R.I.P. Vernon Burch (1955 - 2022)

Reports are circulating that singer and guitarist Vernon Burch from Washington D.C. died yesterday (23 Sep 2022). His age is being reported as 67 although some sources (Discogs) state the year of his birth was 1957 and others 1955. He joined with The Delfonics band as a guitarist aged only 13 (which would be either 1968 or 1970) and went on to join The Stairsteps and then The Bar-Kays for four years before embarking on a solo career in 1975. He released six albums between 1975-82.

In his career he achieved ten R&B chart entries. His first single "Changes (Messin' With My Mind)" was featured in the movie 'Report To The Commissioner' and was his biggest hit (#15 R&B / #101 Hot 100). His third single "Frame Of Mind" (co-produced with H.B. Barnum) was also in the movie. It reminds me a little of Eddie Kendricks "Girl You Need A Change Of Mind"). The only other top 20 entry came in 1981 with "Do It To Me".

His 1979 #35 R&B hit "Get Up" was sampled by Deee-Lite in their 1990 #2 UK chart hit "Groove Is In The Heart" which featured Bootsy Collins and Q-Tip (A Tribe Called Quest). It also sampled Herbie Hancock's "Bring Down The Birds" (1966).

At the turn of the century he became a minister.

Only two of his albums are available on Spotify so I'll include a few YouTube clips.

Copyright © 2009-2022 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved