At just 14 years old, James Burton was already playing professionally, launching a career that would eventually make him one of the most influential guitarists in country and rock music.
Born Aug. 21, 1939, in Dubberly, Louisiana, Burton turns 87 this year. Over more than seven decades, he has played alongside some of the biggest names in music, from Ricky Nelson and Merle Haggard to Emmylou Harris and Elvis Presley.
The guitarist’s distinctive Telecaster sound earned him a reputation as one of the most important session and touring musicians of his generation. His career has also earned him inductions into both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Country Music Hall of Fame.
James Burton Was Just 14 When He Helped Create ‘Susie Q’
Burton’s career began remarkably early.
His parents bought him a Fender Telecaster when he was 13, and he quickly taught himself to play by listening to records and the radio. Within a year, he was performing professionally and had joined the staff band of the Louisiana Hayride in Shreveport.
At 14, Burton began working with fellow Louisiana musician Dale Hawkins. Burton had written an instrumental guitar piece that Hawkins later set to lyrics, creating what became “Susie Q.”
The song became a national hit in 1957, giving Burton his first major recording credit and showcasing the distinctive guitar style he had developed as a teenager.
Burton’s early style combined country, blues and rockabilly influences. He developed what became known as “chicken pickin’,” a sharp, percussive approach that would become a defining part of the country guitar sound. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame credits him with inventing the style.
James Burton Became Ricky Nelson’s Guitarist
Burton’s next major break came through Nelson.
While Burton was working in Los Angeles, Nelson heard him playing and recruited the teenage guitarist for his band. Burton joined Nelson in 1958 and remained with him for several years, playing on recordings including “Hello Mary Lou,” “Travelin’ Man” and “Believe What You Say.”
Burton’s playing quickly attracted attention from other musicians. According to the Country Music Hall of Fame, Keith Richards once said that when he went to the record store, he didn’t buy Nelson records, he bought Burton’s records.
Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin reportedly carried a photo of Burton in his wallet.
Burton continued developing his reputation as a studio musician, eventually becoming part of Los Angeles’ famed Wrecking Crew and working on recordings with artists including the Beach Boys, Sonny & Cher and the Mamas & the Papas.
Elvis Presley Called James Burton ‘The Greatest Guitar Player’
Perhaps Burton’s most famous musical partnership came with Presley.
Presley had noticed Burton’s playing years earlier and originally asked him to participate in his 1968 comeback television special. Burton couldn’t take the job because he was recording with Frank Sinatra, but Presley came back with another offer the following year.
In 1969, Presley asked Burton to put together and lead a new band for his return to live performances in Las Vegas.
Burton agreed and became the leader of Presley’s TCB Band. He would remain with Presley until the singer’s death in 1977.
Burton’s signature pink paisley Telecaster became part of the band’s visual identity, while his guitar work became an important component of Presley’s later live sound.
And Presley made no secret of how highly he regarded his guitarist.
When introducing Burton to an audience, the King called him “the greatest guitar player I have ever heard.”
James Burton Played on Hits by Merle Haggard and Emmylou Harris
Burton’s résumé extended far beyond rock and roll.
He became an important figure in the Bakersfield country sound, recording with Buck Owens and Haggard. His credits with Haggard include “Swinging Doors,” “Branded Man,” “Sing Me Back Home,” “Mama Tried” and “Workin’ Man Blues.”
He also became a key member of Harris’ Hot Band after Gram Parsons‘ death, having previously played on Parsons’ albums GP and Grievous Angel.
Over the years, Burton worked with an extraordinary list of artists, including John Denver, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, the Everly Brothers, Johnny Cash, Elvis Costello and many others.
His playing crossed genre lines because Burton never seemed interested in simply repeating himself. His approach was built around finding the right sound for whatever artist he was accompanying.
James Burton Was Inducted Into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2024
Burton’s influence has earned him some of music’s highest honors.
He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2001, with Keith Richards serving as his presenter.
He was also inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame as a member of the Wrecking Crew and received a Grammy Award in 2009 for his performance on Brad Paisley’s “Cluster Pluck.”
Then, in 2024, Burton was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in the recording and/or touring musician category.
Even after decades of performing and recording, Burton has continued giving back through the James Burton Foundation, which supports music education by providing guitars and instruction to schools, hospitals and community organizations.
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