FUN GUITARIST PROFILE: JAMES BURTON

James Burton

"Session Guitarist to the Stars"

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(Our Series Concludes in 2 Weeks)
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James Burton is by anyone's estimation the "guitarist to the stars". A master of both country and rock and roll guitar, James Burton's career as a guitarist began at age 14. Two years later, he wrote the music for “Suzie-Q” and began a 9-year run as lead guitarist for Rick Nelson on televisions "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet". In 1969, Burton was enlisted by Elvis Presley to assemble a top-notch road band called The TCB Band ("Takin' Care of Business), remaining with Presley until the “Kings” death in 1977. James Burton is featured on an astounding 257 released albums. Here is a list of the wide variety of artists James worked with: Judy Collins; Johnny Cash; Elvis Costello; John Denver; The Everly Brothers; Arlo Guthrie; Emmylou Harris; Jerry Lee Lewis; Rebecca Lynn; The Monkees; Willie Nelson; The Oak Ridge Boys; Roy Orbison; Buck Owens; Gram Parsons; Johnny Rivers; Nancy Sinatra; Neil Young; Harry Nillson; Dale Hawkins; Mama Cass; Roger Miller; Joni Mitchell; Merle Haggard; Duane Eddy; Hoyt Axton; Buffalo Springfield; Kim Carnes; Mark Collie; Rosanne Cash; J.J. Cale; Del Fuegos; George Jones; Sammy Johns; Chris Hillman; Nicolette Larson; Amanda McBroom; Michael Nesmith; John Phillips; The Tractors; Travis Tritt; Townes Van Zandt; Ian Whitcomb; Billy Joe Shaver; Jann Brown; Shawn Camp; Casinghino Seven; Freddy Cannon; and Tony Sheridan.

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In 1987, Roy Orbison did a highly acclaimed television special which was stunningly filmed in Black and White (featured here on "Friday Movie Suggestion Night" and called "A Black and White Night"). Elvis Presley's TCB Band was the back up band with, of course, James on lead. Other guests were, Elvis Costello, Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne, Tom Waits, Bonnie Raitt and Jennifer Warnes. "It's not every day that you get to sing harmony with Roy Orbison and play guitar next to James Burton", said Springsteen after the show.

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After 45 years in the recording business, James was inducted into The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame by Keith Richards, Rolling Stones guitarist and a long time Burton fan. In March, 2007 came James' Guitar Festival in Shreveport. This 3-day benefit featured artists like Steve Cropper (Sam & Dave and "The Blues Brothers"), Nelson, Brad Paisley, Bruce Kulick ex-lead guitarist with KISS and Mark Farner, ex-of Grand Funk Railroad. James is also among the final 4 guitarists as we conclude "Fun Guitarist Profiles" in August. The proceeds went to The James Burton Foundation, which provides musical scholarships and instruments to children and young adults.