Danny Davis, 83, Massachusetts native, Grammy-winning band leader Jun 14, 2008
In 1977, Mr. Davis joined with Chet Atkins and Floyd Cramer for the album "Chet, Floyd and Danny.". Performing solo, Mr. Davis played trumpet on the long-running TV show "Hee Haw" as part of the program's "Million Dollar Band.". (Boston Globe)
He's country but he jumps genres with irreverence Jun 5, 2008
Fulks, who plays a duo show with his friend Robbie Gjersoe at Club Passim tomorrow night, says that hearing Chet Atkins do Blondie's "Heart of Glass" on "A Prairie Home Companion" gave him validation for his obsessive urge to demolish musical barriers. Curiously, he's both country to the core and an incorrigible iconoclast. (Boston Globe)
Laura Nyro's Musical Influence Jun 2, 2008
The Lasting Legacy of N.Y. Original Transcends Musical Labels. An America original, singer/songwriter Laura Nyro's songs endure and continue to inspire musicians and music lovers for more than forty years. (Suite101.com)
Couple fit in Niceley in Daytona, Nashville Jun 2, 2008
Other world-renowned guitarists include Andres Segovia (classical), Django Reinhardt (jazz), Chet Atkins (country) and Carlos Santana (rock). SOURCE(S): Compiled by News Researcher Helen Morey from. (Daytona Beach News Journal)
The best musician you've never heard of: Puckett plays it low-key Jun 1, 2008
He would get me to play him Chet Atkins songs on the guitar while he changed them. " Malaco's national reputation slowed quickly. "We made a mistake," Puckett says. "Jerry Wexler called and said 'Whatever you do, don't change the groove you're in. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Click for Full Story May 30, 2008
Eight years later he moved to Nashville just as interest in the fiddle was on the rise and he played with such musicians as Marty Robbins, Ray Price, Chet Atkins and, of course, Willie Nelson. He won the CMAs Instrumentalist of the Year award in 1975; the first of five times he was so honored, and hes playing Texas Swing to another generation today, accompanied by younger musicians, including his son Dick on bass and vocals. (KWTX.com, TX)
CRAZY, an Award-Winning Film Inspired by the Life of Guitar Legend Hank Garland, is an Official Selection at Hawaii's Big Island Film Festival, Screening Saturday, May 17, 7:30PM May 17, 2008
Cast members also include: Scott Michael Campbell, who plays Garland's friend and fellow Nashville guitar ace Billy Byrd; Lane Garrison as Hank's brother and manager Billy Garland; singer Stacy Earl, who performs as country crooner Goldie Hill; Evans Forde as Nashville music legend Chet Atkins; and Ryan Cross, who plays jazz bassist Joe Benjamin. CRAZY chronicles Hank Garland's rise to fame in Nashville, from playing on hits for icons including Elvis Presley, Patsy Cline, the Everly Brothers and... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Eddy Arnold, 1918-2008 May 11, 2008
And part of it's because some folks, whether they were around at the time or are just working up their biases now, never got over the way that once-rough hillbilly music got some of its edges sanded off by the sound popularized by Arnold, producer Chet Atkins, and the Anita Kerr Singers. He was the first country singer to become renowned as a Vegas headliner not the kind of legacy that Hank Williams worshipers necessarily revere. (Entertainment Weekly)
Country music superstar Eddy Arnold dies at 89 May 10, 2008
Most of Arnold s hits were done in association with famed guitarist Chet Atkins, the producer on most of the recording sessions. The late Dinah Shore once described his voice as like warm butter and syrup being poured over wonderful buttermilk pancakes. (Somerset Daily American, PA)
Eddy Arnold, at 89; crooner widened appeal of country music May 9, 2008
He connected with Chet Atkins, one of RCA's leading country producers, who shepherded him into "the Nashville Sound" style that had been working magic in the '50s for fellow country crooner Jim Reeves. After Reeves died in a plane crash in 1964, his arranger, Bill Walker, gravitated to Mr. Arnold, and their collaboration resulted in the mid-1960s hits that revitalized his career. (Boston Globe)
Eddy Arnold, 89, country music star May 9, 2008
He made his early recordings, on which he not only sang but also played guitar, in New York and Chicago under the supervision of Steve Sholes, the head of the country and R&B divisions of RCA. He later recorded in Nashville, working with the producer Chet Atkins, among others. 1. (International Herald Tribune -- Ed/Op)
Interview: Stonewall Jackson May 4, 2008
Note: The Super Friends CD is a real treasure, featuring Stonewall along with such country music stars as Bill Anderson, Jim Ed Brown, Tanya Tucker, Chet Atkins, Alison Krauss, Hank Snow, Waylon Jennings, Charlie Daniels, Roy Acuff, Vince Gill and Marty Stuart. . (Suite101.com)
Dolly Parton Apr 22, 2008
" That was my first single after I went out on my own, and it was my first million-selling record. I'd never even been anywhere close to selling that kind of records before. It made me feel good to be right about that. When you start putting your touring set list together, it must be tough because there are certain songs that your fans just have to hear. You got that right. In fact, we're only doing five of the songs from the new CD. But I have to do songs like "Jolene," "I Will Always Love... (Billboard.com)
Fourth wife keeper of Grizzard's flame Apr 21, 2008
Grizzard's old typewriter and a guitar given to him by Chet Atkins occupy places of honor in her antique-filled Atlanta home. A collection of columns about her daughter, Jordan, now 19, hangs in her bedroom. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Future of radio's smooth jazz? Mar 26, 2008
To me jazz can be anything from Dead Can Dance, Tangerine Dream, Django Reinhardt Chet Atkins Pat Metheny, Ella Fitzgerald or Grover Washington. The current jazz is for the overzealous politically correct crowd that offends everybody with porous musical content. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Pat Kirtley to perform as part of Acoustic Guitar Masters Mar 16, 2008
Kirtley has performed with Chet Atkins, Steve Wariner, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and fellow Guitar Masters series performer Tommy Emmanuel. He has received numerous accolades in the late 1990s, including being named the 1997 National Fingerpicking Champion. (News Enterprise Online)
Les Paul Biography Mar 9, 2008
Paul returned to performing in 1974, recording a Grammy-winning album called Chester and Lester with Chet Atkins. An Honored Life. (Suite101.com)
What to see at SXSW Mar 6, 2008
A blurb on their MySpace page describes it as an attempt to "achieve the warmth and charm of pop and country records from the early- and mid-part of the 20th century," specifically the records of Les Paul and Mary Ford, the Ronettes, Nina Simone, Chet Atkins, Linda Ronstadt, the Carter Family and about a hundred others. Saw them at Walt Disney Concert Hall -- impressed, as always, by Ward's guitar playing, yet concerned about Deschanel oversinging -- where they did covers of Ricky Nelson and... (Variety)
Jeff Healey, 41; guitarist and singer Mar 5, 2008
His early guitar inspirations were country stylists like Chet Atkins, but he moved on to Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix and B.B. King, according to the reference work Contemporary Musicians. He studied music theory on his own. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- World)
Belmont's Byrd recruited Bruins' famous fan Mar 5, 2008
" It certainly has given Byrd some cherished memories. "Vince shot a Garrison Keillor special at the Ryman Auditorium one time, and Chet Atkins was there," Byrd said. "There was a delay in the shoot, like there is a lot of times in TV stuff, and we went back into a little room and Vince and Chet sat there and talked about guitar playing and sang songs for each other. "I'm the only other guy in the room. I'm thinking, 'They can shoot whatever they want out there, but I'm in here with a guy who... (Notre Dame Sports -- Rivals.com)
Suzy Bogguss getting more ink lately in country music press Feb 14, 2008
Even though she continued to make news in Nashville from time to time, including her collaboration with legendary guitarist Chet Atkins, she faded from the music scene to start a family with husband, songwriter Doug Crider. Their son, Ben, is now 12 and it looks like Suzy is getting back into the game. (Kewanee Star Courier, IL)
One guitarist's eclectic tastes Feb 8, 2008
I was exposed to him and Chet Atkins at the same time when I was young. Even now, they are the kind of guitar players who will stop me dead in my tracks and make me think: 'I've got a lot of homework to do. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Randall Franks: The dean of Nashville guitarists Jan 30, 2008
It is," he said. There are not any original melodies. I have heard all the songs I want to about back when we were in high school. I have a real problem because Crazy is the No. 1 jukebox hit of all time and I automatically compare all songs to Crazy and they just don t match up. Its really hard to me. Bradley enjoys a career that any musician would aspire to being a part of the greatest hits of an entire genre. At his Hall of Fame induction, he performed Laura s Theme from Dr. Zhivago on a... (Catoosa County News, GA)
Willie Nelson's 75th Birthday Celebration Kicks Off With Deluxe Box Set, ONE HELL OF A RIDE Jan 24, 2008
Also featured are Willie's own early 1960s performances of "Night Life," "Funny How Time Slips Away" and "Crazy," the much-covered songs that broke down the walls between Tin Pan Alley and country music; his mid-1960s recordings for RCA Victor when he forged his own signature blend of country-rock with currents of jazz, swing and deep folk influences; his 1970s invention of "outlaw country" with the multi-platinum country/pop crossover blockbuster "Red Headed Stranger; his historic... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Blues guitarist, Durham on same note Jan 7, 2008
Peter Lang has played with Jerry Garcia, Chet Atkins and Emmylou Harris. On Sunday afternoon, as he stood alone on a stage at the Broad Street Caf, he played his blues guitar and shared stories and thoughts on the American music tradition. (Herald Sun)
Lee Murdock welcomes mandolin legend Don Stiernberg Jan 4, 2008
Later, as a member of The Jethro Burns Quartet, he was able to share the stage with such luminaries as Chet Atkins, Steve Goodman and The Newgrass Revival. These days, Stiernberg leads his own ensemble playing jazz and swing mandolin, and he also is in high demand as a studio musician, appearing as a guest artist on a plethora of well-known recordings. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
The Pride of Miss.: Gov.'s Awards for Excellence in the Arts recipients Jan 4, 2008
In Nashville in the 1960s, his demo caught the ear of RCA Records head Chet Atkins, who signed him up. His many chart-toppers include Kiss an Angel Good Morning (a million-selling crossover), Is Anybody Goin' To San Antone. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Our Country Albums of the Year Dec 20, 2007
Duets, Various Artists -- From A Prairie Home Companion From this collection come vocal and instrumental pairings by the likes of the Everly Brothers, Chet Atkins and Jethro Burns, Robin and Linda Williams, Leo Kottke and Iris DeMent, Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, Garrison Keillor and Meryl Streep and plenty more. More pleasant than exciting -- which is fine with me. (VHI.com -- CMT.com Music News)
World renowned guitarist presents concert Nov. 15 at Columbia State Nov 4, 2007
Knowles is a renowned musician who has played alongside and recorded music some of with the world s finest finger style and classical guitarists including Chet Atkins, Jerry Reed, Lenny Breau, the Romero Family and James Galway ... In 1996, Chet Atkins awarded Knowles the first Honorary Certified Guitar Player degree. (Columbia Daily Herald, TN)
Country allows other styles Nov 3, 2007
"What you find is a connection like Jamie Foxx and Rascal Flatts (who will perform together on the show). "The mistake is made when you want to put a barrier around an artist or a genre," adds Deaton, who has produced music videos for Big Faith Hill and Gretchen Wilson. Deaton points out that rock and roll long has accepted all kinds of influences - from the British invasion to punk to grunge to metal to "emo" - and not an eyebrow has been raised. The roots of change Purists who long for... (AZCentral -- Entertainment)
Moose Jaw guitarist Tex Emery treasures heritage award Oct 23, 2007
He went on to have a thriving career in the country music industry, playing alongside legends such as Chet Atkins, Gene Autry and Wilf Carter. When he mastered every genre of country he could, Emery took up jazz, blues, rock and Hawaiian. (Moose Jaw Times-Herald)
Bluegrass champion Oct 5, 2007
9 FM WFPK Louisville s Sunday Bluegrass Show in which he uses his moniker of The Country Gentleman after a Chet Atkins song. Bryant is a familiar face in the Bluegrass scene wherever it appears, from MusicRanch USA in West Point to the Shepherdsville Music Palace to the Monday night Bluegrass Jams at Optimist Park in Vine Grove. (News Enterprise Online)
Classically unique Oct 5, 2007
RINEYVILLE When people think of guitars, more often than not their thoughts turn to the high-powered riffs of Led Zeppelin in Stairway to Heaven, Robert Johnson playing the blues or Chet Atkins picking away. Kevin Shank of Rineyville can play all those things. (Elizabethtown News Enterprise, KY)
Guitarist Randy Clark of Crowsong makes waves in sea of surf music Oct 3, 2007
At the Red Devil Lounge, Clark unpacks a well-used 1961 Gretsch guitar, the Chet Atkins model, and plugs in a series of foot switches and outboard effects he arranges on the floor at his feet. The headline band is late setting up and only the bass player and drummer in Dale's band, the Del-Tones, conduct the sound check, the bassist running through some of Dale's trademark guitar licks on the king's Stratocaster. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Suzy Bogguss puts ‘all that jazz’ into new country music album Sep 29, 2007
Bogguss slipped into the jazz and blues fields in collaborations with the late Chet Atkins in a highly-praised CD entitled Simpatico, and with Asleep at the Wheel s Ray Benson in the 2003 western-jazz flavored CD, Swing. Now, she s come out with another bluesy jazz collection on her independent label, Loyal Duchess Records, called Sweet Danger, released earlier this month. (Kewanee Star Courier, IL)
Suzy Bogguss Finds Herself in Sweet Danger Sep 20, 2007
She also recorded an album with her most famous champion, Chet Atkins. "He was all on top of what was new and different in Nashville all his life," Bogguss says about Atkins. (VHI.com -- CMT.com Music News)
Stacey Earle and Mark Stuart at Coffeehouse Sep 20, 2007
He also focused on the talents of Chet Atkins, Merle Travis and John Fogerty. He began playing in honky tonks and beer joints around Nashville, Tenn. (Princeton Bureau County Republican, IL)
Finger-picking good Sep 15, 2007
The first event was actually a pool party for guitarists who hung around town after the Chet Atkins Appreciation Society s convention in 1992 ... I played a ragtime tune called Nola, and he said, You ve got to meet my brother-in-law, who happened to be Chet Atkins they married identical twin sisters. (Boston Globe -- Living)
Dick Banks returns to the stage with classic country Sep 15, 2007
Through Chet Atkins the two got a band together and recorded for Liberty Records "Dirty Dog" with a ballad "Too Late" on the back side. Jimmy Coleman who owned Federal Wholesale that later became Scot Lad in Eldorado, loaned Banks money to go on a tour in 1958. (Harrisburg Daily Register, IL)
Janis Martin, 67; rockabilly singer dubbed 'the female Elvis' Sep 10, 2007
She toured with country singers Hank Snow and Porter Waggoner, made a demo tape and was recording for RCA with Chet Atkins and Floyd Cramer, all before her 16th birthday. She was called "the female Elvis" with the approval of Elvis Presley, her RCA label mate, and sang "My Boy Elvis" on NBC's "Today" show. (Los Angeles Times)
All play and plenty of work Aug 16, 2007
He got his first guitar soon after, with Rowe as his teacher, along with his father's collection of 100 Chet Atkins records. Keyes first sat in with Rowe's group when he was about 7, he said, and within a couple of years he was gigging up and down the highway, staying one step ahead of the state's Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission for performing in bars while underage. (Boston Globe -- Local)
Intimate musical conversations Aug 15, 2007
Dressed informally in black pants and casual shirts, the quartet - who won a Grammy for their album Guitar Heroes, which pays tribute to greats from Chet Atkins to Jimi Hendrix - seemed relaxed as they performed Bach's famed Brandenburg Concerto No. 6 with remarkable agility and scope, eschewing solos for evenly distributed parts that complemented each other beautifully. Although certain movements of Spanish composer Manuel de Falla's El Amor Brujo have become staples for classical guitar,... (Globe and Mail)
CMA Announces Ralph Emery, Vince Gill and Mel Tillis as Newest Members of Country Music Hall of Fame Aug 8, 2007
"As a singer, songwriter and performer, Mel set a high standard for all entertainers. His presence in movies and TV alongside the top actors of that time gave Country Music a higher profile in the '70s and made Mel a pop culture icon."Vince is the ultimate triple threat: a singer with the voice of an angel, a songwriter who conveys the joys and heartbreaks of life with every word he writes, and a consummate musician, who is equally at home playing guitar with Chet Atkins or Eric Clapton. As the... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
NASHVILLE SKYLINE: Summer Treats: A New Waylon Live DVD Plus Four CDs Jul 13, 2007
The second package is a treasure -- a DVD/CD of his 2000 concert at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium, including footage of some of the rehearsals and backstage interviews with Waylon and artists ranging from Chet Atkins to Bobby Bare, Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson. The two CDs feature all of the songs from that concert. (VHI.com -- CMT.com Music News)
HOT DISH: John Carter Cash Honors His Mama Jul 10, 2007
However, he may be best known for his appearances with pals Chet Atkins and Floyd Cramer when they performed at symphony orchestras across the nation. I enjoyed his many Hee Haw appearances with the Million Dollar Band that also included Atkins, Cramer, Roy Clark, Jethro Burns, Danny Davis, Johnny Gimble and Charlie McCoy. (VHI.com -- CMT.com Music News)
NASHVILLE SKYLINE: Death, the Mental Asylum and a Comeback at Age 79 Jul 6, 2007
But he was able to stretch his sound across musical genres, backing such artists as Chet Atkins, Brenda Lee, Elvis Presley and Roy Orbison and having solo hits on his own. He was a man of considerable dignity and presence. (VHI.com -- CMT.com Music News)
Boots Randolph; saxophonist was top sessions player; at 80 Jul 4, 2007
He recorded more than 40 albums and spent 15 years touring with the Festival of Music, teaming with fellow instrumentalists Chet Atkins and Floyd Cramer. As a session musician, he played on Elvis Presley's "Return to Sender," Roy Orbison's "Oh, Pretty Woman," Brenda Lee's "Rockin' Round the Christmas Tree" and "I'm Sorry," REO Speedwagon's "Little Queenie," Al Hirt's "Java," and songs by Buddy Holly and Johnny Cash. (Boston Globe)
Randolph Made Himself Heard With 'Yakety Sax' Jul 4, 2007
Randolph Made Himself Heard With 'Yakety Sax. Every sax player in the world has tried to play it. (Tampa Bay Online, FL -- News)
Boots Randolph, 80; versatile musician recorded 'Yakety Sax' Jul 4, 2007
He remained a valuable supporting player to such musicians as country pop star Chet Atkins, Dixieland trumpeter Al Hirt ("Java") and the rock band REO Speedwagon ("Little Queenie") ... Burns successfully appealed to his brother-in-law, Chet Atkins, then a rising RCA Records executive, to sign the saxophonist in 1958. (Los Angeles Times)
Jennings' Last Live Hurrah Captured On CD/DVD... Jun 10, 2007
" Jennings is also joined by his wife, singer/songwriter Jessi Colter, on four songs. Bonus DVD features include previously unreleased rehearsal footage and 2000-era interviews with Jennings, Willie Nelson, Chet Atkins and Kris Kristofferson, among others. One of the founders of the "outlaw" country movement, Jennings released over 50 albums in his lifetime. He passed away in 2002 at the age of 64. Here is the track list for "Never Say Die: The Final Concert Film": "Never Say Die""Good Hearted... (Billboard.com)
Strumming a different tune Jun 5, 2007
I come more from the Chet Atkins and Tommy Emmanuel school of playing, but whats common is we both play acoustic instruments. It was important for us to make sure the personalities find a balance, and that all these distinctions come through in the music, Wang said. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Art demos for children among new programs Jun 1, 2007
He plays original arrangements as well as those of the masters such as Chet Atkins, Billy McLaughlin, and Don Ross. The MJ Consort consists of five members of the Chippewa Falls community who play soprano, alto, tenor and bass recorders. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
BEHIND THE MUSIC Jun 1, 2007
In person, Paul is an engaging raconteur with an extraordinary ability to recall the details of his more than seven decades in show business -- such as the time in the 1970s when he was approached by Chet Atkins. "Chet said, 'I'll play my violin and sing and you'll play your banjo and your harmonica and we'll do all the things we're not known for,' " Paul says. (Orlando Sentinel -- Entertainment)
New Orleans native Longley brings blazing guitar performance to Old Bisbee Repertory Theater May 14, 2007
Two of Longley s childhood mentors were Chet Atkins and Carlos Montoya. Though they didn t live in New Orleans, when they came, I was there, Longley said. (Sierra Vista Herald, AZ)
George Strait, Sonny James, Harold Bradley Get Hall of Fame Medallions May 8, 2007
He told how Chet Atkins, once James' roommate, had introduced the aspiring young artist to producer Ken Nelson at Capitol Records -- a linkup that would go on to foster a 20-year string of hits, including 16 consecutive No. 1's. (Both Atkins and Nelson preceded James into the Hall of Fame. (VHI.com -- CMT.com Music News)
The restorative power of sweet magnolias May 6, 2007
Driving down on Interstate 85, a section named the Chet Atkins Parkway, I remembered a conversation with Chet and how grievously lonesome he was in his teenage years, living here in the Thirties with his dad. His only friends were the glamorous stars of radio and a cheap beat-up guitar. (Montrose Daily Press, CO)
BTraditional country music honored during Hall of Fame induction ceremony May 5, 2007
Caldwell started playing guitar at the age of five and became proficient on the Chet Atkins finger-style playing. In the 50's, Caldwell played fair dates, dances and other events. (Camdenton Lake Sun Leader, MO)
The Byrds - Sweetheart of the Rodeo May 4, 2007
There aren't any Chet Atkins or any other musical virtuosos that add anything to the playing. It's just a straightforward track with a lifeless rhythm and some twangy guitars and fiddle mixed in that comes out sounding so glossed over with production (which is about as un-authentic as you can get). (The New Hampshire, NH)
NASHVILLE SKYLINE: House Fire Is a Death in Country Music's Family Apr 14, 2007
There's the Chet Atkins statue downtown and the Owen Bradley statue on Music Row -- which is unfortunately dwarfed by the nearby cluster of grotesque, cavorting nude statues in the middle of the Music Row roundabout. So, what now would be a suitable tribute to Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash. (VHI.com -- CMT.com Music News)
Finger pickin’ good: All-Star Shoe Band guitarist Donohue plays Saturday Apr 6, 2007
He did keep at it, developing his own finger picking style that prompted country legend Chet Atkins to call him one of the greatest fingerpickers in the world. Blues, folk, jazz, ragtime and swing are all part of his sound. (Winona Daily News, MN)
Panel Reminisces About RCA's Studio B Hit Factory Apr 4, 2007
But their producer, Chet Atkins, talked them into cutting one more song at Studio B. It would become the biggest hit of their career. "The music business was a hobby," Brown recalled. (VHI.com -- CMT.com Music News)
Guitar camp offers more than 'Kumbaya' Mar 29, 2007
I was somewhat apprehensive and a bit intimidated at the thought of taking a class with a bunch of players who would be Chet Atkins to my Barney Fife. But it wasnt like that. (MSNBC -- Travel)
Grand opening set for new acoustic folk music shop Mar 3, 2007
Ward has been described by some of her peers as the Chet Atkins of the hammered dulcimer. Bence is a former comedian and guitar player who decided to make music fulltime after meeting and hearing Ward perform. (Muscatine Journal, IO)
Aussies in race for coveted gongs Feb 13, 2007
Emmanuel was last nominated for a Grammy in 1998 when he teamed up with another guitar great, American Chet Atkins. The Dixie Chicks won the coveted album of the year Grammy today for Taking the Long Way, giving the country music trio a clean sweep in all its five categories. (NEWS.com.au)
Wolfmother win Grammy Feb 12, 2007
Emmanuel was last nominated for a Grammy in 1998 when he teamed up with another guitar great, American Chet Atkins. The Red Hot Chili Peppers won three Grammys in the early stages of the American music awards, as Gnarls Barkley grabbed two and leading nominee Mary J Blige took home one. (The Age, Australia -- Entertainment)
