| Chet Atkins played a major role in creating what came to be known as 'The Nashville sound'. Through his smooth and eclectic jazzy guitar playing and ambitious production ideas he brought a hitherto unknown sophistication to country music that would see it break through into the mainstream during the sixties and seventies. As a guitarist (compared by many with Django Reinhardt and Andres Segovia) he sold 35 million records and directly influenced talents as diverse as George Harrison and Paul McCartney, Duane Eddy, Eddie Cochran, Eric Clapton, The Ventures, Mark Knopfler and even Ted Nugent. He played guitar on Elvis Presley's breakthrough single 'Heartbreak Hotel' (which he also arranged), on Hank Williams' 'Jambalaya' and on the Everly Brothers hits 'Wake Up, Little Susie' and 'Bye Bye Love.' He produced sessions for Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Jim Reeves and for the Everly Brothers. As head of A & R at RCA he discovered Waylon Jennings, and Charley Pride. He was dubbed 'The King of Music Row' a reference to the Nashville strip where the record labels were based. 'Eclectic guitar' showcases Chet Atkins' incredible virtuosity and versatility and his extraordinary taste. Here jazz standards such as 'Honeysuckle Rose' and Tenderly sit comfortably alongside his first big pop hit 'Mr Sandman,' classical repertoire such as 'Minute Waltz' and beautifully played country and rock tunes 'Alice Blue Gown' and 'St Louis Blues'. The overall effect is quite wonderful.
| 
