The Delta Music Museum Inducted James Burton

The Delta Music Museum in Ferriday, operated by the secretary of state's office, has added more entertainers to its Hall of Fame. The Hemphills, a gospel group organized more than 40 years ago, was honored Saturday for its contribution to that music genre, and James Burton was inducted for his blues guitar talent.

The induction of Burton, a native of Dubberly, and Joel and LaBreeska Hemphill, who pastored a church for years in Bastrop, bring to 21 the number of individuals who have been tapped for the Hall of Fame, a tribute to musicians and singers from the Louisiana-Mississippi area.

Burton began playing professionally at age 14 and later joined the Louisiana Hayride, a Shreveport music cavalcade that featured the likes of Elvis Presley, George Jones and Johnny Horton. Burton has played with Ricky Nelson, Glen Campbell, Dean Martin, John Denver, Kenny Rogers, Elvis Costello and Johnny Cash. Burton won a Grammy for best country instrumental performance in 2009.

The Hemphills have recorded more than 350 gospel songs, 27 albums and also have been inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

Some of the past inductees at the Delta Museum ceremonies include Irma Thomas, Vince Gilley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Clarence "Frogman" Henry, Aaron Neville, Jimmy Swaggart and Conway Twitty.