James Burton facts for kids

Quick facts for kids James Burton
Burton in 2010
Background information
Birth name	James Edward Burton
Born	(1939-08-21) August 21, 1939 (age 85) Dubberly, Louisiana, United States
Genres	Rock and roll rockabilly country country rock
Occupation(s)	Musician
Instruments	Guitar, dobro
Years active	1952–present
Associated acts	TCB Band Elvis Presley Ricky Nelson Emmylou Harris John Denver The Strangers

James Edward Burton (born August 21, 1939) is a very famous American guitarist. He is known for his amazing guitar playing in both country and rock music. Many people think he is one of the best guitarists ever!

James Burton has been honored in several important places. He joined the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001. He is also part of the Rockabilly Hall of Fame and the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum. In 2024, he was added to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Rolling Stone magazine even ranked him as number 24 on their list of the 250 greatest guitarists of all time.

Since the 1950s, James Burton has played with many legendary singers. These include Elvis Presley, Ricky Nelson, Johnny Cash, John Denver, and Emmylou Harris. He was even the leader of Elvis Presley's band, the TCB Band.

Biography

Early Life and First Steps in Music

James Burton was born in Dubberly, Louisiana. His parents were Guy M. Burton and Lola Poland. James taught himself how to play the guitar when he was a child.

As a teenager, he got a job playing in the band for a popular radio show called Louisiana Hayride in Shreveport. Later, he moved to Los Angeles. There, he joined Ricky Nelson's band. He also became a "session musician," which means he played guitar for many different artists' recordings.

In 1957, James played the famous guitar part on Dale Hawkins' hit song "Susie Q." This song became one of the most important songs in rock and roll history. Even though he helped create the song, James did not receive credit for his work on "Susie Q."

Playing with Ricky Nelson and Other Stars

James Burton played guitar on most of Ricky Nelson's songs for the first 11 years of Nelson's career. At first, he played rhythm guitar, but soon he became Nelson's lead guitarist. His first song as lead guitarist was "Believe What You Say."

In 1965, James started working on a TV show called Shindig! This made it harder for him to tour with Ricky Nelson, but he still played on Nelson's studio albums. Being on Shindig! helped James get even more work as a session guitarist. He played for many different artists without being officially named.

In 1967, James played the Dobro on a song called "A Child's Claim To Fame" for the band Buffalo Springfield. He was so busy that he had to turn down offers to join Bob Dylan's band and to play for Elvis Presley's 1968 TV special.

Joining Elvis Presley's Band

In 1969, Elvis Presley asked James Burton to join his show in Las Vegas again. This time, James said yes! James put together Elvis's new band, called the TCB Band, and he was its leader. He played with Elvis from 1969 until Elvis passed away in 1977.

During Elvis's live shows, he would often say, "Play it, James!" This was a signal for James to play an amazing guitar solo. For his first shows with Elvis, James used a red Telecaster guitar. Soon after, he bought a special pink paisley Telecaster. He wasn't sure if Elvis would like it, but Elvis did, so James used it for every show.

While working with Elvis, James also released his own solo album in 1971, called The Guitar Sounds of James Burton.

Working with Emmylou Harris and John Denver

Even while touring with Elvis, James also started playing with Emmylou Harris in 1975 and 1976. He was one of the first members of her backing band, the "Hot Band."

Just before Elvis passed away in 1977, James was asked to play on a TV special for John Denver. During the show, John Denver asked James if he would tour with him in Europe. James said he was busy with Elvis, but if his schedule allowed, he would love to.

After Elvis's death, James began working regularly with John Denver. They recorded their first album together, I Want to Live. Other musicians from Elvis's band, like Glen Hardin and Jerry Scheff, also joined John Denver's new band. James stayed with John Denver's band until 1994. During their 16 years together, they recorded 12 albums and toured all over the world. James spoke at John Denver's memorial service in 1997.

Recent Career and Honors

Burton in concert, 2009

James Burton's later career included playing with many artists like Merle Haggard, Rodney Crowell, and Elvis Costello. In 1988, he was a big part of a famous TV special called Roy Orbison and Friends, A Black and White Night. In 1990, James moved back to his hometown of Shreveport, Louisiana.

From 1998 to 2013, James played lead guitar in Elvis: The Concert. This show brought together some of Elvis's old bandmates and singers to perform live.

In 2005, James started the annual James Burton International Guitar Festival. This festival helps raise money for his charity foundation. It is held in Shreveport.

In 2007, he was added to the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum as part of a group of famous Los Angeles session players called The Wrecking Crew. In 2008, James played on Brad Paisley's album Play: The Guitar Album. He was featured on a song called "Cluster Pluck," which won a Grammy Award in 2009 for Best Country Instrumental Performance.

On August 22, 2009, James Burton was inducted into The Louisiana Music Hall of Fame during his own guitar festival. In 2010, Rolling Stone magazine announced that James Burton and Eric Clapton would play guitars on two songs for Jerry Lee Lewis's album Mean Old Man. In 2011, James was named one of "Five Living Legends of Shreveport."

In 2019, the TCB Band performed a new Elvis concert-style show with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. In March 2020, it was announced that James Burton was working with Jerry Lee Lewis on a new album of gospel songs.

In 2022 and early 2023, James faced some health challenges, including getting the coronavirus, being diagnosed with kidney cancer, and breaking his hip. But in June 2023, he led an amazing concert called "James Burton & Friends: One Night Only" at the London Palladium. Many famous musicians joined him, including Sir Brian May from Queen, Albert Lee, and Elvis Costello. In September 2023, James also played on Brad Paisley's album Son of the Mountains.

In January 2024, James Burton rode on a Louisiana-themed float in the Tournament of Roses Parade in California. Also in 2024, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Guitar Gear and Playing Style

James Burton uses different amplifiers to get a variety of sounds. He has used a Music Man 210-150, an old Fender Twin, and a 1964 Fender Deluxe. His main guitar has always been a Fender Telecaster. He started with a blonde model his parents bought him around 1952.

His 1969 Pink Paisley Telecaster became the inspiration for his own James Burton Telecaster guitar model in 1991. Later, his 1953 Candy Apple Red Telecaster inspired another special model. In 2006, the Signature Paisley model was updated with a red paisley design.

James Burton has a unique way of playing the guitar. He uses a regular pick and a fingerpick on his middle finger. For some of his early recordings, he used banjo strings for the first four strings of his guitar. This allowed him to bend the strings more easily. This is how his famous "chickin' pickin'" style was born! His guitar strings are now specially made with specific thicknesses.

Planned Museum

The James Burton Foundation is a non-profit group that is building the "James Burton Guitar and Car Museum" in Shreveport. This museum will show off James's collection of guitars and classic cars. It will also feature items from some of his famous friends.

Collaborations

See also

In Spanish: James Burton para niños

• Hybrid picking