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James Burton & Friends Burn Down the House With a Hot Night of Music in Nashville

by Rich and Laura Lynch

The temperature hovered in the teens but the music was too hot to handle on Tuesday, November 12, 2019 when an historic night unfolded in Music City as James Burton & Friends stormed the stage at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville, Tennessee. This three hour plus show was headlined and hosted by former Elvis Presley and Ricky Nelson guitarist James Burton. Ticket sales and VIP packages from the event raised money for the James Burton Foundation, which provides guitars to school music programs, children's hospitals and veterans.

James Burton & Friends Burn Down the House With a Hot Night of Music in Nashville

Burton is one of the most respected guitarists in the business. He played alongside Elvis, served as an original member of Emmylou Harris' Hot Band, crafted countless iconic guitar parts for Merle Haggard, The Monkees and The Beach Boys. James has also performed with Chet Atkins, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and many more.

Prior to the concert participating artists were presented with signed guitars and there were opportunities for VIPs to mingle with some of the musicians. On site was KMRelief. Their representatives shared with us that Burton uses their CBD Pain Salve to help elevate some of the aches from playing guitar. That makes sense after all since James recorded his first song with Dale Hawkins way back in 1953. Since then he has worked with Brad Paisley, Eric Clapton, Herb Alpert, Keith Richards, Linda Ronstadt and Ray Charles to name just a few. Plus, he and his wife Louise are active members in their Foundation.

James Burton & Friends Burn Down the House With a Hot Night of Music in Nashville
The Red Rocker Sammy Hagar got the long night of music rolling in Nashville.

"All these friends, we're all family, and when we get together and play, it's the happiest thing ever," Burton said of the Nashville lineup, which starred Queen's Brian May, Joe Walsh, Sammy Hagar, The Monkees' Micky Dolenz, ex- Chicago singer Jason Scheff, former Doobie Brothers guitarist Jeff "Skunk" Baxter and the legendary Steve Cropper. Other performers on the bill: Paul Shaffer, acclaimed session guitarist Albert Lee, Stray Cats drummer Slim Jim Phantom, John Carter Cash and Roy Orbison's sons Roy Jr., Alex and Wesley.

The concert kicked off with an animated take of "Susie Q" with Sammy Hagar handling lead vox, followed by the Jerry Lee Lewis classic "Great Balls of Fire" with James adding sizzling licks to the mix. Then, John Carter Cash performed "Ring of Fire". It was mentioned during the proceedings that Burton had played with all four members of the Million Dollar Quartet so "That's All Right" kept with the theme of the early part of the show.

James Burton & Friends Burn Down the House With a Hot Night of Music in Nashville
James Burton, Joe Walsh, Sammy Hagar, Brian May, Caroline Jones, Micky Dolenz and Paul Shaffer.

During his lengthy career, James has collaborated with Buck Owens, John Denver and Merle Haggard. Tracks from all three of those legends were presented by various guest configurations with a highlight being Tim Rushlow of Little Texas fame taking us down some country roads. Next, Joe Walsh joined the children of Roy Orbison for an expanded version of "Pretty Woman". Joe would be back throughout the festivities. Fans were highly pleased when he played his own "Rocky Mountain Way" with help from Brian May who thrilled the crowd with Queen songs and jams with other artists during this impressive undertaking.

James Burton & Friends Burn Down the House With a Hot Night of Music in Nashville
Maggie Rose, Vince Neil, Tanya Tucker, Jason Scheff and T. Graham Brown.

Various super groupings honored The King with "Jail House Rock" featuring Joe Walsh and Sammy Hagar being one of many high points at this historic event. Folks were also happy to see Micky Dolenz who sang two Monkees songs delighting those in attendance. As is often the case with this type of multi act concert, it ended with an all-star climax to celebrate James Burton and support his worthy organization.

James Burton & Friends Burn Down the House With a Hot Night of Music in Nashville
Sammy Hagar, James Burton, Steve Wariner, John Carter & Ana Cristina Cash and Jeff "Skunk" Baxter.

The show was a smashing musical success as it raised money for the James Burton Foundation. The organization aims to support education by donating guitars to children's hospitals and schools. In addition they have gifted thousands of instruments to veterans in an effort to help them cope with PTS. The Foundation also offers community service opportunities to high school and college students to build cooperatives among area non-profits and educational institutions.

The evening's host was the spectacularly ornate and sophisticated Schermerhorn Symphony Center located in the heart of Music City which remains one of the finest sounding venues in town. Their focus is classical music but the Nashville Symphony also features an array of concerts such as James Burton & Friends. Upcoming events include Rachmaninoff's The Bells, Holiday Hits, Kellie Pickler along with other seasonal shows.

James Burton & Friends Burn Down the House With a Hot Night of Music in Nashville
KM Relief CBD products were on promoted on site to the VIPs and celebrity guests.

Related Links: For more information on JAMES BURTON and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -- James Burton Foundation | James Burton | Nashville Symphony | KM Relief

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