Few guitarists have made a more sustained impression on country music—and popular music—than James Burton, who blended blues and country for a signature sound. By age fourteen, he was a “Louisiana Hayride” staff musician and created the memorable guitar lick for “Susie-Q” by Dale Hawkins.
Burton graduated to Ricky Nelson’s band, where he crafted influential rockabilly licks and solos on more than forty hits. As an in-demand studio picker, he played on records for artists ranging from Merle Haggard to the Beach Boys.
He then led Elvis Presley’s band (1969–1977), followed by long stints backing Emmylou Harris, John Denver, and others in bands and on records. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame on Sunday, October 20.