Chet Atkins presents Tommy Emmanuel his C.G.P. award - THE RAREST VIDEO YOU'LL EVER SEE!!!

The "rarest" is rather subjective: I suppose if you had footage of Tommy being abducted by aliens or riding the Loch Ness Monster bareback, maybe ... but I still think this is way up there. This is footage I just discovered I had (amongst much more). I haven't seen this in twelve years and didn't realise I even filmed it!
People refer to Tommy as C.G.P. but often don't know why - well THIS is the reason. Chet Atkins presented Tommy with his award and title of Certified Guitar Player in Nashville back in 1999. I often thought Tommy knew about it before hand and just feigned suprise. But after watching it I heard Tommy exclaim as he walked off the stage he "knew nothing about this". Either way it is still a very emotional moment for Tommy as he is officially recognised by his childhood (and adulthood) hero.
P.S. - If you appreciate these videos at all please leave a comment. I am rather dismayed at the poor reception to these videos,while someone playing a cover of a Tommy song in their bedroom (poorly) gets 15,000 views...Oh well thanks for watching. Hopefully more to come

[@jimirsaysbuddy]

The most moving part of this video is Chet's frail walk off the stage and the knowledge that he was, at this point in his life, unable to play while surrounded by all of these great pickers who credit him for their successes. Thanks, Chet.

[@soofitnsexy]

look at tommys face....I cried....Receiving that award from thE GREATEST OF ALL TIME is PRICELESS

[@scotthoyt8970]

Tommy is a fabulous talent and a wonderful, kind, caring, and humble human being. He's also one of the greatest, all-around, guitarists in the world.

[@midnightaustin9287]

Agree!

[@dwebster50]

He is a great guitarist.. but the caring , kind , is an act of bs

[@scotthoyt8970]

@@dwebster50, I've been working with Tommy for years. Tommy LIVED with Chet at his house right up until Chet's death. He idolized Chet since he was a boy in Australia. You don't know what you're talking about. Go practice making a "C" chord.

[@glennhudson1614]

God bless Chet Atkins, and Tommy Emmanuel.

[@MrBangor]

thank you so much for posting this. I would have never thought anyone would have filmed this moment.

[@MajeticLuka]

Tommy just took this award very serious.hard work, touring all around the world and making people happy.Just had a honor to meet him in person.Such an artist and person

[@Priyadarshan_Nag]

It’s always a joy to watch the bond they shared. A master who never ceases to inspire his student and a student who never ceases to amaze his master.

[@TheShadowFireYoshi]

And phil was in tears there and give tommy a hug after chet gave him the cgp award and said 'You did it' and tommy replied: 'No, WE did it' Talk about respect in the family history RIP Phil you will be missed :(

[@dericksalguero3421]

How do you know that genius, i mean rip phil but dont lie to get likes.

[@Will-oo6ef]

derick he was probably there, they were really close phil and tommy... From what I can see at the end Phil is there by the stairway... on some thought It does sound like the next thing that happened by FireStar's recollection is the Top gun anthem started blaring over the PA system, though.

[@percival743]

@@dericksalguero3421 1:44

[@iansing5278]

@@Will-oo6ef yes, that's Phil and Tommy together hugging at 3.22. R. I. P. Phil...

[@mikmop]

Yep, that's definitely Phil hugging Tommy at 3:22. The Emmanuel Brothers have to be the best instrumental guitar duet of all time. RIP Phil.

[@roninovereasy]

I am a 55 year old classical piano student. You have to respect genius and love your craft. And you my friend do both by posting this.

[@wolf57ful]

Dear Manxcatstales, thank You for uploading this video. ;-))

[@lonewave1]

I grew up hearing from my friends who they thought were the greatest guitarists . . . ever. None of them played guitar but they knew. Doesn’t everyone? I played guitar but never got in the league of these pro’s you have today, but I played and understood the guitar very well. I already new what it took to be a pro. Tommy Emmanuel and myself are of the same age. Tommy knew what it would take to take his passion and make a living from it. I didn’t. And yet I admire these people so much. It’s definitely not sour grapes, this is to let them know that out in their audiences there are guys like me who appreciate all the sacrifices they’ve made to give us such wonderful music and share their skills and passion with us, AND hopefully do it with class and respect for the fans but also for the other musicians like me that never made it to the level that they now play at. Tommy Emmanuel does this and you can tell it by the way he performs and interacts with his audiences. The C.G.P. award isn’t given out lightly like so many other kinds of awards that they have these days. It’s well thought out and very meaningful to whom it goes to. Going to Tommy Emmanuel is without a doubt the right decision. Thanks for posting this video. You can see in Tommy’s face the surprise and respect he has for the award but more for the man who it came from. Once again that’s class and that’s being humble. That’s Tommy Emmanuel. The greatest guitarist in my lifetime that I have ever seen play. Once again thanks so much for this post. Have a good day mate!

[@375TheHunter]

Words are just not enough to describe Chet Atkins. A well played guitar is the greatest tribute we can give him. We all pale in comparison to the Great Chet Atkins. Thank you Chet Atkins, RIP and keep showing those angels a thing or to about playing guitar. I know you are making a "joyful noise".

[@cocolossal69]

What a wonderfully precious moment to have captured. Thanks so much for sharing this. It was lovely to see that Phil was also there to see it. I'll bet he was as proud and happy as Tommy was 💕💜💕

[@fenderbender534]

I'm 55, played trumpet as a kid, inspired by Al Hirt, Herb Alpert. Then I took up guitar at 40, and Chet Atkins was one of my inspirations. I didn't know about Tommy til recently. I'm envious of those who got to play with their idols - Stevie Ray Vaughan with Albert King, Buddy Guy, B.B., etc but now SRV is gone too. Tommy is getting older too. Like the George Jones Song, Who's Going to Fill Their Shoes? Very Touching, and what a compliment. Solid class acts. Thanks for video.

[@curbmaker]

Thank-you to the two men who inspired me most. Chet when I was 10 and inspired me to learn fingerstyle guitar and Tommy, who re-motivated me to pick the old guitar back up after it gathered 25 years of dust.

[@superweak]

amazing to get recognized like that by the best. How wonderful.

[@stevessn]

Thank you for this very special presentation. two great guitarist on the same stage is very special indeed. If anybody hasn't heard the videos of Chet and Tommy, I hope you can check them out too on KZbin.

[@bigdood]

You can honestly see the surprise in his eyes, and see Tommy get choked up for a moment before he speaks... And if there is ever a doubt as to how much this means to Tommy, just look at his signature on thousands of guitars (including mine!) during CAAS sometime... and there is always that little "cgp" written after his autograph. Tommy has received several prestigious awards since... (including the Commonwealth of Kentucky's highest honor... The designation of Kentucky Colonel), but does he sign his name "The Honorable Kentucky Colonel Tommy Emmanuel"? Hell no. He is, and always will be Tommy Emmanuel cgp.

[@Mman_-_79]

I have been a guitar player for 45 years and i thought i knew all the greats on guitar. However, somehow i had not seen Tommy Emmanuel until yesterday on KZbin. He is now (in my opinion) the best ever. So i at least agree with Eric Clapton :-) Lastly, thanks for posting this!

[@coryCuc]

Agreed!

[@murphala]

Love this video.... Tommy signed my guitar tonight, and even played it a little (said he put some mojo on it for me... god knows I need it!) and I saw the CGP under his signature... now I know what that means! Thank you!

[@tommihail2178]

For Tommy cgp also stands for ""cool great person"🎸😀 ive met Tommy several times when he used to play pub gigs here in melbourne at the corner and central club pubs; he even played at Myers music Dept..so glad he's on the world stage where he belongs..Apart from his music most important is that he's a very sympathetic man to all...

[@TeslaMe2]

Thanks for posting these videos. I got to meet Tommy when he was playing in Des Moines, IA USA recently. What a wonderful humble man. I so enjoyed meeting him and the show after the meeting is something I will never forget. I truly hope I get to talk to him again someday and certanly if he returns to my area I will go see him in a heart beat.

[@Ghurka12]

An award given to a humble man by another humble man.... both of whom are amazing guitarists.... Thank you for loading this on you tube... :-)

[@jamietwitty6425]

Please. Don't stop posting videos like this. I've known Tommy and we've played together many times. It's still his proudest moment as a guitar player. He did learn from the best! 🎸

[@allymayful]

From the mystro himself. Wow, has our boy been acknowledged for his talent, magnificently. Lovely that his brother was with him. Thanks Manxcatstales - this aussie really appreciates your post, especially as l have only realised today, how successful Tommy has become internationally. Shame on the Australian media for not doing more to celebrate this success.

[@osamabinladen824]

Are you Aussie

[@allymayful]

@@osamabinladen824 Yes. Why?

[@osamabinladen824]

@@allymayful I love Australia.

[@tommihail2178]

No Tommy has received an OM from the Australian Government!! Yes I'm an Aussie from Melbourne..

[@tommihail2178]

@@osamabinladen824 Thanks you're welcome to visit us anytime..Regards from Australia mate..

[@rianad54]

I can't speak for the rest, but I like these immensely so please keep posting.

[@samartist9319]

Well deserved Tommy!.. RIP Mr Guitar..

[@youngfarm18]

Manx....Thank you so many times from so many people for sharing these moments with world fans.....You are to be congratulated thousands of times. Please share more. My sincerest appreciation.

[@TimDial]

Love this , met Tommy myself and what gem to have on the planet. Wow!

[@MsMusicman56]

Tommy has been my inspiration and also introduced me to Chet. Both bloody legends

[@finleytron]

Chet is the gold standard of guitar players. You only need look at the list of superpickers he inspired to measure the greatness of this humble gentleman. A true American success story...he followed his dreams into glory. Just as Lincoln..now he too belongs to the ages. Thanks Chet

[@garywhitt98]

No, Chet never ordered federal troops to attack people; he just played guitar better than anyone on the planet.

[@winemansion]

I really miss Chet... One of the most respected guitar genius.

[@mcgurkey]

So great to witness this moment, thankyou for uploading, and wonderful description. Tommy, the legend himself deservedly being awarded by his childhood idol. Such a humble man blessed with so much talent, as was Chet. Thankyou

[@geirendre]

Who the ***** can possibly dislike this video ??? One of the greatest guitar players ever is presented an award from the most influential persons in the industri. The only sad part is seing how reduced Chet is from his illness. Bless him.

[@4trkmind]

These captured moments ARE worth remembering! Thanks for the effort to post them.

[@blackhillsdulcimers]

A rare glimpse of two of my guitar heroes. Thank you so much for posting this wonderful first hand account of this moment.

[@dwebster50]

Great to see this... Such a great artist Chet was and TE so deserves this recognition.

[@vintagestrings6]

Thanks for posting this. For guitar players who admire Chet this is a great. It does hurt to watch and know that Chet is tired. I got a chance to go to the convention in 2000 unfortunately Chet had passed just before. Sure wanted to shake his hand. 👍

[@usmcbrat2]

It's nice to see the torch handed from one legend to another. From one gentleman to another. Brings a tear to my eye.

[@757flyer]

Excellent video. What an historical gem!! Many thanks.

[@kevinjconroy]

tears...couldn't watch it all the way through, had to come back to it...as a guitar player for 49 years, truly a moving experience to watch these two ...and tommy's heartfelt admiration for chet expresses what we guitar players all feel for chet atkins and his music. thanks for posting

[@AudieCGates]

It made me cry.:)

[@EM325C]

As a big Chet and Tommy fan I can't thank you enough for sharing this video. I just spent 3 days with Tommy and others at a Guitar (Masterclass) Camp and it was a truly wonderful and inspirational experience. Please post more of these videos if you have them they are priceless...

[@Artisticer]

This made me cry. I remember the very first moment I heard each of them. Both brilliant. Both incredibly gifted and amazing. Humble and kind beautiful stars shooting through the cosmos of consciousness. Thank you so much for posting this. Much love.

[@WayOutWesley]

Just incredible. Thanks so much for uploading this gem.

[@tunefultony]

Thanks for posting. I agree that not enough younger players are aware of Chet's huge contribution to finger style guitar. He has also played on 100s 0f hits for artists like Elvis & the Everley Brothers. He pioneered his own picking style, which Tommy has taken a few steps forward. I have seen Tommy play on many occasions & he is the best acoustic player I have heard

[@prophetstill1817]

This is just awesome. Thanks for posting.

[@TheZach43]

This is a piece of history that all us Chet fans can appreciate. Thanks for posting it. And yes - as said earlier, it was a choke-you-up moment to see how much his illnesses had diminished Chet's physical strength. He died just two years later.

[@terryvictor1]

Thanks for posting this! I just happened to listen this morning to Steve Wariner (and Tommy and John Knowles) playing CGP off his All Over the Map CD. Had to look things up and found this. What a great moment to have captured. Thanks again!!

[@discover_hypnosis]

Wow! Thanks so much for uploading this! Tommy talks about Chet and his influence so much but this really brings it home and really shows the mutual love and respect they had for each other. Brought a tear to my eye!

[@JFK1180]

Mine too.

[@DeanoPiano]

Two legends right there who have innovated and showcased what the guitar is capable of in style, you can see Tommy's overwhelming disbelief accepting this award and he totally deserves it, great speech to, seen Tommy in Liverpool and I would see him again live tomorrow if I could.

[@rondamatson]

AMAZING. Thank you for sharing this incredible moment! It's something I never thought I'd see and so feel lucky to have stumbled upon. Just amazing...

[@gorankitanovski9538]

This is a great moment in music history.

[@Skipperj]

Thanks so much Manxcatstales for taking the time to upload this great moment.Not too many have been honored to receive this lofty award.Tommy is one of the best to come down the pike in awhile.Well,in his case cause' he's from down under "up the pike!"I am a fan of both,and myslf,well I stuggle with this amazing craft of fingerstyle or finger pickin' but always feel inspired when listening to them.Thanks again Manxcatstales!

[@daviddoidge1858]

This is great, we are all inspired and helped by other people. It was also great to see Phil Emmanuel, (Who taught Tommy his first chords) there when Tommy came off the stage.

[@christopher20083682]

well spotted

[@dalerates]

WOW! Big thanks for posting. Chet Atkins was a HUGE influence on my early playing in the early '70s. And I'm going to check out TE when he comes to town here in a few weeks. Is it me, or does this also seem like Chet's passing the torch to the next generation as well? Keep it alive. Lucky you for being there and thanks again for sharing this certified gem!

[@woodstoney]

This was a musical milestone for an honor only bestowed on a handful of individuals from the master himself. Thanks for sharing the video!!

[@therealniksongs]

So great to see that video of this event exists. Tommy seems genuinely stunned and so deeply honored. Chet so near the end, having a hard time going down those steps to the side of the stage, sad to see but we rejoice at all he gave us, not just by his own art but through all the players he influenced and those he introduced to the world through his producing and other activities. Chet was a titanic force in music...he truly made the world a better, richer place in which to live. Is that Tommy's brother Phil (no mean guitar player himself) with him off stage?

[@jameswagner1924]

Great..Great is all I can say its sad to see Chet like that but it shows what a class act he was still getting in front of the public even when he probably didnt feel very good.Thanks for the video its wonderfull to see history in the making and thats just what this is.

[@klavier1us]

Thanks for all your posts! This dates to before I was attending CAAS and it is great to see Chet at the place where he was (and is) most loved once again. We certainly know "who dat cat is" there. It is great also to see the little granite obelisk (not pin) that is the actual CGP award, undoubtedly for TE this was surely as the old movie line goes: "the stuff that dreams are made of" & a great moment to have preserved. I'd bet TE considers the last CGP from the Chief the best award there is.

[@50danohi]

This is a very well deserved award.. go check out Tommy's many videos, prepare to be amazed.

[@astemkin]

So touching. Thank you for capturing an historic moment and sharing with us.

[@trinitytunes]

a Truly inspirational changing of the guard moment in the world of guitar. Thankyou Sir Chet Atkins and Sir Tommy Emmanuel

[@danielwalker4844]

Thank you so much for posting this video !!! I am a long time fan of Chet Atkins and thanks to You Tube, have begun to hear more of Tommy's fantastic music. Again, thank you for sharing with all of us.

[@sthnX]

Wow. What an amazing piece of history. Thanks for uploading this. Can't believe it hasn't had more views.

[@philidor9657]

I would be bawling like a baby if my literal hero presented me with an award like that

[@paullehmor982]

Thanks a lot for sharing this video from a very moving moment. Tommy is not only a great guitar player, but also a great mentor for young upcoming artists. It is worth all respect.

[@keithyoung4643]

Guitar playing HISTORY - a great youtube post for all Tommy fans. Many thanks.

[@saudade2100]

I just stumbled on this video today....THANK YOU for posting it. I know I appreciate it.

[@okeydokeyartichokey2]

Just a line to thank you for posting this beautiful and deeply moving clip.

[@graceguitarjones]

Thank you for posting so many great videos, if not for people such as yourself, we would never be able to hear such an amazing talent and see it recognized, and feel the joy that this fantastic music brings. Be sure, you ARE appreciated.

[@kabelux]

This is a very beautiful moment! Thanks for sharing! The Day Finger Pickers Took Over The World is the best album i've ever heard in my life! Chet and Tommy will inspire us forever!

[@JasonVanDoornMusic]

This is a treasure. Thanks for posting!

[@lainsf1964]

Thank you so much for sharing this! Heck I don't even play..... but I dream, and when I dream of playing guitar... I still don't sound as good as Tommy. lol then again who does!

[@Artisticer]

Wonderful and poignant! Thank you so much for posting. I just saw Tommy Emmanuel perform live ... he played "Smokey Mountain Lullaby" and sang "I Still Can't Say Goodbye." It was extremely touching.

[@johnal1913]

This is a WONDERFUL. Video of some very special musical history! Thank you for posting this!

[@libertylatenight3657]

I'm a grown man crying my eyes out at this video. Thank you for posting this !

[@MrBasGitaar]

Thank you soo much for sharing this beautiful moment with us. I really appreciate that you share all this rare footage!

[@mjygtr]

To be recognised by your Idol, Teacher, Mentor, Legend, Collaborator and Friend like this MUST have been a tremendous rush of emotions for Tommy....a true appreciation of the hard work someone has devoted to their craft....and by someone that certainly knows what it takes to be exceptional! Chet we all miss you! Congrats Tommy!

[@TomSamulak]

thanks for the great post! and it was amazing that you heard Tommy say that at the end! i wouldn't have heard it otherwise!

[@clivej52]

Well deserved recognitionTommy anointed by the King himself Chet. Brilliant!

[@Gozza0000]

Such a great video and a great moment, thanks so much for posting

[@MrTommyemmanuel]

Hello and Salutations!!! Im the nephew of Tommy Emmanuel! I will be sure to send this web piece to my mum (Tommy's Sister) so that she can probably get a copy off you. Thanks for the memories! Tommy

[@Andi0012345]

Thanks for posting this video. Truly priceless moments

[@tonyedwards4067]

As an Aussie, its great to see Tommy accept this award with humility, graciousness and style..congrats mate.

[@GCUnplugged]

Thanks for posting. I never got to see Chet, other than on TV, but have seen Tommy twice now. I knew what the CGP stood for, but it was nice to see the actual awarding of the title. Thanks again!

[@colotron]

Tommy's face when Chet said CGP is priceless!

[@williamanderson822]

Very emotional, what a special moment in guitar history. These two players never fail to amaze me. It's so inspiring to see them stand in the same room and recognize each others contribution to the world of music. Thank you Tommy and Chet for all the you have done.

[@zenbob]

This is wonderful and wondrous; absolutely brought a tear to my eye. Imagine feeling the love and respect from your lifelong hero, and being acknowledged publicly. Tommy is an otherworldly musician, and it's so touching to see how much affection he has for his mentor, the great Chet Atkins. Thanks so much for sharing this.

[@forbebe]

What an incredible video! Really precious footage. Thanks so much for posting it! Cheers, Bunny

[@Thill1116]

Thank you so much Manxcatstales, for sharing this priceless video.

[@clivej52]

Well deserved recognition Tommy anointed by the King himself Chet. Brilliant!

[@alternatvely]

I had no idea this moment had been captured on video. Few musicians are as special as these two, and few moments as rare and memorable. Thanks for sharing.

[@MonsieurB1000]

That's SO great! Thank you very very much for sharing this!!

[@semisshwan6867]

Found this video after researching CGP. I had never heard of it despite being raised on Chet Atkins and Tommy Emmanuel music! Thank you for sharing it!

[@cram7]

What a precious video. Thanks for sharing this. This captured momend is so real and so authentic.

[@CristinaSchek]

This video is one of those unique moments meant to be shared, so that others could witness the humble greatness of such people as Tommy, Chet.. Grand! Thank you for posting this!

[@kbrown4ou]

Thanks so much for posting this. I was fortunate enough to be at CAAS in 1999 and see Tommy receive his much deserved C.G.P. and to be blessed by getting to see Chet play. A very special year.

[@7scientist]

Thanks for the vid. This is historic. Is there anyone better than Chet and Tommy?

[@danielmoorhead177]

Thanks for sharing this precious moment in Tommy's life, hopefully he has seen this too! Really nice that Tommy's brother Phil was there with him.

[@kroumsourov2572]

This is a gem, dude, thanks for sharing it!