Ricky Nelson and James Burton Playing Acoustic Guitar

[@ozrob8726]

Ah! Two fresh-faced young lads about to take on the world. Such memories, such good times.

[@brianw793]

James Burton was only a teenager when he recorded the solo for "Hello Mary Lou" - one of the greatest, if not the greatest guitar solos in pop music. This was of course over 60 years ago! Big Brian

[@JB19504]

Watched it was I was like 8 years old. I believe that was one of my earliest memories of being fascinated by an electric guitar and wanting to learn to play. Long live James Burton!

[@jerrybrownell3633]

Actually James who was born in 1939 was 21 when Ricky recorded "Hello Mary Lou". Gene Pitney wrote and recorded it in 1961. Ricky's version came later in the year.

[@jsamc]

i always liked the beginning notes on the guitar solo for Neil Young's Down By The River.

[@robertwalker7046]

James lives right down the street where I was born and still live I see him still even at local citgo lol Rock n Roll!

[@robbiejenkins4379]

I love watching anyone that can play the guitar 🎸. James Burton is awesome to watch

[@peggylou1289]

Omigosh. Ricky Nelson and James Burton in 1958 playing guitar in Ricky's childhood bedroom. Rare, unbelievable, fantastic.

[@Thundergod-]

They filmed the show on a Hollywood set made to look like their home although the opening sequence shows their real home at 1822 Camino Palmero in Los Angeles....

[@ericcrawford3453]

Cool

[@floydLmiller]

Wow this is incredible..... it's so cool to see that James Burton was given a cameo role other than as part of Ricky's band.

[@bozomonster]

James Burton was 19 years old when this was recorded.

[@dlagrua]

What made James so good is that he always played his solos to fit perfectly within the song. He never tried to showboat his talent or steal the spotlight.

[@LindaTinsley-ol6zk]

James is great…never needs to showboat!

[@shizueleighhicks6174]

Agreed👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻A true musician👍

[@NickRatnieks]

James says he has to get home- he's already at home! He actually lived with the Nelsons at this time in his life, for two years- he was a minor! Rick must have got a lot of great guitar tuition!

[@TheMartinick]

James Burton, one of the best. Ricky wasn't too shabby, either!

[@zxccxz164]

they played the songs and instruments as opposed to many other shows

[@richardherron7670]

A tremendously talented duo that is real honest-to-god talent no sound mixers no overdubs no pyro tech effects just god-given talent it's like I always say if Elvis is the king of rock and roll then Ricky Nelson is the crown Prince of rock and roll James Burton a true iconic player self-taught once again true god-given talent to these two men we miss you Ricky

[@martyprice8288]

My favorite of always be Ricky Nelson as for Elvis Natalie Wood was right all he could do is sing that’s it nothing else at least Ricky wrote some of his songs.

[@1Andelina1]

@@martyprice8288 He did a lot more than sing!

[@1Andelina1]

@@martyprice8288 And James came up with the guitar riff in Suzie Q at 15 years old.

[@jimmyb1559]

James Burton is amazing. Just a kid at the time too. Talented beyond belief. Thanks for the video.

[@thomasmartinscott]

We opened for Ricky in Norfolk, NE in 1971. Randy Meisner was playing with him. I got to try on that big fur coat that he wore in the Show, later on. He was a very nice guy. He made us all feel like, if we were in the same town, we'd hang out and be friends.

[@MsYippee123]

I had the pleasure of meeting James Burton just this past Saturday. Such a nice and sweet man, so glad I was able to meet a real legend.

[@KingRiverVlogs]

MsYippee123 what’s the story? Where at? I’ve always wanted to meet him

[@db5837]

I used to watch this show just waiting for moments like this. How attentive was James Burton in accompanying Ricky's vocals, just like in later years with Elvis.

[@derekec]

Simply magic. Two legends. So much joy for us, so much joy and tragedy in both their personal lives. Prayers for James to recover and get back to sharing the gifts you've been given. Rough times but we need you.

[@5000loto]

This was probably one of my favorite shows as a kid. Used to call it Ozziet and Harriet. I agree that Rickenbacker is a gem.

[@drmguy72]

This brings great memories for me.James came over to my place and jammed with are guitar player,what a treat.Met Ricky at a party in his Hollywood hills home.The Bass player Joe Osborne was also a really nice guy.

[@ed1cat1]

James Burton's tasteful playing on Ricky's records was amazing for someone so young.

[@lendrury2771]

His guitar playing was almost like a vocalist doing a ballad. The song its up to you by Ricky comes to mind James guitar solo was soul stirring

[@terrydouglas5008]

Listen to an Interview with James Burton decades ago and he said he slept on the Nelson's sofa for several months.

[@possumwilliams2940]

James Burton... Shreveport Louisiana Legend played on over 400 albums.. guitar sessions. A true guitar playing icon.🎶🎸✝️🙏👍

[@ElectedOfficial1]

Oh what memories! I played on the Rick Nelson circuit. The Gentry sisters" I was so in love w/ Ricky, but we were shows apart.

[@Indigosnakes]

James Burton one of the all time greats!

[@YellowstoneBound1948]

Many, many thanks for the wonderful memories. James is still living. I think he resides in Shreveport

[@subatomic10]

19 years old here in 1958, in another 15 years he'll be playing to half the world with Elvis in Hawaii 1973 🎸

[@brandonsfca]

Burton was so young he looked younger than Rick here. He played for Elvis later but personally I think the work he did with RNelson was his best and most original. I pretty much love everything he did with him.

[@johnheinrich6907]

And his session work with the wrecking crew

[@axiomist1076]

Uuuunbelievable !!! I never saw this before. This is fantastic. First time I hear Jim talk way back then ; sounds like a kid ! (LoL). I'm saving this.

[@georgebur]

Hang on ... that is James Burton turning on the magic here. Burton played lead for Elvis as well!

[@sammccue1359]

+George Burrell ... James also played on a lot of Everly Brothers records. I was privileged enough to have worked with him on a few of their recordings. Another true Southern gentleman and an amazing guitarist.

[@DizzyCaj]

He also played lead for John Denver and on many other recordings by country stars. You name 'em!

[@margaretross9150]

Also played with Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris.

[@d.b.4201]

2 Legends just starting out. Sad Ricky didnt live longer to see his daughter & sons as adults. Really nice family. Thank you for posting. Love love love James Burton!!!

[@lendrury2771]

James was such a great guitarist that some of his solos actually would give me chills.

[@bebopjohn]

just great, never saw this, never knew this existed, thanks to everybody who put such great things on youtube

[@NickRatnieks]

Incredible and amazing as we are now 60 years on! It is funny when James says he has to get home- part of the script, of course, as back then, he lived at the Nelson home as he was classified as a minor and the Nelsons looked after him.I imagine that meant that Rick got some great guitar tuition. I was lucky enough to meet James at a Billy Swan concert.

[@wardarcade7452]

Mr. Burton has said that Harriet Nelson was more of a mother to him than his own mother. Mrs. Nelson even went so far as to make sure he got nutritious meals when playing concerts!

[@nathanperrine8993]

Awesome clip I always liked Ricky Nelson and I am old enough to remember The Ozzie and Harriett show which usually featured Ricky singing at the end of the show.

[@ElCid48]

this is the kind of programs I was raised on since I was very little. we were one of the first families in the street to have a tv and my siblings were much older than I so this is what I saw. I never know how much older than all were to me. to me they were just teenagers just I would become some day.

[@jpavlvs]

I just noticed James Burton is playing an Rickenbacker acoustic! Ricky has a Gibson.

[@bartonone2005]

Sharp eye! Looks like a Gibson J-200 Sunburst. Great to see this and hear James Burtons chops even at an early age. It's good to see Ricky Nelson so full of life doing what he loved best. Sad end...

[@denieledwards6893]

JAMES PLAYED A ELECTRIC RICKENBACKER ON SOME OF THE TV SHOWS WHEN RICKY SANG.

[@barbarafloyd4875]

Don't know how I happened to have these videos appear on my FB page today but I loved Ricky Nelson when I was a teenager and still do. Can't imagine him at my age but sure was a good looking young man.

[@TroubadourJuggernaut]

Wow that Richenbacker acoustic with the Ricky Nelson covering .... talk about rare !!

[@RasMajnouni]

James Burton buried 3 big stars who died young ! He spent years living in the Nelson home and then backed up Ricky Nelson RIP. Then he played for Elvis RIP a long time and later for Gram Parsons RIP

[@rallful]

+Hedgehog's Right of Passage Don't forget that he was an original member of Emmy Lou's Hot Band. (Before Albert Lee)

[@10995]

Don't forget all he did for John Denver as well.

[@RasMajnouni]

I didn't know that he backed him up too! It seems that James Burton was a kind of Angelic Blessing to them all. Taking them the last step of one journey into the next.

[@10995]

He even backed Roy Orbison during the Black and White Night Concert, that man was everywhere with all the greats. Even backed Emmylou Harris.

[@RasMajnouni]

Thank G-D we are living in a Blessed age as far as music goes.

[@debbiewashburn1000]

I recently watched this episode of Ozzie and Harriet. They were so young, Ricky only 18...James a teenager too. I loved his southern accent! Such well mannered, responsible young guys!

[@nina1823]

Both of them were great guitarists, I like the part when Rick sang a snippet of I Love You Because, I just wish he sang the whole song, thanks.

[@kathleenmckeithen118]

It is wonderful to see and hear this after all of these years. This was a great time to be alive...unlike now.

[@patrickmulvey6139]

Life was a lot simpler for sure. Couples got married after high school, bought a house, and had a couple of kids. At that time, it was considered normal, especially if one was not college bound.

[@kathleenmckeithen118]

@@patrickmulvey6139 Yep. This was the society I was born into and I liked it.

[@rickcharles6521]

Haven't heard "Trambone" since my buds and I played it it the 60s. Thanks. Ricky had a lot of talent. Saw him perform in about 1983 in a club and he looked like he was still 25. Great show.

[@johnhedges235]

Thank you so much! Two of my favorite musicians and entertainers.

[@nomiclas]

it's real neat to meet people who talk the talk and know what your talkin' about!let's forget about the whinnin'and the cryin' and shootin' and the dyin' and the bellow of the switch blade knife,let's think about livin',let's think about life!Rock on Guy!

[@VinDcator]

Absolutely beautiful! Thank you for this!

[@jesmelric]

Happy to share :)

[@charlesreyes917]

jesmelr

[@daviddavey1727]

One of the most underrated guitar players of all time!

[@emrekoc8348]

legendary musicians

[@crlguitar1]

Great talent at such a young age.... Loved watching James playing all the cool riffs behind Rick's vocals.....

[@Jubal918]

I took the opportunity to play several time with E. T. at several times in Houston and played the old tune "I Love 'Cause You're You". Brings back old times for an old man. Thank you for oft'n forgotten memories.

[@jesmelric]

+Jubal918 Happy to share :)

[@peterjason731]

ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT

[@LindaTinsley-ol6zk]

Two kids playing together❤

[@williewimmer5102]

This is absolutely glorious...

[@TuberOnTheLoose]

I have never seen a Rickenbacker acoustic guitar before.

[@HotVoodooWitch]

It was a surprise to me, too.

[@slicksnewonenow]

Those Rick Jumbo Acoustics are worth a small fortune nowadays!

[@male1952]

Every one big name wanted James. I all so like chet Akins.

[@MikeBlitzMag]

Interesting in that the band Sopwith Camel took the opening lick from this clip verbatim and used it as the intro of their January 1967 "Hello Hello" single. This clip definitely depicts two of rock and roll's absolute masters at work. Love it!

[@TheThemacgurl]

I noticed that too ! I love that song - played on KRLA in 1966 !

[@thomas100448]

Great watching Rick and James playing together. Wonder where their guitars are today

[@colkidglen8802]

I saw Ricky in San Diego at the fair grounds, I believe in 1966. He was very shy, and a great singer/musician.

[@coyotesong]

My gosh, what a terrific treat!!!! Great stuff...great!

[@hmackie6823]

Ricky,a side many never saw

[@CBSEye]

"Play it, James!". Fantastic footage! Thank you, man! - Guy Kent, the Jersey Guy

[@TheGAGGIANO]

BONJOUR A TOUS HA !!! EXCELLENT LA MUSIQUE A L' ETAT PURE J'ADORE TOUT A FAIT MON STYLE MERCI A VOUS .

[@trxncxt1281]

Ricky my all time favorite human on the planet

[@bruiser]

James Burton was first nationally heard on the original version of "Suzie Q" by Dale Hawkins. He originated the guitar licks on the recording.

[@christianboddum8783]

Pure gold!

[@chuckangell]

WOW! Thank you for this wonderful memory. Two legends I have had the honor of seeing and hearing.

[@blinko656]

I think James travels with his two sons and their band dedicated to their Dad. I think.. I did see them.

[@seanhughes1923]

James solo on hello mary lou was way ahead of its time one of the best solos of all time ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[@j.d.schultzsr.9215]

If you wanna hear an excellent interview with James Burton, look for his one hour on NPRs Fresh Air with Terry Gross.

[@GregMAtkin]

I have had the honor of meeting James Burton on several occasions. However, sadly, I never got to meet Rick Nelson. I did have the opportunity to work with Rick's son Matthew Nelson on a project that involved western artist Al Shelton (see Al Shelton's living history audio book). Al Shelton taught Rick his first guitar chords. In addition, Al Shelton made the leather guitar cover shown in this video clip. Greg M Atkin

[@eztobfree]

An absolute gem! Burton was only 15 when he created and played the guitar work on Dale Hawkins' "Susie Q". I saw Ricky Nelson in concert three times and each was an unbelievable experience I wouldn't trade for anything.

[@paulstephenson5913]

Jim was the best

[@manchadeltigre]

James Burton was born in 1939, so when he played his solo in Dale Hawkins´Susie Q in 1958 he was 19 years old. Let´s keep the facts as they were.

[@brez9091]

"They don't mess around,boy!"

[@dturner5923]

What a rare Treat ... thank you so much

[@nomiclas]

James and Ricky both rule!

[@JudgeJulieLit]

Love the acoustic guitars ... truly lyrical ... one lyre, one voice. Rick was a wonderful singer of Western ballads--as later in Rio Bravo dueting with Dean Martin, in the right cowboy relaxed, hypnotic, rhythmic style.

[@sitarnut]

Bless you for 10,000 years for posting this nectar for everyone, especially us old Beatniks....

[@tomdale1313]

miss a chance to see "Ricky Nelson" in Reno late 70's or early 80's, saw a flyer as i was going thru the Reno airport, guess he was playing a small venue

[@heleneorloff7406]

great as always brings back alot of memories

[@bobanderson2895]

One of the songs that Rick was singing I'll get along some how and then I won't want you is an old Gene Autry favorite of mine.

[@iloveallhishallmarkmovies3913]

BOTH great TALENTS!❤️❤️ 2:14

[@jesmelric]

I'm not sure if I have any more episodes with James Burton, I haven't as yet watched all the episodes that I have, I do have Rick's Chemistry Test which this is from.

[@anitadavideduo]

Wonderful!

[@MrJbaker7]

Unbelievabl!! Jack Baker NYC

[@bbbarkley1]

Even the audio quality is quite good...Great stuff.

[@holmes1978]

Classic ! Legends !!!

[@rebeccad5988]

Great Gem Love it. Thank you.

[@doobeedoo2]

Ricky's teenage voice was his best.

[@mtp4430]

Burton has a Rickenbacker acoustic guitar. I've been a musician my entire life, and that's the first one I've ever seen

[@mshuptar]

Ahh yes....playing guitar instead of studying. Some things never change.

[@DizzyCaj]

James "Brother" Burton is the best! He still lives in Shreveport, LA.

[@jamieroberts1985]

2 legends!

[@FirdaFifi]

Sounds great.!

[@naalar]

I remember this TV episode....watched in amazement with my Dad !! Larry

[@britisheagle9776]

The very young James Burton

[@larrythomas6543]

How FREAKING cool is this????

[@thomas100448]

great post! thanks so much, I've never seen this. damn, James is a great guitar player (to say the obvious)

[@tonymarinelli7304]

My absolute biggest and earliest influences. They called him the singer his guitar player. If you watch how intently he watches Ricky as they’re playing it’s very important to pay attention when you’re backing somebody up.

[@ChaliQ1]

Great shots of this playing

[@percybyssheshelly]

love it!

[@denieledwards6893]

WHEN LIFE WAS MUCH BETTER THAN NOW IN 2022.

[@jsilence418]

That was awesome and look at the Rickenbacker acoustic, sweet !

[@Birdman6569]

James Burton and Steve Cropper are pretty much why i picked up a guitar so many years ago... Sounds so sweet and funky/soulful/rock and rollful...

[@David53D]

Burton is a great picker in the old blues style.

[@Savoy209]

Notice Ricky singing “I love you because” - he never recorded it in the Studio that I know of .