From left to right: Chet Atkins, Dolly Parton, Freddie Fender and Les Paul, at the Grammy Awards in 1977.

From left to right: Chet Atkins, Dolly Parton, Freddie Fender and Les Paul, at the Grammy Awards in 1977.

Chet Atkins & George Benson

Chet Atkins & George Benson

Ira and Charlie with Chet Atkins, circa 1956. Atkins and Paul Yandell were the stalwart electric guitarists in the Louvins’ always-solid backing bands. Photo: Bill Preston.

Ira and Charlie with Chet Atkins, circa 1956. Atkins and Paul Yandell were the stalwart electric guitarists in the Louvins’ always-solid backing bands. Photo: Bill Preston.

A young Chet Atkins in the second row.
(VIA)

A young Chet Atkins in the second row.

(VIA)

Bill Black, DJ Fontana, Chet Atkins, Elvis Presley, Gordon Stoker, Ben and Brock Spear - April 14, 1956

Bill Black, DJ Fontana, Chet Atkins, Elvis Presley, Gordon Stoker, Ben and Brock Spear - April 14, 1956