CMA Awards
With the CMA awards last night I thought I would switch from my normal blog and talk about a guy that is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and is also seen by the Rockabilly Hall of Fame James Burton. His reputation as one of the best guitar pickers in rock or country music is well known and is sought out by many artists.
His career goes back to his early teens where he was part of a radio show band, that led to him playing lead guitar for Rick Nelson from ‘58 to ‘67. When Elvis Presley had his comeback special in 1968, James Burton was asked to play by Elvis and had refused because his popularity was so big he was already invoved in too many projects. When Elvis started playing Las Vegas his first call was to James Burton, who accepted this time and would put togethet the backup band for Elvis known as the TCB Band. TCB stood for (Takin’ Care of Business). At some point in each show you’d hear Elvis say “Play It James”, he was referring the guitar solo by James. He also played with artists such as John Denver, Merle Haggard, EmmylouHarris, and most recently on an album with Brad Paisley. During the summer months in Louisiana there is a James Burton International Guitar Festival, where he also is a member of The Louisiana Music Hall Of Fame.
While he has used a many types electric guitar amplifiers his preferred electric guitar has always been the telecaster.