Jim Burns (television producer)

James Burns (c. 1952 – December 26, 2017[1]) was an American television producer and writer who co-created MTV Unplugged with Robert Small in 1989.[1][2][3]

Unplugged, which originally aired on MTV from 1989 to 1999, featured well-known musicians performing acoustic versions of their songs.[3] The show, which was also produced by Burns and Small, earned three Primetime Emmy Awards during its initial ten-year run.[1] Artists appearing on the series included Nirvana, Mariah Carey, Eric Clapton, LL Cool J, and 10,000 Maniacs.[2]

In 1989, Burns and television producer Robert Small joined together to co-create and produce MTV Unplugged, a new series featuring artists performing acoustic, stripped down versions of their songs. According to Robert Small, Burns believed that a show like Unplugged would create another venue for reaching audiences besides music videos, which were highly popular at the time.[4] Small told the New York Post that Burns thought, "How can we create another avenue for artists?....It allowed for artists to show another side, for instance, a lot of hip-hop artists had the chance to be more lyrical and poetic."[4]

MTV Unplugged debuted on MTV on November 26, 1989. The first season featured Elton John, Aerosmith, and Stevie Ray Vaughan.[3] By the early 1990s, the show, helmed by Burns and Small, became a bonafide television and music industry hit.[3]

Since leaving the Unplugged series, Burns had largely switched from television production to theater.[4] He also worked as an executive producer and writer during his decades-long career.[3]

Burns was struck by a taxi cab while crossing the corner of 87th Street and Fifth Avenue with his [5]dog on the Upper East Side on Saturday, December 23, 2017.[4] He lived in the area. He suffered severe head injuries and was taken to New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medical Center in critical condition.[1][3] Burns died from his injuries at NewYork–Presbyterian Hospital in New York City hospital on Tuesday, December 26, 2017, at the age of 65.[1][2][3]

Following Burns' death, MTV released a statement reading, "MTV was deeply saddened to learn of Jim Burns’ passing. As co-creator of the beloved 'Unplugged' franchise, his groundbreaking work continues to resonate with audiences around the world. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones."[1][2] Robert Small, Burns' collaborator on Unplugged, also paid tribute, saying: "He was a terrific human being. He could make fun of people without making them feel bad. He just had a knack for making people happy."[4]

In September 2017, just months before Burns' death, MTV Unplugged returned to television with new performances Shawn Mendes, Bleachers, and A-ha.[1]

References
  1. Fernandez, Matt (2018-12-27). "'MTV Unplugged' Co-Creator Struck and Killed by Taxi". Variety. Archived from the original on 2018-01-03. Retrieved 2018-01-20.
  2. "Jim Burns, co-creator of "MTV Unplugged," dead at 65". CBS News. 2018-12-27. Retrieved 2018-01-20.
  3. Rys, Dan (2018-12-26). "'MTV Unplugged' Co-Creator Jim Burns Dies". Billboard. Retrieved 2018-01-20.
  4. Woods, Amanda (2018-12-27). "'MTV Unplugged' co-creator dead after being hit by taxi". New York Post. Retrieved 2018-01-20.
  5. "'MTV Unplugged' Co-Creator Jim Burns Dead After Cab Accident". Complex. December 27, 2017. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
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