Legendary Guitarist James Burton on Playing Lead for Elvis | Jukebox | Huckabee

James Burton was already a legendary guitarist who’d worked with everyone from Ricky Nelson to Frank Sinatra when he got a call from Elvis in 1969. Elvis was making a huge comeback and wanted him to help him form a Vegas band. He played with Elvis for the rest of his life. Catch this exclusive interview with Rock and Roll Hall of Famer James Burton here on Huckabee!
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#jamesburton #elvis #rickynelson #guitarmaster

[@e2go]

"Play it, James!"

[@michele2049]

Love James Burton. James Burton defines the word loyal. Elvis was proud to be with him and vice versa.

[@johnbrubaker6833]

I met James Burton for a moment in Cleveland 1976 concert. I gave him something to give to Elvis, he said he would.

[@user-yg1mh1sz8n]

The T.C.B. band was hugely under rated. And James Burton was a huge part of it's success

[@joeblough261]

I was just saying this the other day. Rick Beato was talking about bands the world will still listen to 50-100 years from now, and I said TCB baby.

[@BugzKiller]

When I watched the video of Elvis singing "The wonder of you" James did the guitar riff that was so Great! What a great guitar player he is! God Bless JB.

[@wingman48146]

I always say you can only call someone a legend or icon if they change the game, and inspire future generations. There are only a handful of guitar players that be put in that category. James Burton is definitely on that list.

[@elvispresley9632]

AMEN TO THAT!!!!!!!!!!. WHAT A" WONDERFUL MAN", AND AN " EXCEPTIONAL GUITARIST 🎸. 🎸. " TC ALWAYS PLEASE, GOD BLESS Y'ALL. 🙌. AKA JESSICAH, FROM HAWAII ❤❤❤.

[@1963Austria]

He played for the King of Rock N Roll........can only imagine what it would have been like to play for Elvis Presley. sure it was stressful.....

[@virginiashaw5719]

He is a sweet southern gentleman from Shreveport la.

[@Larry_Apodaca]

A true legend and iconic guitarist.

[@mrchips4489]

"Play it James;" Unforgettable. When Elvis said it, you knew you were in for a treat.

[@marthaashley2211]

Yes I loved it when Elvis would say play James. James was the greatest guitar player he was so handsome too. Love the interview

[@dorarobertson3608]

Yesssss❤

[@mariaaparecidadeboni7766]

Bonito,tem certeza disso😂😂​@@marthaashley2211

[@IDigRocknRoll]

I picked up my first guitar 58 years ago at the tender age of 13. Through the years I've developed into a decent player, but I've got to say that this man, James Burton, has more talent in a hang nail than I do in my whole body.. He is, without question, the best of the best. I love this man. He is an Absolute treasure. He can't be replaced, so enjoy everything this man is able to give us while he's still here. God bless you JB.

[@Mr14558]

James Burton AND Elvis Presley

[@irenesteiner7591]

James Burton a expetacular guitarrist of ELVIS PRRSLEY🎼🎵🎶❤❤❤

[@fabrocaballero3594]

LIVING LEGEND!!! RESPECT JAMES BURTON!

[@wozza2942]

James has recently had very serious health problems, so it is really great to see him out and about again.

[@KennethPermenter]

Amen!

[@krystynagorazdowska3746]

Widać na zdjęciach i filmach, że James uwielbiał Elvisa , byl jego guru, a Elvis odwzajemnial ten szacunek !!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@chucks6879]

Also played for Roy Orbinson in Black and White Night.

[@shirleyfernandes6971]

James Burton thank you thank you very much

[@t4texastom587]

What a great guitarist! You are an American treasure, James. Get well.....all the world is praying for you 🙏🎸.

[@declanbroughal795]

Viva James burton legend

[@DiverBand]

Legend! Nobody could chicken pick like James Burton!

[@betsyjonex9364]

Wow, I love James and saw him many times twice in concert with Elvis, Elvis loved him. Thanks Huckabee you made my day, I been a Elvis fan since the 50's and never got over him. His gospel was wonderful. Be Blessed

[@marionstock]

P😊

[@halinapolak7839]

James Burton wspaniały gitarzysta inni też którzy mu przygrywali byli wspaniali razem z orkiestrą i chórkiem!!!!! Tworzyli z Elvisem jedność ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@soniagardencourtreporter1173]

Love James Burton!!! Met him at Graceland in Jan. 2020!!

[@virginiashaw5719]

Announcer from the Louisiana Hayride

[@AdrianManfong-lh2ow]

Yes James I am writing to you cause you are the first guitar hero my son plays like you

[@Alex-bz9mq]

On the guitar.... James Burton! 🔥🎙🔥

[@marthaashley2211]

James Burton was and is the greatest guitar player and hes an icon and legend he was so good looking too

[@johncotner8686]

james is definitley my hero

[@johncadogan9450]

God bless you James.

[@InfectiousGroovePodcast]

I've had the pleasure of seeing James perform a few times. Absolute legend. He makes guitar look so much easier than it is.

[@yaminaburleson7130]

He makes the guitar talk to the audience 💕

[@johncotner8686]

great work james by giving the kids guitars

[@user-kv1zf1hx7x]

GOD BLESS YOU JAMES!! WHERE WOULD WE BE WITHOUT YOU!!

[@raven_ous2585]

Only the best for the best 👊👊

[@LisaSunnyDays]

I met James Burton in Vancouver Canada at a Dr. John concert. What an honour to have exchanged a few words and shook hands. I play guitar, love Elvis, and James was very welcoming. Beautiful soul. Touching to see all those guitars going to the vets. I'd give anything to have James Burton teach me that Suspicious Minds riff! Hope your voice has returned stronger than ever!! Thanks for this video Huckabee's! 🙏💜

[@elvispresley9632]

YOU ARE SO VERY LUCKY, AND PRIVILEGED TO HAVE MET JAMES BURTON, AND SHAKE HANDS,AND HAVE A CHAT😊. I TOO LOVE ELVIS, AND ELVIS WOULD ONLY HAVE " THE BEST MUSICIANS ". JAMES BURTON WAS A LEGEND , IN HIS " OWN RIGHTS " , BEFORE ELVIS " HAND PICKED JAMES " , TO BE IN HIS BAND. TOTALLY AGREE 👍, WHAT A WONDERFUL GESTURE " GIVING THOSE GUITARS TO THE VETS ". WHAT A TRULY AMAZING MAN HE IS. YOU KEEP ON PRACTISING, THOSE CHORDS. TC ALWAYS, GOD BLESS 🙌 🙏. REGARDS ,JESSICAH FROM HAWAII.

[@LisaSunnyDays]

@ELVIS PRESLEY Thank you Jessicah from Hawaii, for sharing with me, and all of us here. Oh my, did you see Elvis and James perform in person, by any chance? What an amazing experience that must have been in Hawaii! I believe Elvis fulfilled his mission many times over during his life, and James carries that in his heart, too... that honesty that touches the soul... it lives on... ❤️

[@daggen7273]

You're my favorite guitar player of all time, love from Dag. We're praying for you.

[@michaelwilson2340]

He also played guitar on Gram Parsons's albums GP and Grievous Angel.

[@WinItReigns]

God Bless You James 🙏

[@MelvinLew]

He and Ricky Nelson grew up together playing Ricky's hits on Ozzie and Harriet.

[@vicentematricardi3596]

*Un Genio !!!!!!!* ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@skee19]

one of the greatest players of all time ❤

[@stevemacerak6168]

ELVIS!! PICK GENIUS DUDE'S "JAMES BURTON " YOU ARE ONE IN MILLION COOL 😎 😀 DUDE.....🤙🤙

[@debbyschultz1729]

❤❤❤❤ This interview!

[@marnernordendal3927]

Good too see him ❤❤❤❤

[@jennifursun3303]

Thanks James and all the TCB band

[@jv-ep2tc]

this is really something unexpected and am so glad Huckabee did this interview. at the same time I would like Mr Huckabee to be reminded that he needs to review his position with regard to certain individuals who are out to destroy America.

[@TheElvisSpirit]

Mr Huckabee even wears a Elvis jacket made by Lansky. Very nice..TCB.

[@beverlykicklighter7357]

Incredible!

[@josemaurosantos1531]

phenomenal james burtom has inspired many a guitarist around the world when i first heard it i said this is what i would like to hear it was love at first sight thank you so much dude for you existing...Brazil

[@tonytrotta9322]

Great interview with the great person and guitar player - James Burton - I saw Elvis live at the Las Vegas Hilton in 1973 with James Burton playing - the greatest show too! Thanks for sharing!

[@SpringfieldGuy]

I had recently come back from basic training in the late spring/summer of 1969 when I was advised we had guard summercamp at Wendover AFB, UT. The middle weekend, I had the opportunity to go to Vegas where Elvis was appearing. As an E1, I was making $100/month; Elvis tickets were, you guessed it, $100. Instead, I opted to see Petula Clark, whose tickets were $25. I have regretted that decision in the decades since.

[@tonytrotta9322]

@@SpringfieldGuy Thanks for sharing your story! THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!

[@CooManTunes]

Play it, James.

[@franciscapereira2798]

James Burton sempre será o gênio da guitarra. Deus o abençoe 🙌

[@larryholland7192]

Awesome interview!! Awesome guitar picker!!

[@mysteriowc]

Great Guest Huck!!

[@istvannegazdag6173]

❤❤❤🥰

[@victoriawhite07able]

❤❤ James🔥🔥

[@10995]

god i saw this video on my suggestions and thought that James had died. I am so glad i was wrong. This is nothing though. Look up James Burton and Roy Orbison III or the Third. And you get to see what kind a legend he really is. Playing with Elvis' superior's grandson. An Infant Grandson at that.

[@jerrybrownell3415]

I first heard of James when he played lead guitar on Dale Hawkins 1957 hit "Susie Q ". He then joined Ricky Nelson's back up band and played rhythm guitar. Joe Maphis was Ricky's original lead guitarist. At the end of each Ozzie and Harriett episode Maphis did not appear on camera so people thought Burton was playing lead. Actually every song was lip synced and the band simulated playing. Maphis left in late 1957 and James took over lead. "Believe What You Say" in early 1958 was the first record Burton played lead on. Burton also briefly played lead behind John Denver and was the featured guitarist for Roy Orbison's Black and White Ball.

[@s13hgp]

LOVE

[@andymassingham]

Saw him a bunch with Jerry Lee Lewis during the 80’s -James and Killer bounced off each other really well.

[@kathyhenderson1950]

I thought he was at his best with "The Killer ". One of the greats.❤

[@ann3856]

Elvis made a comeback on stage in 1968. I think his first guitarist was Scotty Moore. Then he had a contract to make the movies. One of my American lady friends got complimentary tickets from him. Sandi went with Elvis and the boys (and other ladies) to his Palm Springs house plenty times. Elvis slept with her and another friend in the Hilton Hotel. He could not sleep, checking in on the girls and crawled into bed with them on each side. Elvis talked for long and she fell asleep and later her friend and finally Elvis. Next day the boys were in panic cause they couldn't find him anywhere. Eventually they softly open the door to the girls' room and found all 3 of them still fast asleep! She had wonderful times with Elvis. She went on set whenever they were shooting a movie. (Elvis HATED the poor story line of the majority of movies. He was offered a roll in an Oscar winning movie but the Colonel didn't want him to because that film crew didn't want the Colonel to be the 'assistant director', something to that effect)

[@dagmarmachova1583]

❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️

[@mgcole5586]

"Chicken Picken".... was HIS style of guitar play. His right hand fingers (ring & pinky) wore these metal picks while still holding a vinyl pick between his thumb & index finger. One of the best and Loyal to boot! "Pick it JB"

[@robertosalum4801]

A fera da guitarra james burton

[@barneymiller844]

JAMES

[@efrenbitun6693]

Anoooooo rawwwwwww

[@josemaurosantos1531]

Ótima gitarrista fenomenal...brasil

[@vanss1935]

I'm so happy to hear that he loved ELVIS (2022) ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ My favorite movie😢

[@roybeckerman9253]

Is he ok ? Brilliant musician..🎸

[@randalcolucci6833]

I find it interesting that Burton and Huckabee never said a word about John Denver. Burton toured with Denver for years and not a peep. It was said by John Denver's career-long producer, Milt Okun, said what Sinatra was to the 40's, Elvis was to the 50's, the Beatles were to the 60's, John Denver was to the 70's. Yet not a peep. Interesting.

[@margarettaylor8107]

Randall, James in other interviews discuss his fav person to work with of all was Elvis.Elvis was the entertainer of all time.Nobidy has come close to selling 4 billion records worldwide according to his recording company Sony.Elvis in Guinness of most concert attendees although his career years were half of Jackson's s and Sinatra.If you ever saw Elvis perform, you would never forget the emotionally charged experience you would fill.Elvis is considered by most big name entertainers to be the best of all.People today still idiolze Elvis.Denver is just a fond memory

[@randalcolucci6833]

@@margarettaylor8107 Got it. I suppose we all have our favorites for various reasons. Yet, with favorites come our on biases (whether we recognize them or not). You clearly are an Elvis fanatic (that's where the word "fan" comes from) as opposed to just a fan. Fans like, appreciate, and respect a talent of a performer while fanatics are over the moon about he artist they love. That is NOT a criticism at all, btw. That'a fine. You likely come from a generation just before mine as Elvis, to me, was a great entertainer but he didn't resonate for me like other singer-songwriters. Numbers of concert attendees or records sold (listen to me...RECORDS...you know I'm older discussing records) don't always tell the story of how talented a performer really is. For example, I look at performers like Gordon Lightfoot (who just died, recently) who wasn't nearly as popular as Elvis but, IMHO, was more talented than Elvis given his musical abilities of songwriting and mastery of 6 and 12 string guitars. His lyrical story telling and love ballads w legend, especially in Canada. There are other examples I could give that are polar opposites of Lightfoot that are "stars" today who make millions selling millions of albums but who put out rubbish. An example would be Taylor Swift. I know her fans would want my head on a spike but musically, she is average (again IMHO). So, again, taking nothing away from Elvis, we all have our intrinsic biases about why we "like" (fans) or "love" (fanatics) a particular artist, such as where they're from, what they stand for politically and/or socially, how attractive they are or perhaps even just their singing voice. I try not to compare artists as such as they bring very different things to the table. Would you compare Elvis and Pavarotti? I hope not as they come from different worlds of music. I just try to enjoy the music and the message (I'm a lyrics guy > a melody guy but when both blend and the singer has a voice, it's Nirvana for me). Getting back to my original post, I was just surprised not even a quick mention of Denver. After all, like him or hate him, he was a dominating figure in the 70's as Elvis was in the 50's. Be and stay well.

[@kennethcurtis1856]

They didn't mention Festus either.

[@philmetcalf9171]

@@randalcolucci6833 Maybe it's just me but, for R&R I put Roy Orbison ahead of Gordy. He was the whole package, including 'The Voice' Elvis envied!

[@christianzenkel46]

😎👍

[@francescobaiz312]

Elvis voleva molto bene a james. E sicuramente era ricambiato. Insieme erano imbattibili.

[@JohnDeCarteretElvis]

Can I have your jacket please? TCE

[@darrellsomers5427]

68 not 69

[@lamper2]

what did he get as a salary?-someone reading this knows

[@michealenochs8470]

A quick question if I may, how did Rick Nelson feel about you leaving him for Elvis Presleys band? I personally like Rick Nelson’s music better but that’s just me.

[@dondamon4669]

"Elvis was a good ole Christian boy"... Wish he wasn't and was made re brutal to people around him especially the Colonel. Wish he wasted the 69s ehen in many ways he started the rebellious nature of it. Elvis should of been headlining Woodstock, imagine him doing the sit diwn comeback special there but standing up and blowing the crowd away

[@arman6119]

Ricky Nelson - Frank Sinatra.....what about Dale Hawkins "Suzie Q" at 15 years old.....Elvis treated everybody well except Scotty and Bill?

[@JohnDeCarteretElvis]

I disliked the movie, it was inaccurate. TCE