James Burton
- Known for
- Acting
- Born
- August 21, 1939
- Birthplace
- Dubberly, Louisiana, USA
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.
Filmography
EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert 2026
as Self (archive footage)
Elvis Presley: Meet Me In Memphis 2022
as lead guitar
Classic Albums: The Chirping Crickets 2019
as Self
Roy Orbison: Black and White Night 30 2017
as Self
Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival 2010 2010
as Self
Elvis In Concert Remastered 2009
as Self - lead guitar (uncredited)
Wonderful World 2009
as McRory
John Denver: Thank God I'm a Country Boy: Live in Australia 1977 2009
as Self - Lead Guitar
Elvis: The King of Rock 'n' Roll 2007
as Self (archive footage)
Elvis: #1 Hit Performances 2007
as Self (archive footage)
Elvis Lives: The 25th Anniversary Concert 2006
as Self
John Denver: Rocky Mountain High - Live in Japan 2003
as Self - Lead Guitar
Revolution #9 2002
as Therapist Fuller
Elvis: The Ultimate Live Collection 2002
as self
Jerry Lee Lewis and Friends 2002
as Self
John Denver: The Wildlife Concert 1995
as Self - Guitars, Dobro
Elvis: The Lost Performances 1992
as Self (archive footage)
Roy Orbison and Friends: A Black and White Night 1988
as Self - Guitar
Red Shoes In the Land of the Midnight Sun: Elvis Costello & The Confederates Live in Tokyo 1987
as Self - Performer
John Denver: Country Roads Live in England 1986
as Self - Lead Guitar
Heart Like a Wheel 1983
as Guitar Player, Tex's Band
Elvis in Concert 1977
as Self - lead guitar (uncredited)
Elvis - Aloha from Hawaii 1973
as Self - Guitar
Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii - Rehearsal Concert 1973
as Self - lead guitar
Elvis on Tour 1972
as Self - Guitar
- Elvis Live at Madison Square Garden
Elvis Live at Madison Square Garden 1972
as Self - Lead Guitar
Elvis: That's the Way It Is 1970
as Self - Musician
Carnival Rock 1957
as Guitar Player (uncredited)
Credits from TMDB.