Back in the early 1990s, my brother Dan and a couple of friends saw the great guitarist Chet Atkins in concert in Waterville Valley. This was about 6 years before Chet died. His band was impeccable, and included his extremely talented "rhythm guitarist" Paul Yandell.
Here's a sample of Paul and Chet, as well as a link to a photo page of all the guitars Paul owns!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jduu37-3xco
http://www.studio9kc.co.uk/paul/guitar%20gallery%20menu.html
UPDATE: I e-mailed Paul Yandell this afternoon to ask him about how Chet met Mark Knopfler. He replied! Chet actually heard one of Mark's records and asked to meet him, and found a friend who knew a friend...