Chet Atkins Statue Unveiling at new home

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JUNE 19TH, 2023

Chet Atkins Bronze Statue, unveiled at new home

In a ceremony held June 9th, the legendary Chet Atkins bronze statue, the most photographed of Music City was

officially unveiled at its new home, the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum courtyard in downtown Nashville, Tennessee.

For 23 years, the Bank of America building at 5th and Union in downtown Nashville was home to the beloved statue but renovation plans for the Bank of America building did not include it leaving the statue sculpted by Bronze Sculptor, Russell Faxon without a home.

Many refer to Chet as "The Country Gentlemen" or "Mr. Guitar" and is credited with creating the popular country music sound known as the 'Nashville Sound".

Born Chester Burton Atkins, "Chet Atkins" a talented musician and once President of RCA in Nashville's Music Row discovered many artists including Eddy Arnold, Jerry Reed, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton among others.

The ceremony hosted by the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum's CEO, Linda Chambers, and Steve Wariner, renowned country artist, legendary guitarist, c.g.p., GRAMMY Award winner, and Musicians Hall of Fame Inductee. Other special guests included Dave Pomeroy, President of the American Federation of Musicians Nashville Chapter; Russell Faxon, sculptor; John Knowles, c.g.p.; and Ray Stevens, singer, songwriter, producer, comedian, GRAMMY Award winner, and Musicians Hall of Fame Inductee.

"Chet has been a staple of Nashville forever and the fabric of the Nashville Sound..." Linda Chambers, Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum's CEO,

"He is the ultimate musician, so he's coming home, really, and does my heart great to know that he's gonna be here welcoming people to the famed Musicians Hall of Fame" Steve Wariner, renowned country artist, legendary guitarist, c.g.p., GRAMMY Award winner, and Musicians Hall of Fame Inductee.

Fans and general public can now enjoy the life-size 800-pound bronze statue of Chet Atkins sitting on a stool with his guitar accompanied by a vacant stool for anyone to join as if in a creative musical session in its new location.

Linda Chambers, Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum's CEO,

Steve Wariner, renowned country artist, legendary guitarist, c.g.p., GRAMMY Award winner, and Musicians Hall of Fame Inductee.

Pictured L-R: John Knowles, c.g.p.; artist/comedian Ray Stevens; Russell Faxon, sculptor; Dave Pomeroy, President of the American Federation of Musicians Nashville Chapter; Linda Chambers, CEO, Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum; country music artist Steve Wariner, c.g.p.)

WATCH FULL VIDEO OF UNVEILING CEREMONY 2023