The James Burton Foundation in Shreveport, La., recently delivered guitars and equipment to the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System Volunteer Services.
"The guitars will be used to further musical study and facilitate healing for the veterans at CAVHS suffering from PTSD and other illnesses. The Burtons became aware of the need at CAVHS through their long-time friend Belinda Meacham Jones, United States Daughters of 1812 VAVS Deputy assigned to CAVHS," a news release said.
The foundation has given thousands of guitars to schools, and children's and veterans' hospitals.
The release said Burton received his first guitar at the age of 13, and by 14 he was performing professionally. "Self-taught, he has stated his teacher was God and God has led him in his musical career," it said.
By the age of 16, he was lead guitarist for Ricky Nelson and performed on the "Ozzie & Harriet" show. "Ozzie Nelson, a musician himself, recognized in Burton his unique style, 'chicken pickin'.' Most acknowledge that James Burton is the godfather of the technique, and he brought chicken pickin' to a wide audience earlier than anyone," the release said.
"Burton, with his unique style went on to be Elvis Presley's lead guitarist and performed with many top musicians including The Everly Brothers, The Monkeys, Merle Haggard, Hoyt Axton, Gram Parsons, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Costello, Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash, John Denver, Norah Jones, Keith Richards, Bruce Springsteen, Joni Mitchell and many others," it said.
With a lifetime of successes and wanting to give back, in 2007 Burton and wife Louise founded the James Burton Foundation. Its mission is to support music education for those in need through guitar donations and music instruction to schools, hospitals, and community service organizations.
"Learning to play the guitar brings the therapeutic power of music into a veteran's life, giving many veterans a new approach to care. The healing power of music promotes wellness by providing an outlet for stress and anxiety. Many veterans are finding learning to play the guitar greatly improves their concentration and focus in addition to improving memory function," the release said.