Antonio Burns

What would you get if you could take the smooth harmonies of Boys II Men, the soft silky touch of Brian McKnight, the essence of Stevie Wonder, traits of a great songwriter, and put them all into one artist? As you think on how impossible this can be, let me introduce you to what I've found to be "a best kept secret". Born into a family of musicians and the son of a Preacher Antonio Burns was sure for music to play a very big part in his life. Singing on the children’s choir by age five Antonio picked up on singing, and writing early on. Growing up in a house with six siblings they would often play & pretend having talent shows making up songs. "I was always the one getting everyone together, & the show would be in mom’s living room in front of this Hugh mirror". While growing up Antonio watched his father sing in church at times with his group and soon after developed his own group consisting of three of his brothers and a cousin, they were known as "The Sounds of Sion". "All man, it was our turn, I would write songs and we would perform them". While doing those shows Antonio reached further and started another group while in high school. There they would also perform in talent shows and other events. During his senior year in high school upon graduation Antonio decided to write a graduation song, “Twelve Years” and submit it to the class. "I didn't want the typical graduation song at that time, so I just gave it a try". The graduation class entered the auditorium to choose what would soon be their class song, after going through about five songs or so the music director then called on Antonio to show his Idea. "As the music teacher played the piano and I stood there and sang, and it was quiet so I kept singing, they just watched, and by the time I got to the chorus they were saying that’s it". Shortly before graduation the Counselor of the school introduced Antonio to a friend of hers. This was 3 time Emmy winner and Grover Washington Jr.'s music director Bill Jolly. Together they went on to record songs for demos. "Bill showed me so much in this business, he's taken me to award shows, introduced me to plenty seasoned artist, gave me the do's & Don’ts, and told me everything to look for and expect". Since then Antonio has opened for artists and has continued to sing and record. Today a master of writing real life events Antonio has just completed another project, “Starring You”. This project consists of an array of songs showcasing different styles of just how versatile he is. It also carries a remarkable remake of the 1985 Phil Collins hit “One More Night” which he sings a cappella. He’s also teamed up with BooBonic of the hit duo Philly’s Most Wanted on the track titled “Let’s Be”. Recorded at Larry Gold’s legendary The Studio in Philadelphia, Pa., this project cuts no corners on quality. These songs are definitely something to review, especially if you’re always up for something new. Dedicated to his passion Antonio plans to propel moving forward with his abilities. With a vivid imagination and smooth soultry voice he plans to write and sing for as long God blesses him to. “Music is Life, Life is music, you can always hear an old tune and it takes you back to a place and time, it’s that powerful”. When asked on what would he say to people who’s never heard his music Antonio says simply “Don’t hate, just listen”.-Robert Dentino