Mayfield native to be inducted into Kentucky Music Hall of Fame

A Mayfield native who was Chet Atkins' band leader will soon be inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame.

Paul Yandell will be posthumously inducted into this year's class on October 28th. 

Yandell, who passed away in 2011 at the age of 76,  received the last Certified Guitar Player degree from the Chet Atkins estate. He is one of only five people in the world to receive that honor. 

Yandell played fingerstyle, a style he learned to play from neighbors which was influenced by Chet Atkins and Merle Travis.

He began his career in 1955 with the Louvin Brothers before serving in the Army from 1959 to 1961. He toured and played with Kitty Wells, Johnnie Wright, George Hamilton IV, and Jerry Reed. Paul joined Chet Atkins in 1975 and remained as his band leader for 25 years.

Yandell also produced an instructional video called Fingerstyle Legacy and would become a consultant for Gretsch Guitars. 

Mr. and Mrs. Fred Gretsch will be on hand, as well as country star Steve Wariner to induct Yandell at this year's ceremony.

The induction ceremony will be held at the Renfro Valley Entertainment Center and is open to the public. Tickets are still available at www.renfrovalley.com or by calling 1-800-514-3849. 



PHOTO - Kentucky Music Hall of Fame & Museum Facebook