I waited there all day behind the stage; just "milling around." Pacing the floor. Wondering, of course, what I'd tell a security guard, or someone if they came in and confronted me.

Finally, after what seemed like forever, it was getting about dark outside, when I heard that old door squeak. I glanced up quickly expecting to see a security guard when in walked CHET ATKINS!

I said "Chet!" Just like I had known him for years. Ha! He looked at me sort of startled, then, I guess he could see I was just an 18 year old kid. I said to him " ... Chet, I've loved your music all my life ..." " ... I've waited here all day hoping I could meet you ..." He walked over and patted me on the back. Then, he said " ... how would you like to get up on stage with me and hold my guitars between songs ..?" I said "ok!"

He told me to go on in to where the band was setting up, and visit with the orchestra members. He explained that he had to go up to his practice room; but, that he'd be back shortly. Then, Chet Atkins quietly disappeared.

I walked up to an old man who had on half glasses tuning his violin. He said to me " ... you don't like Chet Atkins do ya kid ..?" I said to him " ... Chet Atkins is the BEST guitar player in the world ..." He shrugged. I said "... don't you like to hear Chet Atkins ..?" Again, he shrugged and looked over his half-glasses at the music as he tuned his violin.

Just as quickly as he had disappeared Chet Atkins was there sitting on a stool with a beautiful acoustic guitar. He nodded for me to come over to him. I quickly complied and walked over to him. He said " ... see that guitar over there on the stand behind the curtain ..?" I said " yes" He says " ... go stand over there, and when I nod to you bring that guitar to me and I'll hand you this one ..." He said " ... be careful and don't drop it ..!" Then, he smiled at me.

I hurried over to the electric guitar. It was a large "double body" GRETSCH. Before I arrived to the location of where the GRETSCH was Chet started playing. It was the most beautiful music I had ever heard. I looked at him sitting there playing so beautifully, and I strained to see his fingers, because it was so beautiful that it was hard to believe that all of that music was coming from one guitar. It was like a dream. It was like I was listening to "piped in music" on a radio; but, I could clearly see that Chet Atkins was playing every note.

Too soon he'd finished the song and nodded for me to bring the Gretsch. I picked up that guitar VERY carefully, and I could not believe it. Here was ME holding a guitar owned by Chet Atkins! I quickly, but carefully, hurried the guitar over to him, he handed me the acoustic as I handed him the GRETSCH.

Again, before I could put the acoustic put on the stand Chet was playing a song I LOVE to this day entitled "Jitterbug Waltz" It was so beautiful. I had tears in my eyes that time. Soon the orchestra was playing background, I had never been close to an orchestra before. (I've appreciated orchestra and violin music ver since). I glanced up at the old man who had shrugged when I'd asked him if he liked Chet Atkin's guitar playing. This time a big, wide, smile came over his face, and he winked at me in just the way that said " ... kid, you're right ..!" " ... Chet Atkins IS the BEST guitar player in the world ..." Before I knew it, Chet was nodding for me to bring the acoustic back to him, and handed me the electric. This time he whispered to me " ... just hold the GRETSCH; don't take the time to put it on the stand ..." So, I backed up behind the curtain and held that GRETSCH while Chet started playing BLACK MOUNTAIN RAG. I just could not believe my eyes! I stood there holding that GRETSCH wishing I could play guitar with him. Cherishing the moments. Feeling the weight of that guitar. Looking at it, admiring it. Then, it was time once again to hand the electric back to Chet and take the acoustic behind the curtain. Before I knew it, Chet had played his last tune.

He came over to me while the audience clapped and thanked me for holding his guitars.

He told me that I could go back behind the stage and wait in line on the stairs up to his practice room and get his autograph if I wanted to. So, I went back and found a very long line. I was almost the last person; but, in a very brief time I was with Chet Atkins again and he signed a piece of paper for me.

I quickly asked him " ... Chet, could I please bring my twin brother back here tomorrow night and get a couple of picture with you ..?" He said " ... sure ..." " ... just get in line again after the show..."

I decided not to be in such a hurry to leave after I got Chet Atkins' autograph. I went on back down the stairs; but, sort of lingered behind the stage area again.

Finally, Chet Atkins came down. Everyone was gone. I asked him " ... Chet, will you please take this ...?" I showed him one of my thumbpicks. He reached out his hand to take it and I put it on his right thumb. I said " ... I love you Chet .." He smiled at me and said " ... thank you ... thank you very much ..." I followed him out to a car waiting adjacant to that old wooden door I'd entered in. I watched him as he got in the back seat, and a driver drove him away. Chet turned and waved to me.

The next night, my twin and I went to the MURAT TEMPLE. I told my twin, Jerry, how what he was about to experience was some of the most beautiful music he'd ever hear on a guitar. We entered with the crowd, paid for our tickets and sat out in the crowd. I was in awe when Chet Atkins looked right at me from the stage nodded, and smiled. Noone in the crowd had any idea I had met Chet Atkins the night before. After the show my Jerry and I waited in line and got Chet's autograph. This time he signed our tickets. Chet told Jerry and I that his wife was a twin. We were both surprised. I've cherished that moment all my life.

I met Chet Atkins again in California at the Claremont Colleges Ambassador Auditorium, behind the stage after the show, and got his autograph again.

For some reason I didn't give Chet Atkins my name. I have the pictures with him; but, I could have, so easily, given him my name and address, and perhaps corresponded with him; but, I was trying to be polite and not treaspass on his "space."

I play guitar now, Chet Atkins' style, have subscribed to John Knowles FINGERSTYLE QUARTERLY, purchased videos from Craig Dobbins, Micahel Lelong, Marcel Dadi, "Buster Jones" etc., and I have written some songs taht I truly believe Chet Atkins would have recorded; but, I had no idea how to get them into his hands.

It is with the deepest regret, and heartfelt sadness that I read and hear of his passing. I cherish, so much, my memories of Chet Atkins, and this is a very sad day for me.

- Terry L. Garrett