Chet's Tune (Chet Atkins) - (MP3)

        

Some Of Chet's Friends  -  Chet's Tune  (2:43) 

I've always had a bit of a weakness for tribute records, songs cooked up by those who have opted to spend their studio time crafting tunes that extol the talents and virtues of other artists. 

In the case of Chet's Tune, we see the concept brought to life by some of the biggest names signed to RCA Victor, all gathered to help commemorate Atkins' 20th year with the label.

The artists, in order of appearance are: Jerry Reed (guitar), Floyd Cramer (piano), Eddy Arnold, Dottie West, Archie Campbell, Bobby Bare, Norma Jean, George Hamilton IV, Skeeter Davis, Jimmy Dean, Hank Locklin, Jim Ed Brown, Hank Snow, John D. Loudermilk, the Anita Kerr Singers, Connie Smith, Homer & Jethro, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Porter Wagoner, and Don Bowman.

The record, produced by Bob Ferguson and Felton Jarvis, is obviously a valentine to Chet Atkins (1924 - 2001) who headed RCA's Nashville operations for many years and served as producer for most of the artists appearing here.   If you buy into it, the story is that the whole thing was done without Atkins' knowledge.  According to Billboard, his wife even smuggled Atkins' favorite guitar out of the house and lent it to Jerry Reed for the session.  It's feasible.

Comments

[Derrick Bostrom]

Such a fantastic record. But...surely the Anita Kerr Singers should come before Dottie West.

[Greg G.]

Strictly speaking, you're correct. I guess I was thinking they belonged where I put 'em because that's where their meatiest contribution is.

Of course you probably noticed that, for some reason, I didn't apply the same rationale to Jerry Reed and his mid-song guitar solo, so I plead guilty to reckless blogging!