James Burton has had the most incredible career and shows little sign of stopping at 83.
The rock legend has worked with all the greats, including the late Tina Turner, and is the only guitarist to have played with all four members of the Million Dollar Quartet and the Rat Pack.
Ahead of his highly-anticipated UK show next week, the musician spoke exclusively with Express.co.uk about the joy of working with Elvis Presley as his TCB guitarist across the Las Vegas years and those iconic concerts.
He recalled: “All the shows were fantastic and sold out. I don’t think there was any show that wasn’t sold out that I recall.”
READ MORE: Elvis final years photos with lover Linda Thompson who was ‘erased’ from biopic
Asked what Elvis was like in private, Burton shared: “Working with Elvis was a real treat. The guy was such a fantastic person, a great entertainer and couldn’t do any wrong. We were always there for him and he there for us. He was a wonderful guy.” He joked: “If only he could sing, that was the only problem that we had!”
Asked what his favourite Elvis concert was, he admitted 1973’s Aloha from Hawaii via Satellite, adding: “It had a lot to do with the atmosphere.”
The 83-year-old is planning on playing tribute to The King at James Burton and Friends UK on Sunday June 4, 2023 at the London Palladium.
Burton teased he hopes to be performing Little Sister, Suspicious Minds and Heartbreak Hotel. Meanwhile, Queen legend Sir Brian May will open the show with him in a duet of Suzie Q and Hello Mary Lou.
Elvis’ guitarist shared: “I’m excited. We’ve got some great people and it’ll be fantastic.”
Another big feature of the show will be a Glen Campbell tribute alongside Steve Wariner. Van Morrison, Albert Lee, Jeff “Skunk” Baxter and more surprise guests will also be performing in a concert that will transport the audience back across six decades of music.
Elvis’ guitarist added it was a “real pleasure” that every seat sold will be going towards his charity.
His team shared: “Proceeds from the show will go to The James Burton Foundation, a non-profit organisation that supports music education for those in need through guitar donations and music instructions. Over the years, the Foundation has given thousands of guitars to schools, children’s and veterans’ hospitals, and other organisations. The success of this event will allow the Foundation to expand its music education program, facilities, and partnerships.”
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