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Ricky Nelson: James Burton
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Ricky was increasing dissatisfied with the session musicians provided for his recording sessions. He decided to form his own band of younger players after a near disastrous tour of the Midwest during which the promoter hired local musicians to back him. After hearing a demo of "Red Hot" by Bob Luman, another Imperial recording artist, Ricky contracted Luman' bass player James Kirkland and guitarists James Burton. After a brief work out they were hired to perform as his TV band. A short time later Richie Frost was added on drums with Gene Garf on piano.Burton had been an original member of Dale Hawkin's combo on "Susie-Q," before joining Luman. Frost was a session drummer who had worked on the musical score for the Nelson's show.
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Ricky knew the music. He was an obvious fan of Sun Records' Memphis rock 'n' roll; Carl Perkins was a special favorite. He found guitarist James Burton and bassist James Kirkland playing with Texas rockabilly man Bob Luman and lured them away with the promise of a regular paycheck. Burton, who had already etched himself into rock history by playing the guitar part on the original recording of "Suzie Q" by Dale Hawkins, moved into the Nelsons' Hollywood home and became Ricky's creative collaborator. He was only a year older than Nelson, but his guitar playing -- and the prominent role it played in Nelson's music -- made him one of the three great stylists of early rock guitar.
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Personnel include: Ricky Nelson (vocals, guitar); James Burton (guitar). Although the differences between this 2005 Capitol GREATEST HITS collection and its 2002 counterpart may seem slight (the two sets do share many of the same tracks), the former is credited to the singer's teen-idol name, Ricky Nelson, while the latter uses the more adult moniker of Rick Nelson. Consequently, the 2005 compilation features more of charming actor/vocalist's early work, focusing on material from the late 1950s and early '60s. During this time, Nelson moved from light rockabilly ("Stood Up" and "Believe What You Say") to winsome ballads ("Poor Little Fool" and "Lonesome Town"), revealing a talent that went deeper than his manicured TV persona. Though both Capitol GREATEST HITS discs are excellent, this is the one for fans seeking more of Nelson's initial recordings.
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Nelson really hit his stride, though, with mid-tempo numbers and ballads that provided a more secure niche for his calm vocals and narrow range. From 1957 to 1962, he was about the highest-selling singer in the U.S. except for Elvis, making the Top 40 about 30 times. "Poor Little Fool" and "Lonesome Town" (1958) were early indications of his ballad style; in the early '60s, "Travelin' Man," "Young World," "Teen Age Idol," and other hits pointed to a more countrified, mature style as he honed in on his 21st birthday (by which time he would shorten his billing from "Ricky" to "Rick"). He could still play rockabilly from time to time, the most memorable example being "Hello, Mary Lou" (co-written by Gene Pitney), with its electrifying James Burton solos.
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Along with the move to Imperial came a toughening-up of the Nelson sound. First Chudd helped assemble an all-important band with James Kirkland (later replaced by Joe Osborne) on bass, Butch White (later replaced by Ritchie Frost) on drums, Gene Garth on piano and James Burton on lead guitar. The band had previously backed Bob Luman and were all rockabilly players par excellence.
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Despite the promotional aspects of his career, it is clear that Nelson knew and loved music, and was a creditable performer before he became a teen idol, largely due to his parents' musical background. In addition to guitar, he ... played drums and the clarinet. (He showcased his drum skills in the same episode where he made his singing debut.) Unlike many teen idols of the time, Nelson showed his personal taste in working with strong musicians, including James Burton, Joe Maphis, The Jordanaires, and Johnny and Dorsey Burnette. While Elvis may have served as the catalyst for Rick's musical career, his real inspiration came from none other than Carl Perkins.
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