- Was a licensed amateur (ham) radio operator with the call sign W4CGP. His call is now owned by a young musician who is a big admirer of the late star.
- Designed electric guitars for the Gretsch Company, including the one George Harrison played the first two times The Beatles performed on CBS's The Ed Sullivan Show, "The Chet Atkins Country Gentleman". That guitar, among others he designed for Gretsch, are still available today.
- Country music guitarist and record company executive.
- Played guitar on many classic recordings, such as Elvis Presley's "Heartbreak Hotel", Hank Williams' "Your Cheatin' Heart", and the Everly Brothers' "Wake Up, Little Susie".
- Won 14 Grammys, including a Lifetime Achievement Award in 1993.
- Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1973, at age 49.
- Recorded 100+ albums.
- Daughter, Merle (named after Merle Travis), born 1947.
- Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002 (under the category Side-Men).
- Brother of singer/radio personality Jim Atkins.
- Covered the song "Sugarfoot Rag" by Hank Garland, for his album "Guitar Country" (1964)
- 5th cousin thrice-removed of Scott Trimble.
- Born on exactly the same date as Audie Murphy.
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