Yea, I think so.
A lot of information about Chet that few are aware. Chet had a big hand in creating the Everly Brothers sound, and that had a hand in influencing The Beatles. Some artists in this vid make the case that Chet redefined how people listen to music. I think it's a valid argument.
There are many artists not cameo'd in this vid who held Chet as an idol, not only as a guitar player but as a person. From the 1950's through the 1970's for sure Chet was it. Kids interested in guitar idolized many of the guitar heroes that came out of the 1970's and forward, but don't know that those guitar heroes were influenced by Chet. George Harrison for example (not in the vid) played a Gretsch guitar because that is what Chet played. George wrote the liner notes for Chet's Picks On The Beatles album.
There are a lot of players that got interested in and learned how to play the guitar in the 70's who were highly motivated by Chet Atkins.
So many that love this man and have him as a hero. Count me in.
Well, let's toss the original in.
:- ) thank you
ReplyDeleteC-CS
C-CS, Glad you liked it.
DeleteC-CS, From Neck and Neck
DeleteLove it --brought a smile-- Neck and Neck :-)
DeleteC-CS
C-CS, It's a great album too. Same name.
DeleteI'm surprised that you haven't dedicated a post to the best guitar player that ever lived: Frank Zappa. The guy could imitate down to the last lick every other famous guitar player out there, to include Eric Clapton and Eddie Van Halen, and sound dead to nuts just like them if had a hankerin' to.
ReplyDeleteBut he was his own man, and did his own thing, and unfortunately his exceptional guitar talents were drowned out by his mediocre to poor lyric writing abilities. People cringed at his awful stuff he came up with (his album 'Sheikh Yerbouti') and his now famous 'watch out where the huskies go, and don't you eat that yellow snow.'
But the guy was the best guitar picker that ever trod the soil. Even better than Chet Atkins.
Sounds like Nat King Cole who was a FANTASTIC Jazz pianist, but his unique vocal sound and soothing laid back style made him famous. Who could forget Nature Boy, Blue Gardenia, Unforgettable, Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire, and many others? I always liked his singing, but was STUNNED the first time I saw an old film clip of his piano playing. Amazing facility –– and always elegant.
DeleteFredd, I put FZ in the top 10 because of his technical ability and extremely creative melodies. I wouldn't say he is better than Chet, just different. I could make the argument that Chet wins out just because of the body of work and diversity. He literally knew every tune that was worth knowing, and later on wrote a lot of good tunes.
DeleteDon't know if you watched any of this, but it's not about his guitar playing it is more about the huge number of people he helped with their careers and inspired around he world as a player and as a producer for RCA Victor. As Charley Pride said in the vid "as far as that stuff goes He's It. No one better." No one has ever done more for more people in the music business.
Chet wins.
DeleteThank you Ms Z.
DeleteActually, Pepe Romero wins but that's for a different thread.
DeleteAs far a influence is concerned, Chet has to be on a short list.
Pepe is a good player but confined to a genre. Once again, you can't beat the breadth of Chet's output and playing styles, and again-again, the influence he had around the world and the number of people who idolize him and/or had their careers made by him.
DeleteBy the way I mentioned Tony Bennett a day or two ago, and it turns out he is already NINETY –– just like Chuck Berry. Both of them still going strong. God bless 'em!
ReplyDeleteFT, Must be the Jazz lifestyle.
DeleteWe musicians-singers- get peace by playing and singing and writing poetry/songs!!! -)
DeleteC-CS
C-CS, I suspect those activities are going to be what keeps us sane in a very short period of time.
Delete