RIP Michael K Burks (Page 2 of 3)

Terrible news...

George was the first one to mention Michael Burks to Susan and I during the Hot August Blues meetup. We finally got to see him in Tampa a few weeks back and had a great time.

I got to speak to him after the show, and we had a great conversation all about his gear. You could tell he really loved talking about his R8 Les Paul and all the work he had done to it and his amps as well.

He was a really cool guy, and a great player and singer. On one of the real slow blues songs his voice reminded me of BB King. We stood right in front of him close to the stage the whole night.

RIP Michael 

I also want to give mention to another forum member, and good friend of Michael's, Bob, aka Tarus52. Bob has followed Michael for many years, won the Flying V contest MB had with a CD release, and is keeping me in the loop regarding future plans. There is great sadness today throughout the Blues community. There will be a tribute at the upcoming Chesapeake Bay Blues Festival, featuring Bernard Allison.  There will be lots of tears that day.    Cathy

I really hate this. I've been a Michael fan for probably just about as long as I've been Joe fan. Really loved his playing and his singing. Unfortunately I never got around to seeing him play. My condolences go out to his family and friends and to George as well. RIP Michael.

I was wondering about you, Deez, since Michael was a local boy for you. I'm sad that you never got to see him. Please keep spreading the word as there is a new cd ready for issue in June or July. Also, please keep an eye on your local media for me, and maybe come and post links to any additional information or commemorative details. Thanks, buddy.

From Michael's FB page:

    Bobbie Burks
    I would like to say THANK YOU for all of the posts, texts, and phone calls that I have not answered. I want you all to know that I am getting them but can barely function and trying to communicate with people is a real struggle. My Husband would be slowly shaking his head at me and telling me "Now, Lil Red just relax and do what choo gotta do. You stronger than you think." What he would have forgotten is that I drew my strength from him. He was my every breath. No matter how far away he was. God truly blessed me the night Michael K Burks sat down at my table and introduced himself. I giggled because of course I knew who he was. By the end of the evening he told me that we were going to be a couple from then on out. And we were. God, please take care of my big teddy bear. I wasn't ready to give him up, but thank you for letting me have him for 9 1/2 blessed years·

Cathy

Nice touch with the signature, Cathy. I'll join you for now.

Edit - there is now a FB memorial page here - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Michael- … 0219378459

And this from Bobbie -

Thanks for the updates George and Cathy. I was randomly the first view of your excellent video. It captured the essence of what we all loved about him. I too shed a tear watching and remembering. His stellar soul and music will be his legacy. Damn, so young!
Rick

no apology needed AH, I knew the name but had not listened to anything. You created a new fan here, just sorry it had to happen like this.