Keith Richards makes surprise appearance to induct Elvis Presley guitarist at Country Hall of Fame

22 October 2024, 16:43

"We made it, James."

That's what Keith Richards uttered to one of his musical heroes, James Burton, after surprising him during the latter's induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

The Rolling Stones legend could be referring to the pair's age generally, or the fact they've helped inspire countless generations of music individually.

And it was Burton's turn for the plaudits on this occasion, with the "innovative chicken-pickin'" guitarist on the list of 2024's inductees, who was notably Elvis Presley's former guitarist.

Having already been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001 (with longtime fan Keith Richards giving his induction speech then) it was time for another accolade.

Nobody in attendance at Nashville's CMA Theater could believe their eyes when Richards himself stepped on stage to honour his idol.

With Emmylou Harris, the Eagles' Vince Gill, and current Rolling Stones drummer Steve Jordan in the on-stage lineup, Richards joined them for a rendition of 'I Can't Dance'.

Richards both offered some vocals and took on lead guitar duties on the track, which Burton covered with Gram Parsons on the latter's 1974 album, Grievous Angel.

Before he appeared, honouree Burton had no clue that Richards would appear.

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum CEO Kyle Young kept it completely under wraps until he staggered on stage.

Keith Richards guitar solo 2024 - He Surprises Nashville at Country Music Hall of Fame Induction

Elvis Costello also later led a cover version of Ricky Nelson's 'Believe', a hit that Burton also played on in 1958.

"What a surprise. They’re all my heroes, all these guys I work with," Burton said. "And I want to thank God for giving me a small part of being with these people. I'm so honoured; I love them all."

As Costello kicked off his performance, Richards put his arm around Burton and said: "We made it, James."

He later led an all-star jam at the ceremony, which saw performances from country stars from past and present including Post Malone, Eric Church, Lucinda Williams, and Brad Paisley.

Since the fifties when he started his career as a teenager, James Burton has performed with a stellar list of artists.

Johnny Cash, The Everly Brothers, Glen Campbell, Joni Mitchell, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, Townes Van Zandt, Suzi Quatro, John Denver, Dale Hawkins, Judy Collins, you name it, Burton has played with them.

His most famous musical contributions however were as the bandleader for Elvis Presley's TCB Band.

A Louisiana native, Burton recorded and toured alongside Presley from 1969 until his tragic death in 1977.

Burton also featured on Beach Boys' albums, a Buffalo Springfield album, and half a dozen of The Monkees' albums, all the while playing with numerous country artists.

"He made an impact on the world with his playing and he was quite the showman," Gill said while honouring Burton, a bonafide legend of guitar.