According to country music journalist Robert K. Oermann, who emceed the event, the group of individuals to be honored were not only "...the best guitarists you'll ever hear, but the nicest guys you'd ever want to meet."

All four lived up to this billing, attributing their respective successes to each other, their musical influences and the stars they worked with... in other words, everyone but themselves.

It was, however, unanimous among Eddy, Moore and Burton that the elder Atkins had the greatest impact on their playing and, according to Oermann, "...was truly the only man worthy of the nickname 'Mr. Guitar.'"

Among the relative youngsters on hand to cheer on their heros were Webb Wilder, session ace Dave Pomeroy and Peter Frampton.

But they say pictures are worth a thousand words, so here's your official Gibson.Net photo essay of the event...