Chet and Doc Watson were scheduled to play one night at UCLA. My wife had made me a gift
of tickets to see the show. We arrived very early so that we would get a
good seat and parking place.
When we arrived, I noticed that the side door was open, so I
went in to look around. As I entered the door I noticed a fellow standing
on the opposite side on the auditorium. I walked up and casually asked if he
was here to see the show. He informed me that he was Chet's road manager,
George Lunn.
I told him that I had been a fan of Chet's since I was a young
boy and he said for me to come back to the staging area after the show and he would
take me backstage and introduce me to Chet.
After the show I walked backstage and stood beside Chet. He kept looking
at me wondering "Who is this guy?" before we were finally introduced. I got to meet Chet that night because
George Lunn was such a nice guy. I was
so thrilled to meet Chet, when I shook his hand I just stood there and
couldn't think of a thing to say. My mind went blank.
I have always regarded Chet as my hero; just one step below Jesus. I guess
I had one of the greatest nights in my life that night, getting to
meet my HERO, Mr. Chet Atkins.
- J. D. Roberts
Association of Fingerstyle Guitarists
