When I First Heard Chet

Jon Morris

I was about 6 or 7 years old when I first heard Chet's Music. I had some older cousins and they had a big collection of 45 RPM records. My cousin's would give me their stack of 45's to listen to when I came to visit. Guess it kept me out of their hair.

One of the records I couldn't get enough of was by some fella named Chet Atkins. If my memory serves me correctly, the record had four songs on it, two on each side. I don't remember what was on the "B" side but the side I wore out was the one that had "Main Street Breakdown" and "Indian Love Call" on it. There was just something about "Main Street Breakdown" that made me play it over and over. Still love that tune, but I can't play it.

I didn't get serious about trying to learn guitar until after my first year at college.  I came home and tried to get a summer job, but most folks won't hire ya if they know 
you're gonna go back to school in the fall. Instead I worked for my Aunt on her tobacco farm. Instead of cash, my folks bought me my first "real" guitar and Chet's "Get Started on Guitar" Video. I've been tryin' to fingerpick like Chet ever since!