Two CGPs: Tommy Emmanuel and John Knowles in Studio B

Tommy Emmanuel, left, and John Knowles in NPT's Studio B.
Tommy Emmanuel, left, and John Knowles in NPT's Studio B.

We’ve had some great musicians join us in Studio B over the years during our special membership drive programming. Last year, Cowboy Jack Clement joined us during the airing of Shakespeare Was a Big George Jones Fan: Cowboy Jack Clement’s Home Movies. A couple of weeks ago, it was mandolin player extraordinaire Sam Bush during the broadcast of Levon Helm: Ramble at the Ryman. Today, it was none other than Tommy Emmanuel, who joined another extraordinary guitar player, John Knowles, in the studio in preparation for the Thursday night, July 16 encore broadcast of Tommy Emmanuel: Center Stage.

Both Emmanuel and Knowles are Certified Guitar Players (C.G.P.), an honor bestowed up them by the legendary Chet Atkins. Back when we first broadcast the Emmanuel special in June, I wrote about the synergy of having Knowles volunteer with us in the studio during the broadcast, so it’s a special treat to have both of them in the studio at the same time.

Tune in Thursday night, July 16 at 8:00 p.m.

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Tommy Emmanuel, left, with Janet Ivey and John Knowles in NPT Studio B.
Tommy Emmanuel, left, with Janet Ivey and John Knowles in NPT Studio B.

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4 Comments

It’s my understanding that Chet Atkins bestowed only 4 C.G.P’s. The late Jerry Reed, Steve Wariner, Tommy Emmanuel and John Knowles. Has anyone tried to get the remaining three together for a road tour or an albumn or at least a PBS Special ? I think Steve has really cut back his touring and still resides in the Nashville area. I also believe that John is from the Nashville area as well and Tommy either has a place in Nashville or at least visits frequently enough that someone could make this happen. I know that I would get about a dozen or more people from the Cincinnati area to make the trip to Nashville for that re-union.

Steve Hunt

Hi Steve-
Are you a member of http://www.chetboard.com?

John regularly posts there and recently, Steve did as he did a concert at the CAAS convention to promote his new instrumental and tribute to Chet album.

All three reside in Nashville.

Anyway, check it out. Although it probably wouldn’t happen soon as to an actual recording, they all three probably played last July at the CAAS.

I have Chet Atkins’ paperback biography, signed by Chet, when he performed in Utrecht, Netherlands. And also signed by Tommy, who I booked for a concert in 2005. Afterwards I tried to contact Jerry Reed and John Knowles. John agreed to sign it too, but only if Jerry would sign. Unfortunately Jerry passed away before he could sign. It was my intention to donate the book to the Nasville Country Hall of Fame.
BTW To my knowledge these three are the only C.G.P.’s. Beside Chet Atkins, of course.

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