Texas-Based Musician Stephen Burton Dies

by Blaine Metzgar | May 11, 2009 at 03:22 pm

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Stephen Burton, renowned Texan guitarist and vocalist, passed away on Saturday, May 9, 2009. Burton was noted for his work with famed musicians Kris Kristofferson and Bonnie Raitt as well as having five solo albums to his name, including 2005's "From the Five."

Burton passed away in Los Angeles due to complications with throat cancer. The 60 year-old musician was away from his home state, Texas, receiving treatment and working as a music producer and composer for the upcoming film "Crazy Heart." Burton was also recording sessions for Kristofferson's to-be-released album "Starlight and the Stone."

Bruton got his first big break with Kristofferson in 1972 when he contributed guitars and vocals to the latter's "Border Lord" album.

He went on to work on Carly Simon's 1976 release "Another Passenger" and Bonnie Raitt's mega-selling "Luck of the Draw." His songs were covered by a wide range of artists, including Raitt, Willie Nelson, Jimmy Buffett, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings and Patty Loveless.

"Stephen Burton was the soul of Texas Music," said fellow musician and friend T-Bone Burnett.

Burton's funeral will be held in his home state, Texas, in Fort Worth.

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