From: "jean.marc.pezet> Date: Wed Aug 21, 2002 2:55 am Subject: Born To Be With You: James Burton JAMES BURTON (By Shaun Mather) Born 21 August 1939, Shreveport, Louisiana James Burton is one of the most hallowed guitarists in rock history thanks to his picking for the likes of Dale Hawkins, Bob Luman, Ricky Nelson, Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis. On top of that he's worked countless country sessions for everyone from Merle Haggard to Emmylou Harris on both guitar and dobro. His dobro work on Haggard's tribute album to Jimmie Rodgers, Same Train Different Time, is exquisite and stands alongside Merle's voice in making it one of country music's greatest ever releases. He began playing guitar at 13 being influenced by Chet Atkins, Elmore James among many others. He developed his own string-bending style and even experimented with a couple of banjo-strings. By the mid-50s he was working for Mira Smith's Ram Records and quickly started to build a reputation. At the tender age of 15 he was playing on the Louisiana Hayride and made his first real contribution to rock music. He co-wrote and blistered his way through Dale Hawkins' Susie Q. He joined Bob Luman's band, playing hot licks on his Imperial stuff and moving with him to California where they appeared in the movie Carnival Rock. It was here that he came to the attention of Ricky Nelson who soon persuaded him to jump ship. Their time together saw Burton lay down more hot licks than a desert lizard. By 1965 he was leading the Shindogs, the house band of the ABC TV show, Shindig. When the show ended he became one of the most in demand in California, adding his touch to everyone from the Monkees to Frank Sinatra. He joined Elvis' touring band when the King returned to the live stage and remained with him until Elvis quit town. He has been a fairly regular member for Jerry Lee's band since 1987 and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in March 2001. Recommended listening: Not "Guitar Sounds of.." Cotton Pickin' with Ralph Mooney Early Dale Hawkins, Bob Luman, Ricky Nelson, 70's Elvis, 60's Merle. Official website: http://www.geocities.com/wildmanoftelecaster2002/index.htm l See also: http://www.elvis.com.au/news/articles/interviews/arjan_int _jamesburton.htm