American country guitar player and producer.

born June 20, 1924, Luttrell, Tennessee, USA
died June 30, 2001, Nashville, Tennessee, USA

Even though most know him as Mr. Guitar he was also a record producer for many big stars such as Elvis Presley. He invented what is known as the Nashville sound which was a smoother more jazz-like form of country music. His guitar of choice was the Gretsch Country Gentleman.

Inducted into Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in 2002 (Sidemen).

Father of Merle Atkins; brother of Jim Atkins and Sister Billie Rose Atkins, brother-in-law of Roy Shockley, uncle of Mike Shockley.