What if the man Elvis Presley trusted above all others on stage finally spoke out? At 85, legendary guitarist James Burton has decided it’s time. For eight unforgettable years, Burton stood by Elvis’s side, answering the King’s call every time he shouted, “Play it, James.” Now, after decades of silence, Burton shares the stories that reveal the man behind the myth—stories that might forever change how the world remembers Elvis Presley.

A Guitarist Born for Destiny

James Burton’s journey began in the modest town of Dubberly, Louisiana. From the start, music flowed through his veins. He never needed lessons; his fingers simply knew what to do. By his teens, word of Burton’s soulful, sharp style spread beyond state lines. He was soon invited to play at the Louisiana Hayride in Shreveport, the same stage that launched a young Elvis Presley.

Hollywood soon called, and Burton answered. He joined Ricky Nelson’s band, crafting the iconic riff for Dale Hawkins’s “Suzie Q”—a riff Rolling Stone would later call one of rock’s most influential. Despite never being properly credited or paid royalties, Burton’s mark on music was undeniable. His reputation grew as he played with Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Emmylou Harris, and countless others. By the late 1960s, James Burton was the guitarist everyone wanted.

The Call That Changed Everything

In 1969, Burton received a call that would rewrite his story—and Elvis’s. The King was preparing for his first Las Vegas residency after almost a decade away from live performances. He needed a band that could match his energy and vision. At the heart of that band, he wanted James Burton.

Burton hesitated. He’d already declined Elvis once, too busy for the 1968 comeback special. But this was different. Elvis wasn’t asking for a cameo—he wanted Burton to help build something new. Burton agreed, and the TCB Band (“Taking Care of Business”) was born. With Burton on guitar, Glen D. Hardin on piano, Jerry Scheff on bass, and Ronnie Tutt on drums, the band powered Elvis’s legendary Vegas era.

On Stage: Trust, Magic, and the Paisley Telecaster

When Elvis stepped onto the stage at the International Hotel in Las Vegas, fans saw instant chemistry. Burton wasn’t just a guitarist; he was Elvis’s anchor. Whenever Elvis wanted to ignite the crowd, he’d turn and shout, “Play it, James!”—and Burton would deliver solos that sent fans into a frenzy.

Burton’s pink paisley Fender Telecaster became an icon. Unsure how Elvis would react to the flashy guitar, Burton was surprised when the King loved it. From then on, the paisley Telecaster was a visual trademark of Elvis’s Vegas shows.

But the partnership was about more than music—it was about trust. Elvis relied on Burton not just for flawless playing, but for reading the mood of the show. When Elvis wanted to shift into gospel or slow down for a ballad, Burton’s instincts matched the emotion in the room. Elvis gave Burton freedom on stage, a rare gift, and their bond grew deeper with every show.

Behind the Curtain: The Real Elvis

To the world, Burton was the guitarist who answered the King’s call. But to Elvis, Burton was family—a trusted partner who carried the weight of the music during the final act of his career.

By the summer of 1977, Elvis was a man torn between two worlds. On stage, he was still the King, dazzling crowds with his voice and charm. But behind the scenes, Burton and the TCB Band saw the cracks: fluctuating health, bursts of energy followed by exhaustion, and the relentless grind of touring. Yet, Elvis lived for the stage. The roar of the crowd kept him going.

Burton remembers the last show—June 26, 1977, in Indianapolis. Elvis gave everything he had left. His voice strained but powerful, his spirit undimmed. As always, he turned to Burton and called, “Play it, James.” Burton’s solo filled the arena, and for a moment, the years melted away. No one knew it would be their final performance together.

Loss, Legacy, and Moving Forward

Just weeks later, on August 16, 1977, Elvis was gone. News of his death stunned the world. Fans gathered at Graceland, mourning the loss of a legend. For Burton, the pain was personal—the friend who had trusted him with the sound of his music was gone.

But Burton’s journey didn’t end with Elvis. He joined John Denver, recording twelve albums and touring the world. He played with Emmylou Harris, Merle Haggard, Elvis Costello, and many more, proving his versatility across genres and generations.

Burton also launched the James Burton International Guitar Festival and Foundation, providing guitars and music education to children, schools, and hospitals. For Burton, music was always a gift to be shared.

The Man Behind the King: Kindness and Generosity

Burton never spoke of Elvis as just a superstar. He remembers Elvis as a friend, a brother, a man with a heart bigger than the spotlight. Elvis was kind, considerate, and deeply caring. He asked about Burton’s family, made sure his band felt valued, and gave his musicians freedom on stage.

Burton recalls Elvis’s love for gospel music. Late-night jam sessions, away from the crowds, revealed Elvis’s soul. Burton believes that, had he lived, Elvis would have devoted more of his career to gospel.

Elvis’s generosity was legendary but often quiet. He paid off mortgages, gave cars, jewelry, and cash to strangers, and supported charities like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the American Cancer Society. His Aloha from Hawaii concert raised millions for cancer research. Every Christmas, Elvis donated to Memphis charities, never seeking recognition.

After Elvis’s death, his family and fans founded the Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation, supporting arts, education, and children’s programs. Presley Place, a housing community for homeless families, and the Elvis Presley Endowed Scholarship Fund at the University of Memphis continue his legacy of giving.

A Legacy That Endures

For Burton, Elvis’s greatness wasn’t just on stage—it was in his soul. The King’s kindness, generosity, and respect for others left a legacy that endures in every note Burton plays and in every life touched by Elvis’s giving spirit.

James Burton’s stories remind us that behind the legend was a man whose heart was as powerful as his voice. That may be the part of Elvis Presley’s legend that endures the longest.