Births on February 4

Paul Burlison, American rockabilly guitarist (d. 2003)

Paul Burlison: A Pioneer of Rockabilly Guitar and the Birth of Distortion

Paul Burlison (February 4, 1929 – September 27, 2003) was a profoundly influential American musician, widely recognized as a pioneer rockabilly guitarist and a foundational member of the seminal group, The Rock and Roll Trio. His innovative playing style and early experimentation with electric guitar sounds left an indelible mark on the burgeoning rock and roll genre.

Early Life, Musical Roots, and Influences

Born in Brownsville, Tennessee, Burlison's musical journey began at an early age, deeply rooted in the rich tapestry of Southern American music. His family's relocation to Memphis, Tennessee, in 1937, was a pivotal moment. This move, prompted by the severe economic conditions following widespread floods that year, particularly the devastating Ohio River Flood of 1937 which impacted parts of Tennessee, placed Burlison directly in one of the world's most vibrant musical melting pots.

In 1938, Burlison's brother-in-law, Earl Brooks, became his first guitar mentor, introducing him to country-influenced techniques. However, Burlison's musical curiosity extended far beyond one genre. He drew inspiration from observing local performers like Jesse Lee and Juanita Denson, absorbing their unique styles. His dedication to learning led him to frequent the legendary blues joints along Memphis's Beale Street, soaking in the raw, emotive power of the blues. Even as a high school student, Burlison would venture to the outskirts of West Memphis, Arkansas, specifically to witness the electrifying performances of blues giant Chester Burnett, famously known as "Howlin' Wolf." This diverse exposure to country, blues, and nascent rhythm and blues sounds was instrumental in forging Burlison's distinctive rockabilly guitar style.

A Boxer Turned Musician: The Path to The Rock and Roll Trio

Beyond his musical aspirations, Paul Burlison also harbored a significant interest in boxing. He honed his skills at the Dave Wells Community Center in Memphis, training under the guidance of Jim Denson. His talent in the ring was undeniable, leading him to win the local welterweight championship and achieve runner-up status in the prestigious All-Navy Tournament between 1947 and 1948. It was during the 1949 Golden Gloves tournament, a renowned amateur boxing competition, that a fateful introduction occurred: Jim Denson presented Burlison to another promising young boxer, Dorsey Burnette.

Dorsey Burnette himself was a formidable athlete, achieving the title of Golden Gloves welterweight champion. His younger brother, Johnny Burnette, also excelled in boxing, earning recognition as a Golden Gloves lightweight champion fighter. Crucially, both Burnette brothers shared a profound passion for music, mirroring Burlison's own dedication. This shared, unconventional bond forged through both competitive boxing and a deep love for music laid the foundation for a close friendship, ultimately culminating in the formation of one of rock and roll's most influential, albeit commercially underrated, acts: The Rock and Roll Trio.

The Rock and Roll Trio: Innovation and Enduring Legacy

After completing his service in the United States Navy from 1946 to 1949 – having enlisted at the young age of 17 and receiving an honorable discharge – Burlison officially teamed up with Johnny and Dorsey Burnette. As The Rock and Roll Trio, they crafted a raw, energetic sound that defied categorization. Though the band released several singles, they regrettably failed to achieve widespread chart success during their initial run. Despite this, their impact on the evolving landscape of rock and roll was immense.

One of Burlison's most significant, and frequently cited, contributions to music history stems from his work with The Rock and Roll Trio. He is often credited with being among the very first guitarists, if not the first, to intentionally record with a audibly distorted electric guitar. This groundbreaking technique is notably evident on their influential 1956 recordings, "Lonesome Train on a Lonesome Track" and "Honey Hush." His pioneering use of distortion foreshadowed a sound that would become a cornerstone of rock music for decades to come, directly influencing countless guitarists and bands, including legendary acts like The Beatles, The Yardbirds, and Led Zeppelin, who openly acknowledged the Trio's influence.

Life After the Trio and Lasting Contributions

The Rock and Roll Trio disbanded in the fall of 1957, leading Paul Burlison to return to Tennessee to focus on starting a family. Demonstrating his multifaceted abilities, he successfully established his own electrical subcontracting business, which he diligently operated for two decades. However, his connection to music was never truly severed. He temporarily stepped away from his business when The Rock and Roll Trio reunited in the early 1980s, joining the burgeoning rockabilly revival movement and bringing their electrifying sound to new audiences.

In 1997, Burlison released his only solo album, which was met with positive critical acclaim, further cementing his reputation as a master of the guitar. Paul Burlison remained an active and respected figure in the music scene, continuing to perform and inspire, until his passing on September 27, 2003, leaving behind a legacy as a true innovator whose contributions helped shape the very sound of rock and roll.

Frequently Asked Questions About Paul Burlison

Who was Paul Burlison?

Paul Burlison was an American rockabilly guitarist, born February 4, 1929, and a founding member of the influential Rock and Roll Trio. He is celebrated for his innovative guitar style and is famously associated with one of the earliest intentional uses of distorted electric guitar on record.

What was Paul Burlison's connection to The Rock and Roll Trio?

Paul Burlison was a founding member of The Rock and Roll Trio, alongside brothers Johnny and Dorsey Burnette. Their shared passion for music, initially sparked by their mutual interest in boxing, led to the formation of this highly influential, albeit commercially underrated, rockabilly band.

Is Paul Burlison credited with inventing guitar distortion?

Paul Burlison is widely recognized for being among the first guitarists, and sometimes specifically credited as the first, to intentionally record with a distorted electric guitar. His pioneering use of this effect can be heard on The Rock and Roll Trio's 1956 recordings, "Lonesome Train on a Lonesome Track" and "Honey Hush," significantly predating many other famous examples.

What were Paul Burlison's musical influences?

Burlison's diverse musical influences included country music, learned from his brother-in-law Earl Brooks, as well as the blues, which he absorbed by frequenting Beale Street in Memphis and observing legendary artists like Howlin' Wolf. This blend of styles was crucial to the development of his unique rockabilly sound.

Did Paul Burlison have a career outside of music?

Yes, after The Rock and Roll Trio disbanded in 1957, Paul Burlison started and faithfully ran his own electrical subcontracting business for twenty years in Tennessee. He only temporarily stepped away from this successful venture when the Trio reunited in the early 1980s for the rockabilly revival.