Not only did he release principal studio albums as a solo artist, he was a prolific and much sought-after collaborator.
His major collaborations were with Hank Snow, Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops Orchestra, The Country All-Stars, The Nashville String Band, Jerry Reed, Merle Travis, Doc Watson, Lenny Breau, Les Paul, Mark Knopfler, Suzy Bogguss, Floyd Cramer, Johnny Gimble, and Tommy Emmanuel.
He left RCA in 1982 after 36 years and signed with Columbia Records.
His discography as a producer encompasses many albums and singles for a wide range of artists.
Atkins produced records for Perry Como, Elvis Presley, Eddy Arnold, Don Gibson, Jim Reeves, Jerry Reed, Skeeter Davis, Connie Smith, Waylon Jennings, Ann-Margret and many others.