It’s time to celebrate the memory of one of the pioneers of rock ‘n’ roll guitar playing. The American guitarist Paul Burlison (1929-2003) was born 97 years ago today. He was a member of The Rock ‘n’ Roll Trio from 1951 until 57. Also known by other names. the band had success on the live circuit, but the few records they released did not do much in the charts.
Still, some of the songs The Rock ‘n’ Roll Trio did record have become standards in rock music, covered by the likes of The Beatles, The Yardbids, Aerosmith, The Cramps and Motörhead.
After the split Paul Burlison retired from music. He started a family and ran a small company in electricity for over 20 years. Then in the early 1980’s he retuned to music and was part of a few rock ‘n’ roll revival bands in the years to come. In 1997 he released his only solo album, with guests from bands like The Band, Los Lobos, The Staple Singers and The Fabulous Thunderbirds.
Many guitarists have cited Paul Burlison as one of their influences, among them “the Holy Trinity” from the British Blues Boom (Beck, Clapton and Page). In 2003 Paul Burlison passed away afte a long battle with cancer. To his memory, here is what may be the Rock ‘n’ Roll Trio’s best known song 
The Johnny Burnette Trio - The Train Kept A-Rollin’ (1956)
