A pivotal figure in American music history finally gets the comprehensive biography he deserves with the release of “Chet Atkins: Mr. Guitar,” (through University of Georgia Press,) the latest work from acclaimed country music historian and scholar Dr. Don Cusic. It is the first definitive biography on the acclaimed musician. Written with scholarly rigor and deep musical insight, this definitive portrait of Chet Atkins is essential reading for music, history and guitar lovers alike.

Atkins’s role in shaping 20th-century music is unparalleled. A virtuosic guitarist, producer, and music executive, he was instrumental in crafting the “Nashville Sound”—a smoother, more commercially viable blend of country and pop that bridged musical divides and revolutionized the recording industry. As a producer at RCA Victor, Atkins influenced generations of artists and played on landmark recordings from Elvis Presley to the Everly Brothers. 

Atkins was highly revered by artists and musicians from multiple genres of music. Guitarist John Knowles, one of the few guitarists that Atkins honored with the title of CGP (Certified Guitar Player) once said about Atkins, “You know, there’s a handful of artists out there…Fred Astaire dances that way and Chet Atkins plays the guitar that way. Where you do all your work and then, you step beyond the work you’ve done to an area of grace and elegance. Chet absolutely had that,” Knowles remembered admiringly.  

Dr. Cusic traces Atkins’s journey from a self-taught teenager in rural Tennessee to one of the most celebrated musicians in American history. With over 100 solo albums, 14 Grammy Awards (including a Lifetime Achievement Award), and inductions into the Country Music Hall of Fame and Musicians Hall of Fame, Atkins not only left an extraordinary catalog of music but reshaped the sound and business of country music itself. 

Singer and musician Steve Wariner knew Atkin’s expertise well. Also lauded as a CGP by Atkins, he was in amazement of Atkin’s talent. “His breadth of knowledge was unbelievable,” he recalls. 

This biography delves into Atkin’s technical innovations as a guitarist, his production work, and his enduring legacy through artists such as George Harrison, Mark Knopfler, Jerry Reed, and Tommy Emmanuel. It also examines his lesser-known roles as a mentor, guitar designer, and executive, making it an indispensable resource for both scholars and musicians.