James got a call from Elvis in 1969, asking him to put up a band for his Las Vegas engagement.
The first person he called was pianist Glenn D. Hardin, a fellow Shindog, who turned him down. He then called Larry Muhoberac. James was also turned down by drummer Richie Frost a fellow Ricky Nelson band member. He had recently worked with bass player Jerry Scheff. Scheff didn't want to do it, but he went to the auditions and was just blown away by Elvis' performance. John Wilkinson, the rhythm guitarist had agreed to do it. The only musician they needed was a drummer. James assumed it would be a session player called Gene Pello, but Muhoberac told James about Ronnie Tutt, with whom he had worked with in Dallas. Ronnie Tutt auditioned and got the job.

July 18, 1969: In James Burton’s recollection, "Right off the bat we probably learned 150 songs over six nights of work".

It was obvious that Elvis really admired James. During his '69 performances, he always introduced James as his favourite guitar player.

One night, a little Asian girl came up to the stage, and Elvis asked her if she wanted a scarf or a kiss. She said no. Elvis than asked, "What do you want?" The girl said: "James Burton." Elvis started to laugh, and then walked her over to James, who gave her a kiss. After that, she asked Elvis for a scarf and a kiss.

Standing Left to Right: David Briggs, Norbert Putnam, Elvis, Al Pachuki, Jerry Carrigan
Below: Felton Jarvis, Chip Young, Charlie McCoy and James Burton after the sessions at RCA's Studio B, Nashville Tennessee, June 1970.

James didn't only play his Pink Paisley guitar on stage with Elvis. He used at least 4 different guitars. His Maple Red Tele, which he used on Ricky Nelson's records, the Pink Paisley, which was given to him by Fender in 1969, the carved Tele and a Blonde Telecaster.

Never Been To Spain from the album Burning Love.