Jo Lynn Burks

Biography

Ms. Burks received a Bachelor of Performing Arts in Music from the University of Alabama (where she also won the title of Miss University of Alabama).  She then received a Master of Musical Theatre Degree from the University of Miami, FL (where she was also honored to hold the title of Miss University of Miami).

Jo Lynn Burks now wears many hats as a Musical Director, Orchestrator, Singer, Pianist, and teacher.

 As a keyboard player/singer, Jo Lynn Burks has toured with Gladys Knight, with Lead Singers of the TEMPTATIONS, a solo tour with Roger Daltrey of The Who, and with many Nashville touring artists including Laura Bell Bundy.  Solo pianist/singer engagements included  New York City’s The Carlyle, the Waldorf-Astoria, The Plaza, and fun, Pat O’Brien’s in New Orleans.

On Broadway, she originated a principal role in Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story.  Other Broadway musician credits include Smokey Joe’s Café, Hairspray, The Full Monty, All Shook Up, and The Color Purple.  Jo Lynn’s national tours include Fame, Mamma Mia,  Smokey Joe’s Café,  Jesus Christ Superstar, Hair, and “Fred Waring & The Pennsylvanians.”

Regionally, her work has been seen at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, North Shore Music Theatre, Denver Theatre Center, Seattle’s 5^th Avenue Theatre, and Studio Tenn.

Along with music-partner Daryl Glenn, Ms. Burks’ NYC cabaret show entitled Robert Altman’s Nashville won New York’s “Triple Crown” of Cabaret: the Nightlife Award,   Bistro Award, and MAC Award.

Television credits include All My Children, One Life to Live, Nashville Now, and many National Broadcasts of “Christmas at Belmont” on PBS, as M.T. Conductor and Arranger.

In her young years, Jo Lynn sang and danced her way through several shows at Opryland, right here in Nashville.

Mss. Burks serves as Resident Musical Director and as a Voice professor in Belmont University’s Musical Theatre and Commercial Voice Departments. 

Ms. Burks teaches Master Classes in the techniques of singing Rock/Pop/Country/R&B.  Several of her former Voice-students are currently on Broadway in Aladdin, Book of Mormon, Wicked and including recording artist Chris Lee, who played the Principal Role of Lafayette/Jefferson in Hamilton.