Thomas Russell Durden (December 15, 1919 – October 17, 1999) was an American steel guitarist and songwriter, who is most notable for co-writing Elvis Presley's breakthrough hit, "Heartbreak Hotel".

He performed with the Westernaires as steel guitarist, and in the early 1950s, after moving to Gainesville, joined country band Smilin' Jack Herring and his Swingbillys.

Durden took the half-written lyrics to his friends and occasional songwriting partners Mae Boren Axton - who worked as a part-time disc jockey and publicist for Colonel Tom Parker's client Hank Snow - and Glenn Reeves.

While Reeves thought the idea of the "lonely street" leading to a "heartbreak hotel" was not worthy of a song and turned down the offer of a co-writing credit, Axton composed a tune, and recorded an initial version with Durden.

[2][3] Although Durden continued to write songs with Axton and Reeves, including "Honey Bop" which was recorded by Wanda Jackson in 1958, none had anything approaching the success of "Heartbreak Hotel".