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Introduction
At 85, James Burton Finally Opens Up About Elvis Presley
For more than sixty years, James Burton has been celebrated as one of the most influential guitarists in modern music. His riffs and precision have shaped rock, country, and rockabilly, placing him alongside the greatest names in the industry. Yet, for countless fans, his most memorable role was standing beside the King of Rock and Roll—Elvis Presley.
Now, at 85, Burton is breaking decades of silence, sharing personal memories, heartfelt stories, and truths about Elvis that he has carried privately for nearly half a century.
From Louisiana Prodigy to National Stage
Born in Dubberly, Louisiana, in 1939, Burton taught himself guitar as a child. By his teenage years, he was already playing on the Louisiana Hayride, the same program that helped launch Elvis’s career. His talent eventually drew him to Los Angeles, where he became Ricky Nelson’s guitarist, defining the sound of early rockabilly. Soon, his distinctive touch could be heard everywhere—from Dale Hawkins’ Suzie Q to recordings with Johnny Cash, Glen Campbell, Emmylou Harris, and Joni Mitchell. Critics praised him as a master of tone and restraint.
Joining Elvis and the TCB Band
In 1969, as Elvis prepared for his Las Vegas comeback, he sought the very best musicians. Burton answered the call, helping form the legendary TCB Band. On stage, Elvis would often shout, “Play it, James!”—and Burton’s flawless solos never failed to thrill audiences. His pink paisley Telecaster became nearly as iconic as Elvis’s jumpsuits.
The Final Years
For eight years, Burton stood at Elvis’s side through tours, recordings, and late-night sessions. Their last show together, in June 1977 in Indianapolis, turned out to be Elvis’s final performance. Burton later reflected that Presley was pushing himself too hard; only weeks later, the world mourned his passing. For Burton, it was not just the loss of a legend, but of a dear friend.
Beyond the King
Burton’s career flourished afterward—touring with John Denver, joining Roy Orbison’s Black and White Night, and playing with icons from Elvis Costello to Brad Paisley. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001 and the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2024, his legacy is unmatched.
Remembering Elvis
When Burton speaks of Elvis today, it’s with warmth: a generous man who cherished gospel music, supported his bandmates, and gave quietly to others. “Elvis wasn’t just the King,” Burton reflects. “He was a wonderful human being, full of heart.”