Guitarist James Burton Hopes To Break World Record

Posted: 3:08 am PDT August 21, 2009Updated: 3:12 am PDT August 21, 2009
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.
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A Guinness representative is slated to attend.

Additional Resources:

* James Burton International Guitar Festival

Guitarist James Burton fails to set world record
Updated on Sunday, August 23, 2009, 14:16 IST
Shreveport: Pioneering rockabilly guitarist James Burton led an ensemble of about 800 guitar players Saturday in a celebration of his 70th birthday, but failed in his attempt to make the Guinness Book of World Records.
At the Hirsch Memorial Coliseum in Shreveport, roughly 30 miles west of his hometown of Minden, Burton led a battalion of pickers through the Elvis Presley hits "That`s All Right, Mama" and "Hound Dog."

Guinness lists the world`s largest guitar ensemble as 1,802 participants led by Andreas Vockrodt in Germany in 2007.

Burton, who is known for working with the Elvis Presley and Ricky Nelson bands, celebrated his birthday Friday.

Bureau Report