KSLA News 12 Shreveport, Louisiana News Weather & SportsShreveport musician remembers Whitney Houston

James Burton has had a front row seat to music history.  He has played with the greats and won lots of awards along the way, including a Grammy.

"I look at it as truly a blessing and a great honor," said Burton.

Elvis Presley was one of the biggest names Burton ever played with.

"Elvis was a great guy. A great talent, a great singer, and exciting to be around. When I went to work with him in 1969, I became family," said Burton.

It was while working with Elvis that Burton met Whitney Houston.

"When we opened in 1969 in Las Vegas at the International Hotel with Elvis, her mother Cissy was singing with us. She (Whitney) was about maybe 6 or 7 years old standing behind the curtain, and every night after every show she was so excited to be there," Burton remembered.

He watched as Houston transformed from the girl hiding behind the curtain to one of the most successful pop artists of all time.

"Knowing what a great talent, and just an incredible loss to the world and the music industry. I'll dearly miss her," said Burton.

Burton compared the loss of Whitney Houston to Elvis or Michael Jackson.  Jackson is another famous voice he's had the pleasure to work with. Voices he said were gone too soon.

"We've lost so many wonderful, great entertainers. I don't know what to say. It makes you want to, every day is special and we need to not take that for granted," said Burton.

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