Chet Atkins book...

Roger Rettig · From: Naples, FL

It's called 'Me and My Guitars: Chet Atkins' (a Hal Leonard publication) and I love it!

Chet tells the story of his life in a self-effacing and genial style, and there are some beautiful photographs of his instruments.

He tells of the anticipation he felt as his first D'Angelico was shipped to him from NYC, and his struggles with the Gretsch Company, with its questionable approach to quality-control.

I loved reading of the different relationships he enjoyed with his various guitars - I can identify with him in that respect, at least - and he talks in glowing terms of the players that have impressed him over the years. I was particularly touched by his account of Lenny Breau and Tommy Emmanuel meeting for the first time at his office - Chet says that these two players had come to pay their repects, and "....I couldn't hold a candle to either of them."

His summation at the book's end will bring a tear to your eye - this was my favourite Christmas present.

RR

John Floyd · From: R.I.P.

I would like to see this book made into a movie. Theres still some people who need to know the accomplishments of this great man. It would probably be a movie that wouldn't sell any tickets, not enough Sex and Violence.

Chet has been my Hero for over 50 years now.

[This message was edited by John Floyd on 05 January 2004 at 04:10 PM.]

Roger Rettig · From: Naples, FL

I think it's about fifty years for me, too, John.

It's generally not appreciated that Chet was probably the first 'guitar hero' in the UK - that's my recollection, anyway - and it wasn't lost on us young rock'n'roll fans that both Duane Eddy and Eddie Cochran played exactly the same Gretsch as he did (the orange 6120 with Bigsby tailpiece); no doubt a mark of their respect for the great man.

His album 'Teensville' (1959) had us ALL trying to get somewhere near to his smooth execution, and we'd get a Chet 'fix' on each Everly Brothers' record as it was released.

I wish I'd had the chance to thank him for all he did for music....

RR

Mike Perlowin · From: Los Angeles CA

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