Chet Atkins was one of the most influential guitarists of the 20th century, as well as a legendary musician and producer within country music. He helped create the Nashville Sound, a smooth, more sophisticated style of country music that expanded its appeal to adult pop music fans. He won several awards, including 14 Grammy Awards and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. He also received nine Country Music Association awards for Instrumentalist of the Year. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum.
But behind his success and fame, Atkins was also struggling with a serious health condition that eventually claimed his life. He died on June 30, 2001, at his home in Nashville, Tennessee, after battling cancer for several years. What was the cause of death of Chet Atkins? How did he cope with his illness? And what legacy did he leave behind for future generations of guitarists and music lovers?
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The Diagnosis: Colorectal Cancer
According to Rolling Stone, Atkins was diagnosed with colon cancer in the 1970s, and underwent surgery to remove part of his intestine. He recovered from the operation and continued to perform and record music for many years. However, in June 1997, he had another surgery to remove a brain tumor that was causing him headaches and memory loss. The tumor was benign, but it affected his ability to play the guitar.
Atkins revealed his condition to his fans in a letter that he posted on his website in July 1997. He wrote: “I want to thank all of you for your cards and letters during my recent illness. The rumors of my demise have been greatly exaggerated, but I have had a very serious operation on my brain … I am doing fine now but will have to work hard to regain my ‘chops’ so I can play guitar again.”
He also expressed his gratitude to his wife Leona, his family, his friends, and his doctors for their support and care. He ended the letter with a positive note: “I am looking forward to seeing you down the road somewhere. Keep pickin’ and grinnin’.”
The Treatment: Chemotherapy and Radiation
After the brain surgery, Atkins underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatments to fight the cancer that had spread to other parts of his body. He also took medication to control his pain and nausea. He tried to maintain a normal routine as much as possible, spending time with his loved ones and working on new music projects.
One of his last albums was The Day Finger Pickers Took Over the World, a collaboration with Australian guitarist Tommy Emmanuel that was released in 1997. The album showcased Atkins’ skill and versatility as a guitarist, as well as his sense of humor and optimism. The title track was a tongue-in-cheek tribute to his fellow finger pickers who had followed in his footsteps.
Atkins also made some public appearances during his illness, such as attending the Country Music Association Awards in October 1997, where he received a standing ovation from the audience. He also performed at a tribute concert in June 1998, where he was honored by many of his peers and admirers, including Mark Knopfler, Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson, and Marty Stuart.
The Final Days: A Peaceful Farewell
As his condition worsened, Atkins decided to stop the treatments and spend his final days at home with his family. He was surrounded by love and comfort until the end. He died peacefully on Saturday morning, June 30, 2001, at the age of 77.
His funeral was held on July 2 at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, the former home of the Grand Ole Opry where he had performed many times. The service was attended by hundreds of people who came to pay their respects and celebrate his life and music. Among them were some of the biggest names in country music, such as Dolly Parton, George Jones, Ricky Skaggs, Earl Scruggs, Steve Wariner, and Chet’s brother Jim Atkins.
The eulogies were delivered by Atkins’ longtime friends and collaborators Jerry Reed and Steve Wariner, who both praised him for his talent, generosity, humility, and kindness. They also shared some funny stories and anecdotes that reflected Atkins’ personality and sense of humor.
The service ended with a musical tribute by some of Atkins’ protégés and admirers, who played some of his signature songs on their guitars. They included Tommy Emmanuel, Mark O’Connor, John Knowles, Pat Bergeson, Paul Yandell, Richard Smith, Muriel Anderson, Thom Bresh (son of Merle Travis), Doyle Dykes, Brent Mason, Scotty Moore (Elvis Presley’s guitarist), and Duane Eddy.
The final song was “I Still Can’t Say Goodbye”, a poignant ballad that Atkins had recorded in 1988 as a tribute to his father. The song expressed his difficulty in accepting the loss of a loved one, and his hope of seeing him again someday. As the song played, a video montage of Atkins’ life and career was shown on a large screen behind the stage. The audience gave him a final applause and a standing ovation, as they bid farewell to one of the greatest guitarists of all time.
The Legacy: A Lasting Influence
Chet Atkins left behind a rich and diverse musical legacy that continues to inspire and influence generations of guitarists and music fans. He was not only a master of the guitar, but also a visionary producer who helped shape the sound and direction of country music. He was also a mentor and friend to many musicians who learned from his example and guidance.
His influence can be heard in the styles and techniques of many guitarists, such as Mark Knopfler, Tommy Emmanuel, Jerry Reed, Steve Wariner, Earl Klugh, George Benson, Les Paul, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, John Knowles, and many others. His songs and recordings have been covered and sampled by artists from various genres, such as rock, pop, jazz, blues, folk, classical, and even hip hop.
He was also recognized and honored by many prestigious institutions and organizations for his contributions to music and culture. He received numerous awards and accolades, such as the National Medal of Arts (1993), the Kennedy Center Honors (1993), the Grammy Trustees Award (1987), the Academy of Country Music Pioneer Award (1982), the Country Music Association Hall of Fame (1973), the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (2002), the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum (2007), and many others.
He also has several monuments and memorials dedicated to him, such as a bronze statue in his hometown of Luttrell, Tennessee; a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame; a plaque on the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Walkway of Stars; a marker on the Mississippi Blues Trail; a bridge named after him in Nashville; and a museum exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Chet Atkins cause of death may have taken him away from this world, but his music and spirit live on in the hearts and minds of millions of people who love and admire him. He was a true legend who left an indelible mark on the history of music. He was Mr. Guitar, The Country Gentleman, and The Man Who Made Nashville Sound. He was Chet Atkins.
