I first heard Chet at a neighbors house in the early 60's. That neighbor is in his 80's now and we both came down to CAAS for the first time last year. He was a big chet fan upon first hearing "The Bells of St. Mary's." At the time I first heard Chet, I was very much into the Ventures (another big thrill meeting Nokie at CAAS)and the Everly Brothers (I never realized Chet was on the early records till a few years ago).

I went to the neighbors and he had some Chet lp's on and I just could not believe it. All that going on from one player,no way. I believed it,but had no clue how it could be done. I was a flatpicker and had seen thumbpicks before but thought they made 'em that way so they would be easier to hold on to (silly 13 year old Northerner). Never realized how to really use them.

At first I didn't care for many of the tunes much . Later I learned to appreciate Chet after hearing Windy and Warm and listening to a christmas gift of the "Chet Atkins Workshop" Lp, which remains a favorite today. I had made some feeble attempts through college at fingerstyle with "Freight Train",but never was able to play anything that way. Gave up on guitar for many years until I saw Chet for the only time at a concert at Kirtland Community College in Roscommon Michigan (up North)in 1993. I wondered why he would even consider playing in such a small town, but made up my mind to drag a bunch of friends(including that former neighbor) and we went to see him live. Since then I have managed to learn a few tunes and am totally hooked on Chet,Tommy E and all the rest. I am thankful for the chance to have seen Chet, and meet so many players etc through CAAS. .