A member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame since 2001 (his induction speech was given by longtime fan, Keith Richards), James Burton's pioneering contributions have also been recognized by the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. Critic Mark Demming writes that "Burton has a well-deserved reputation as one of the finest guitar pickers in either Country or Rock... [Burton is] one of the best guitars players to ever touch a fretboard."

Since the 1950s, Burton has recorded and performed with an array of notable singers, including Rick Nelson, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Dale Hawkins, John Denver and Elvis Costello.