James Burton will be introduced into the Class of 2024 of the Country Music Hall of Fame in the category "Recording and/or Touring Musician" during the Medallion Ceremony in October 2024.
By age fifteen, he was a Louisiana Hayride staff musician and created the memorable guitar lick for “Susie-Q” by Dale Hawkins. At seventeen, 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.
A Hall of Fame member inducts the member-elect by presenting the inductee with a commemorative medallion to be worn each time the membership gathers.
Bronze plaques bearing the inductees’ likenesses are unveiled for the first time during the ceremony before hanging permanently in the Museum’s Rotunda. Each inductee gives an acceptance speech. The remarks are always heartfelt, sometimes funny, and often emotional as the new members of the Hall of Fame reflect on their journeys to country music’s highest honor. The ceremony ends with everyone singing “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.”
Completing the class of 2024 are John Anderson, who will be inducted in the category "Veterans Era Artist" and Toby Keith who will be inducted in the category "Modern Era Artist".
“How did I find out about this amazing award? Well, I was on the phone with Keith Urban and I kind of felt that Keith was beating around the bush a bit and small talking me,” says Burton. “He then stated that he was going to hand the phone to a young lady for a minute. I thought it was a friend of Keith’s that just wanted to say hi or talk guitars. Instead, she [Sarah Trahern] introduced herself and simply said ‘Mr. Burton, you’ve been inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.’ I was completely shocked and couldn’t think of anything to say. All I remember was that my wife Louise started crying, I kept thinking that this couldn’t be real. In fact, when we hung up the call, I redialed the caller’s number just to make sure it wasn’t a prank phone call! I am so humbled and excited to be recognized in this way. So much of my career was spent playing for incredible Country artists and to now be going up on that wall with all those innovators and industry greats is just incredible.”
Elvis Presley Songs
Author-researcher, Marco Durzo published his latest book, initially in Kindle format, but for its 3rd (updated) edition is now also available as a hardcover and a paperback edition.
The book presents itself as a useful tool for reading Elvis' songs both when listening to studio songs and songs during live performances, as all the songs known so far recorded by Elvis Presley are present in it, in alphabetical order and perfectly indexed and recallable with a direct link to the initial letter of the song.
Added, for completeness of information, are the songs that Elvis Presley sang from 1944 to 1977 but for which we do not, at present, have evidence of audio or video recordings and the songs known from concert rehearsals, of which similarly, we do not have confirmation of audio and video recordings.
Also included are the songs that Elvis had rehearsed and should have sung on the tour which obviously never took place, from 08/17/1977 to 08/28/1977, following his sudden death on 08/16/1977, as well as songs that singers in Elvis’ group (Kathy Westmoreland, Sherrill Nielsen, The Stamps) sang at his concerts, plus rehearsals from 1968 to 1977.
For each song I report the authors of the song and the date Elvis Presley recorded the song, the reference to any film in which Elvis Presley sang the song or the first publication (on single disc, extended play or album).
For the songs of which we do not have audio / video recordings, I have reported the authors of the song, the year the song was recorded and the references of the concerts and rehearsals in which Elvis Presley sang the song.”
Released in the ElvisOne 'Bootleg Series' are the double CD '70... 72... 73... Fragments - The Rehearsal Tapes' and the single CDs 'Legendary Elvis' and 'Fun In Acapulco - The Alternate Album'.
From the same producers, but released on their alternate Paradise Road Records label is the the CD 'Elvis - 1970 - At The Astrodome'.
Elvis Exhibit at Arches London Bridge Extends Through September 2024
Graceland announced the extended stay of the Elvis exhibit in London.
Publicity stated: Elvis fans from all over the world have flocked to London to view the impressive and extensive retrospective Direct from Graceland: Elvis, which explores the king's life and legacy through a kaleidoscopic collection of personal treasures. Decades after his tragic death, Elvis Presley still touches people's lives worldwide. Fans say his enduring popularity is down to his authenticity on stage and this exhibition is just that - completely authentic.
Graceland and the exhibition’s promoter, Kilimanjaro Live, are thrilled to announce the initial 10-week run is now being extended through the height of summer to September 1 at Arches London Bridge, allowing fans from the UK and around the globe to immerse themselves in the life of Elvis Presley.
From the gates of Graceland, the most significant collection of the King of Rock 'n' Roll to ever leave Memphis is here for the summer, including Elvis Presley’s instruments, stage outfits, and personal belongings. Graceland Archives has assembled a powerful narrative that explores Elvis’ meteoric career, larger-than-life persona, influential sense of style, life at Graceland, and lesser-known aspects of his early years, hobbies, and personal life.
Angie Marchese, Vice President of Archives and Exhibits for Elvis Presley Enterprises says, “The overwhelming response to this exhibition is a true testament to Elvis’ enduring legacy. Curating this exhibit that resonates with so many is such an honor and a privilege. As archivists, we are storytellers, and each artifact featured in this exhibition captures a moment in time and has a unique story to tell.”
Alongside this extension, several new artefacts are making their way directly from Graceland for the remaining run of the exhibition. These artefacts include Elvis Presley’s Gibson J200 leather guitar cover. This cover adorned one of his favorite guitars and was visible on stage throughout Elvis’ rise to fame in the 50s.
Synonymous with the king, the exhibition will also include Elvis Presley’s famous TCB aviator sunglasses, which will be included in the wildly popular White Glove Experience.
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of his 1974 Grammy win, the Grammy Award and nomination plaque will be showcased as part of the exhibition's final run. On March 20, 1974, Elvis recorded How Great Thou Art live on stage at the Mid-South Coliseum in Memphis. That recording went on to win Elvis his last Grammy in the category of Best Inspirational Performance.
Elvis Presley’s fashion and eclectic style has created a part of his legacy. Additional inclusions to this exhibition are the red vest worn on set while filming his 1968 Comeback Special and his dazzling diamond and ruby ring worn on stage and featured in his concert documentary Elvis On Tour.
Little People, Big Dreams
The German version of the 36-page childrens' book 'Little People, Big Dreams - Elvis Presley' by María Isabel Sánchez Vegara (Autor), Ana Albero (Illustrator), Svenja Becker (Translator) was released by Insel Verlag.
A Dutch version, translated by Antje Schoehuys-Blaak, was released February 9th 2024 by De Vier Windstreken.
(Source: Country Music Hall of Fame / Elvis Club Berlin / Elvis Shop London / Graceland)