I had the grace of growing up in home that loved music..even though we were too poor to have as much exposure as we would have liked. My father and mother listened to everything from country(and country was great in the 50's) to big band and Jazz. I grew up hearing the HUGE influence that Mr. Atkins was having on all players in Rock and Jazz, as well as Country. Much to Mr Atkins credit, as he aged he got better and better. The world of music cannot thank him enough. I hope that his passing will bring forth the tributes and re-releases that his music merits.