TOMMY EMMANUEL INTERVIEW #1
(Originally aired on August 27, 2009)
As a youngster, Tommy Emmanuel was inspired to learn guitar when he heard the legendary Chet Atkins. Decades later, Atkins himself became one of Emmanuel's biggest fans. In 1999, Atkins bestowed the title of "Certified Guitar Player" to Emmanuel for his lifetime contribution to the instrument, an honor shared by only four other players (Steve Wariner, John Knowles, and the late Jerry Reed and the late Paul Yandell). In 1996, Atkins and Emmanuel recorded an album together — The Day Finger Pickers Took Over The World — which garnered Emmanuel his first Grammy Award nomination. This was also Atkins' last recording.
Emmanuel tours relentlessly and draws large, enthusiastic crowds at his concerts, both in the U.S. and around the world. His no-holds-barred intensity is matched by few solo guitarists.
In our exclusive interview, Emmanuel reveals how he approaches performing and recording, discusses his musical influences and instruments and explains the role of melody in his music.