Ron Burton

American jazz pianist, born February 10, 1934, Louisville, Kentucky, USA; died January 25, 2013, New York City. Burton is a pianist who began playing professionally in Louisville in the '50s. He started with Rahsaan Roland Kirk in 1953, and toured with him through the Midwest for six years. One of Kirk's earliest Argo albums included a Burton composition. In the mid 60's Burton toured with George Adams playing organ, following engagements in New York, Syracuse and Louisville, then worked in Atlanta with Sirone. Burton rejoined Kirk in the late '60s, playing with him until the mid-70s and making several recordings. He formed his own band, the African-American Connection, in the early '70s and has continued heading them at various points.