Super Hits

Performer: Chet Atkins
Artist: Arthur Fiedler; Boston Pops
Distributor: Sony Music Distribution (

Notes: Personnel includes: Chet Atkins (guitar); Arthur Fiedler & The Boston Pops. Producers include: Mike Lipskin, Peter Delheim, Anita Kerr, Bob Ferguson, Chet Atkins. Compilation producer: Steven Lindsey. Digitally remastered by Benny Quinn (Masterphonics Inc., Nashville, Tennessee). While its running time is only 24 minutes, this CD contains some of Atkins' finest recorded moments, with inspired and well conceived renditions of pop tunes such as Paul McCartney's "Yesterday" and "Michelle," and Paul Simon's "Mrs. Robinson." Atkins plays these classic tunes as if he penned them himself. On "Rocky Top" and his trademark hit, "Yakety Axe" Atkins displays his superb technique; but what really makes these tunes, and his playing in general, great is his use of this technique. Always playing with a careful and lyrical ear for the melody, Atkins understands the delicate balance between showiness and serving the song, and the importance of putting one's heart into the music. Indeed, SUPER HITS' strong emotional core proves reminds us how affecting music can be.

Among fingerstyle country guitar players, perhaps only Merle Travis can rival Chet Atkins, whose distinctive sound defined an entire generation of Nashville country. Atkins has played an equally important role as a record producer. As RCA's chief Nashville producer in the '50s and '60s, Atkins oversaw sessions for Elvis Presley, the Everly Brothers, Jim Reeves, Don Gibson, and countless others. He was one of the chief architects of the polished country style that came to be known as the "Nashville sound," but his own productions were more tasteful and appealing than those for which the genre is frequently lambasted. Atkins remained active into the '90s, but succumbed to cancer in 2001.

Click Here for Shipping Options and Policies

Shipping or Dimension weight in pounds: 0.5