Talent Profile

Talent Biography

Raised on the classic Motown and Stax soul sounds of Stevie Wonder, Sam Cooke, and Aretha Franklin, Chris Burke brings his unique and velvety smooth soul to stages around the world. At a very young age, he was filled with an almost overwhelming love and appreciation for soul icons such as Otis Redding, Ray Charles, and Etta James, but also James Taylor, Bonnie Raitt, and Elton John, finding the ‘soul’ in many different places and genres. Having his mother sing Otis Redding’s ‘These Arms of Mine’ to him as a young kid not only created a strong love for the voice as an instrument but of the gritty but smooth essence of soul music itself.

Chris was born in Vermont, but has lived most of his life in the South, absorbing the charm and warmth not only of the temperature but of the people and community as well. For 15 years, Chris has cut his teeth in the incredible Nashville music scene, playing the Bluebird Cafe, 12th and Porter, and Acme Feed & Seed regularly to name a few. He has toured all up and down the east coast, and was featured on the Today Show for their version of America Idol, showcasing his smooth soul for millions.

Chris brings to the stage a professionalism and ease that only comes from years of hard work on his craft. Gritty and smooth, get you up on your feet and knock you back off of them, powerful and fun, Chris Burke brings you along on his musical journey through soul music and the Nashville connection to it.

Show Description

2x45 minute shows (plus extras for Welcome Aboard or Farewell Shows). Charts & tracks available.

Show #1. Legends of Soul

Come hear Chris Burke as he celebrates soul music in his show ‘Legends of Soul’. Travel back in time to hear the songs that created the ‘classic’ soul sound like Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding and many more. Hailing from Nashville, TN, Chris’s voice is a combination of Sam Cooke and Stevie Wonder with a little Etta James thrown in. Chris’s show ‘Legends of Soul’ is sure to both soothe you and leave you energized, bring you to your feet and knock you back off of them.

Show #2. Heart & Soul

Inspired by the classic sounds of Nashville, Motown, and his own personal life, Chris Burke’s show ‘Heart & Soul’ showcases a less traditional side of soul music. Come hear as Chris performs hits from artists such as Smokey Robinson, The Police, Elton John, and even a country song thrown in the mix, songs that you know and love from the 80s, 90s, and today. Chris’s show ‘Heart & Soul’ will once again soothe you and have you dancing in your seats, all at the same time.