He is most famous as a guitar player and has played with many famous singers including : Ricky Nelson , Elvis Presley , Johnny Cash , Merle Haggard , John Denver , Jerry Lee Lewis , Elvis Costello , Roy Orbison , Joni Mitchell and the Everly Brothers . Since the 1950s , Burton has recorded and performed with an array of notable singers , including Bob Luman , Dale Hawkins , Ricky Nelson , Elvis Presley , Johnny Cash , Merle Haggard , John Denver , Gram Parsons , Emmylou Harris , Jerry Lee Lewis , Claude King , Elvis Costello , Joe Osborn , Roy Orbison , Joni Mitchell , Vince Gill and Allen `` Puddler '' Harris .