Guitarist James Burton celebrates 70th birthday with festival, attempt to break world record

Guitarist James Burton hopes to break world record

SHREVEPORT, La. — Guitarist James Burton, known for his work with the Elvis Presley and Ricky Nelson bands, plans to celebrate his 70th birthday Friday with a party, followed by an attempt Saturday to break a world record for mass guitar ensemble.

The Guinness Book of World Records lists the world’s largest guitar ensemble as 1,802 participants led by Andreas Vockrodt in Germany in 2007. Burton will attempt to beat that record during the James Burton International Guitar Festival in Shreveport, La. He will lead an ensemble of guitarists to the Elvis Presley hits “That’s All Right, Mama” and “Hound Dog” for at least five minutes.

A Guinness representative is slated to attend.

On the Net:

James Burton International Guitar Festival: www.jamesburtonmusic.com