Atkins made his first solo recordings in the mid-1940s, but it would take him until 1955 to land his first hit, "Mr. Sandman." He was 31 by then, and more than a decade into his professional career.

"Chet belongs at [the Musicians Hall of Fame] with musicians who loved and cherished him." A who's who of unmistakable Nashville music makers was mentioned as what Atkins referred to as "C.G.P ...