music I was exposed to because of Chet Atkins

[rhirvine]

One of the women in my church was playing "dizzy fingers" on the piano and I recognized it. She was surprised that I knew who wrote the song and knew the melody. It was because of Chet Atkins. I was exposed to many kinds of music because of him. I heard "Cherokee" because of Paul Yandel. Country music wasn't what it was all about with those two guitar heroes of mine. So many songs from the great music writers I heard first on Chet Atkins albums. He was eclectic to say the least as was Paul.

[Jamie Foshee]

I totally agree. As a teenager I was blown away by Chet's rendering of a Bach Bourree on "Hi Fi in Focus" and worked on it off and on for years before finally discovering an arrangement in a method book by classical guitarist Christopher Parkening. I had to re-learn some fingerings but now that I'm retired and have time to practice every day the Bourree is part of the repertoire that I play just for the pure satisfaction of at least sounding a little like Chet on at least one tune.

[RandeDager]

I would have been impressed with seeing anyone play "Dizzy Fingers" on the piano. I know that's where it came from but I've never seen it done. I actually heard a few Beatles' tunes for the first time on Chet's album. I know what you mean about being exposed first by Chet.