12 Facts About Michael Burks

Michael Burks was an American electric blues and soul blues guitarist, singer and songwriter.

Michael Burks was the son of the bassist, Frederick Burks.

Michael Burks was nominated five times for a Blues Music Award and, in 2004, Living Blues presented him with the Critics' Award for Best Guitarist.

Michael Burks was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States, and had a musical heritage.

Michael Burks's father played the bass guitar, and performed with Sonny Boy Williamson II, while his grandfather had played in a delta blues style.

Michael Burks junior had learned to play the guitar by the age of five, and first played on stage in his cousin's band.

Michael Burks continued to play at local clubs and music festivals, until 1997, when he recorded and produced his debut album, From the Inside Out.

Michael Burks was a regular performer at the King Biscuit Blues Festival.

Michael Burks appeared at Memphis in May in 2004 and 2009.

Michael Burks had completed recording his fifth album, which was due to be released in July 2012.

Michael Burks was shortly after pronounced dead from a heart attack, at a hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, aged 54.

In 2013, Michael Burks took the Blues Music Award "Contemporary Blues Album of the Year" and "Album of the Year" categories with his posthumous release, Show Of Strength.