
James Burton
James Edward Burton (born August 21, 1939, in Dubberly, Louisiana) is an American guitarist. A member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame since 2001 (his induction speech was given by longtime fan Keith Richards), Burton has also been recognized by the Rockabilly Hall of Fame and the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum. Critic Mark Deming writes that "Burton has a well-deserved reputation as one of the finest guitar pickers in either country or rock ... Burton is one of the best guitar players to ever touch a fretboard." He is ranked number 19 in Rolling Stone list of 100 Greatest Guitarists. Since the 1950s, Burton has recorded and performed with an array of singers, including Bob Luman, Dale Hawkins, Ricky Nelson, Elvis Presley (and was leader of Presley's TCB Band), The Everly Brothers, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Glen Campbell, John Denver, Gram Parsons, Emmylou Harris, Judy Collins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Claude King, Elvis Costello, Joe Osborn, Roy Orbison, Joni Mitchell, Hoyt Axton, Townes Van Zandt, Steve Young, Vince Gill, and Suzi Quatro.
23
Films
1
TV Shows
Known For
24 Credits
EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert
as Self (archive footage)
2026

Classic Albums
as Self
1997

Roy Orbison and Friends: A Black and White Night
as Self - Guitar
1988

Elvis on Tour
as Self - Guitar
1972

Elvis: That's the Way It Is
as Self - Musician
1970

Heart Like a Wheel
as Guitar Player, Tex's Band
1983

Revolution #9
as Therapist Fuller
2002

Red Shoes In the Land of the Midnight Sun: Elvis Costello & The Confederates Live in Tokyo
as Self - Performer
1987

Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival 2010
as Self
2010

Carnival Rock
as Guitar Player (uncredited)
1957

Elvis - Aloha from Hawaii
as Self - Guitar
1973

Elvis: #1 Hit Performances
as Self (archive footage)
2007