Inspired by Chet Atkins, the man known as Mr. Guitar, Tanner Duckworth of Appling got his first guitar when he was only 11.
“I couldn’t get enough of it. I would spend all day on Saturday playing guitar,” said Duckworth, 27, whose guitar skills have landed him a permanent spot in Jeff and Sheri Easter’s band, beginning April 13 in Sylacauga, Alabama.
The singing duo has deep Southern Gospel roots. Jeff Easter’s father was a member of the Easter Brothers, and Sheri’s mother, Polly, was a member of the Lewis Family.
Duckworth’s relationship with the Easters came through that love of Chet Atkins. Every year since 2013 (except for COVID), he’s made a trip to Nashville to be part of the Chet Atkins Appreciation Society’s annual convention.
He emulated his playing style on Atkins who was known as a thumbpicker, using his thumb to play the baseline and chords while the index, middle and ring fingers play the melody. Duckworth won the Home of the Legends International Thumbpicking Competition in Muhlenburg County, Kentucky. In 2018, he was inducted into the Thumbpickers Hall of Fame as the 2018 Horizon Award Winner.
“He had a unique touch, a unique way of playing. It was a very beautiful style. There was a grace and elegance to his play. He set such a high standard for us to follow,” he said.
Through that annual convention, Duckworth met a lot of people in the music industry including Kevin Williams, the guitarist for the Gaither Vocal Band.
“He heard me play and liked what I did. We exchanged numbers and became friends,” he said.
That friendship led to meeting Jeff and Sheri Easter.
In the past year, Duckworth has played concerts with the duo when needed including filling in on a trip to Ireland.
“I’m glad to be able to play for people like Jeff and Sheri. They’ve expressed they enjoy the way I play and that I add a lot to their concerts,” he said.
He’s also played at several Gaither Homecoming events in Gatlinburg, Tennessee; Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Hershey, Pennsylvania. He also played aboard the Carnival Freedom in January/February as part of the Singing at Sea Southern Gospel cruise.
Duckworth has also recorded a few albums of his own, and he’s working on another one that he hopes to finish this year.
“I try to take songs we’ve all heard but put my own spin on them. That’s what I enjoy,” he said.
He’s also worked as a studio musician for several up-and-coming singers recording demos.
Jeff and Sheri Easter have a full calendar of dates around the country including playing at the Lewis Family Home Place in Lincolnton at 7 p.m., May 9.
Duckworth said he’s excited for the opportunity.
“I couldn’t ask for better people to work with. They are genuine people,” he said. “If they see that they can help someone, they will do anything they can.”
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News and Inspiring: Women of Augusta, has covered Augusta’s news for more than 35 years. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
