Al Atkins

lead vocals

b. 1947 in West Bromwich

Founded Judas Priest

Chester Burton Atkins (June 20, 1924 – June 30, 2001), nicknamed "Mister Guitar" and "the Country Gentleman", was a fingerpicking guitar player, arranger and producer who, along with Owen Bradley and Bob Ferguson, created the Nashville sound, the country music style which expanded its appeal to adult pop music fans. He was primarily a guitarist, but he also played the mandolin, fiddle, banjo, and ukulele, and occasionally sang. Atkins's signature picking style was inspired by Merle Travis. His other major guitar influences were Django Reinhardt, George Barnes, Les Paul, and, later, Jerry Reed.

Early life

Atkins formed what would become Judas Priest in 1969. With a wife and young daughter to support, Atkins was forced to drop out of Judas Priest "to get a 9-to-5 job" in May 1973. Atkins' position as lead vocalist was succeeded by Rob Halford. With Atkins out of the group, no founding members of the band remained (original members Brian "Bruno" Stapenhill, and John Partridge had left the band in 1970, and John Perry committed suicide in 1969). Atkins received writing credits on the first two Judas Priest albums Rocka Rolla and Sad Wings of Destiny. As of 2012, Atkins fronts the band Atkins/May Project, which also features guitarist Paul May. A press release dated 21 May 2011 stated that Atkins would be contributing session vocals for the heavy metal opera project, Lyraka. In 2013, Atkins recorded a solo album of his favorite songs written between his days in Judas Priest and his Holy Rage days.