Being based out of Nashville, TN for the almost fifteen years has allowed me to meet, interview and rub shoulders with some extremely talented musical artists from all genres of music. One of these has been the Australian born fingerstyle phenomenon named Tommy Emmanuel. He didn’ t choose the musical path, it kind of chose him thanks to the gifts that he and his brother Phil both shared. His early years saw him traveling throughout the country of Australia in a car with his family from show to show.
One of his musical idols was Chet Atkins, whom we will discuss in this article. At 70 years young Tommy continues to rack up awards including: Kentucky Colonel, the Order of Australia, Certified Guitar Player( CGP), APRA award, ARIA awards, Australian Roll of Renown, CMAA and a Grammy in 2024. He has been honored with several Honorary Doctorates and was granted his American citizenship. But Emmanuel is humble when it comes to these awards as he is constantly moving forward to the next show or the album. No guitar is safe while Tommy is in the room with it, even if it is out of tune or needs adjustment. Emmanuel will still grab it and play while he speaks, or rather he speaks with the guitar. Worship Musician recently caught up with Tommy Emmanuel to discuss his life, music, faith, family and a bit of guitar.
[ Eric Dahl ] How old were you when you began playing guitar?
[ Tommy Emmanuel ] I was 4 years old when I got my first guitar. My Mother taught me how to play some chords and how a song is constructed.
[ WM ] What was it like as a child traveling in a station wagon and performing across Australia?
[ Tommy ] Our young lives as traveling musicians were fun, adventurous, and always exciting!
[ WM ] Did it seem natural when you and your brother Phil became TV stars performing your music?
[ Tommy ] My siblings and I were excited to appear on TV / Radio or whatever platform we could get our band on to help promote ourselves, that’ s what we would do!
[ WM ] What drove you to write Chet Atkins a letter?
[ Tommy ] When my Dad passed, I decided to write to Chet Atkins, as a fan really. I asked him a few questions and told him a little about my life, my love of his playing, and my admiration for his achievements.
[ WM ] What did you think when Chet responded back?
[ Tommy ] I was so excited when I heard back from him and loved receiving his letter and signed photo. He mentioned that he was amazed that anyone knew of him so far away from the USA.
[ WM ] What was it like coming to America for the first time and living with your idol and mentor Chet?
[ Tommy ] When I was invited to record with Chet, he insisted that I stay in his house and not in a hotel. He had a granny flat built in the house, so it was like having your own little apartment. It was surreal to spend the mornings drinking photo by Simone Cecchetti
coffee and hearing stories of his( Chet Atkins) adventures on tour!
[ WM ] You have won numerous awards over the years, but it seems like your star has launched even more in the past five years. What was it like to win a Grammy last year?
[ Tommy ] I’ m still amazed how I received my Grammy Award in 2024. I was asked to play on a track out at Johnny Cash’ s studio. His son, John Carter Cash, and his friends’ The String Revolution were recording a version of one of Cash › s famous songs. I came out, recorded my part in no time, got a few photos, and left. Next thing I know the track is nominated, then we won the Grammy for our category! Miracles do happen!
[ WM ] You have collaborated with a wide variety of music artists over the years, why do you feel like younger guitarists are drawn to you now?
[ Tommy ] I love collaborating with younger artists, and I think the internet has heightened our awareness of each other. I love nurturing young talent and trying my best to learn from them as well as share my own experience... it’ s a good and positive thing to go for!
[ WM ] How has your faith helped you handle
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