Tuesday, October 12, 2009 - Legendary Gretsch artist Chet Atkins (1924-2001) was inducted into the Nashville Musicians Hall of Fame on Monday, Oct. 12, at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville, Tenn.

Atkins’ daughter, Merle Atkins Russell, accepted the honor on behalf of her late father.

"I know my father would be so happy to know that he is in the company of old friends and so many musicians that he admired so much," she said.

The evening's host, country music singer, songwriter and guitarist Steve Warner joined accomplished guitarist and longtime Atkins sideman Paul Yandell in an inspired tribute to "Mr. Guitar". Both musicians have also honored their mentor with tribute albums—Yandell released Forever Chet after Atkins’ death in 2001; Wariner's My Tribute to Chet Atkins was released in June 2009.

Other inductees included country star Charlie Daniels, guitar legend Dick Dale, rockers Toto, bassist and Jimi Hendrix bandmate Billy Cox, session keyboardist Victor Feldman, producer Fred Foster and arranger Paul Riser.