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Chet Atkins Dead

Aired June 30, 2001 - 17:21   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
STEPHEN FRAZIER, CNN ANCHOR: Country music Legend Chet Atkins has died. The guitarist and producer died at his Nashville home following a long battle with cancer. He was 77.

Atkin's easy-going style of playing helped to influence generations of rock guitarists. Dennis Michael explains that.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DENNIS MICHAEL, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The affect of Chet Atkins on 20th century popular music can not be overestimated. Atkins influenced guitarists ranging from George Benson to George Harrison. He won a record 13 Grammy awards, more than any other country music artist. He set up the session for Elvis Presley's single "Heart Break Hotel."

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The record company called me and said, Elvis and Scotty and Bill are coming in, said hire some more musicians and some singers, and we will make some records. So, he came in with Scotty and Bill and we did "Heart Break Hotel," and "I Have Got a Woman."

I played rhythm guitar, by the way. You can't hear me on those records but I am on there.

MICHAEL: Chet Atkins is credited with helping create the Nashville sound by introducing the electric guitar to country music, and somehow he found the time to serve has head of RCA records launching the careers of such legends as Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Charlie Pride.

When he took his place there in 1973, Atkins was the youngest player ever inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. His nickname was Mr. Guitar, a title he carried lightly and gracefully.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I always tell people, be careful where you aim, because likely that's where you'll end up. That's what happened to me. (AUDIO GAP) continue making records and (UNINTELLIGIBLE) now and then.

MICHAEL: Chet Atkins' relationship with the guitar started as child with a ukulele strung with wire from a screen door. Recently he told an interviewer, I could never put the guitar down. It might forget who I was. The guitar will never forget Chet Atkins.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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