2018 Artist of the Year

Mike Burton, who has toured and worked with some of entertainment’s biggest stars, grew up in a home filled with music. His mother was one of the founding members of the Mississippi Mass Choir, and his father was a tenor saxophonist.

The Jackson, Mississippi, native’s distinctive soulful saxophone performances, riveting grooves and vocal productions reflect the influence of both his upbringing and Mississippi’s culture.

Mike earned his master’s in jazz studies at Indiana University’s School of Music. After moving to Atlanta, a chance meeting with Tyler Perry led to work on many of Perry’s stage and film production

Mike can often  be heard on tour with Grammy award-winning singer Jill Scott. He’s also toured with Mary J. Blige, Patti LaBelle, Anita Baker, New Edition, and PJ Morton. He has released four independent projects, “Sojourn,” “Soulful,” “The Producer” and “Say What?”

As an Artist in Residence in the U.S. Virgin Islands, he works with middle school through college students in St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John.  

Mike and wife Razia are the parents of two daughters, Layla Kai and Caden Rae.