

[@MongoFreddie]

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]

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

[@ronwebb8332]

I'm another fan of this great artist.

[@lesknight4541]

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

[@stuartbaumann8310]

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!

[@fabieneldridge3414]

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

[@anthonysilva5312]

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]

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]

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

[@quirtdrozario9983]

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.

[@markbruner2679]

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]

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’

[@woodshome11]

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

[@bethbartlett5692]

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

[@gregorymeads9300]

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

[@williamodom924]

Super good man. Guitar giant

[@getredytagetredy]

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

[@philrierson4683]

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

[@randybock82]

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

[@ewenmchardy5157]

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

[@jsamc]

This was like a music business education.

[@snakemansnakes1]

Many thanks for sharing this great documentary.

[@coostunes9733]

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.

[@seanomaoilriain6705]

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

[@abagthisbig2894]

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

[@QwikVidz]

this was very good

[@Pickinbuddy]

What a great documentary....thank you.

[@gopalsmart4671]

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.

[@gilbertking]

Thanks for the post !!!

[@chocodiledundee1]

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

[@toamataafa9463]

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🍷

[@rongabrick3400]

I'm sure that he's teaching the angels

[@boblstclair4023]

The most influential player, probably ever. Certainly a hero of mine.

[@litotesone]

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

[@joanmccarty6445]

What a wonderful documentary thank you.

[@donaldwalker5534]

love you Chet i sure miss you.

[@melodicsenior]

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

[@petercallaghan9851]

A terrific video - one of the best.

[@djrychlak4443]

There are some people that just make other people better. Chet was one of those people.

[@robertcronin6603]

Yes... well said 🔥

[@phonicwheel933]

Thanks for posting: very interesting.

[@alistairmcdonald2382]

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

[@JohnSund-Music]

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!

[@gregorybarrett1]

This is a truly outstanding documentary.