Chester Burton `` Chet '' Atkins ( June 20 , 1924 â `` June 30 , 2001 ) was an American guitarist and record producer . He helped create a smooth country music style known as the `` Nashville Sound . '' Chester Burton Atkins ( June 20 , 1924 â `` June 30 , 2001 ) , better known as Chet Atkins , was an American guitarist and record producer who created , along with Owen Bradley , the smoother country music style known as the Nashville sound , which expanded country 's appeal to adult pop music fans as well .