Chet Atkins meets 'Chester': statue captures the spirit of a master

Chet Atkins meets 'Chester': statue captures the spirit of a master
Story and photos by: David Schenk

Chet Atkins was honored today by the Bank of America branch in Downtown Nashville. The bank unveiled a life-size bronze statue of Atkins outside their offices at the corner of Union Street and 5th Avenue.

Many Nashville musicians and dignitaries were on hand to congratulate and help honor the Certified Guitar Player. Among those in attendance were Opry Star Bill Carlisle, Eddy Arnold, Ray Stevens, Charlie Pride, George "Goober" Lindsey, Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Nashville mayor Bill Purcell, and Tennessee governor Don Sundquist.

The bronze statue, created by Russ Faxon, shows a middle aged Chet Atkins perched on a stool playing his trademark Gibson Chet Atkins Country Gentleman guitar. Gibson provided technical assistance to Russ to ensure the authenticity of the instrument. Beside the figure of Chet stands an empty stool for any Nashville musician who has dreamed of playing a duet with Mr. Atkins or any tourist that wants to take advantage of a unique photo opportunity. Chet said that he may come back at 2:00 in the morning to play a duet with himself. He also said that he hopes many of his friends are honored in the same way, "so that we can have a series of these things all the way down to the Opry."

Chet admires the statue as it is unveiled.

Chet humbly accepts the honor and thanks the crowd for coming out.

Ray Stevens and Charlie Pride listen as Chet recounts stories from his early days of making $3.00 a show.

Governor Sundquist, his wife and Eddy Arnold look on.

Eddy Arnold, Sundquist, Charlie Pride and Vince Gill join Chet for a photo.

The crowd filled the plaza and overflowed into the streets.

Chet's personality appears to have been captured forever in this work of art.