GM Awards Honored By Support of Legendary Drummer, Bob Burns

Jan. 26, 2011 - PRLog -- Atlanta, Ga. – What started as a childhood dream in his parents garage in Jacksonville, Fl. during the early 1960’s, became a reality for renowned drummer, Bob Burns.  In 1964, Bob (drums), Garry Rossington (guitar) and Larry Junstrom (bass) formed their first band called Me, You and Him, which was later known Noble Five.   Ronnie Van Zant (lead vocalist, deceased) and Allen Collins (guitar, deceased) joined Noble Five, which was renamed 1% (pronounced “one percent”), later 1% band became one of the most well-known American southern rock bands in the history of music, Lynyrd Skynyrd (pronounced “Leh-Nerd Skin-Nerd”). Lynyrd Skynyrd was named in honor of their high school gym coach Leonard Skinner who used to hassle them for having long hair.  Next Leon Wilkeson, who replaced Larry Junstrom on bass (also deceased) came onboard and throughout the years several other band members filtered in and out, such as: Allen Collins, Billy Powell (keyboardist) and Ed King (guitar) these three completed the band’s “three guitar army”. Bob is one of two original members of the band still alive today.

During his time with Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bob and the band, earned nineteen Platinum records which included all of their greatest hits albums. They have so many #1 hits it’s hard to count. Bob’s was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006 and the Georgia Music Hall of Fame. Bob was also presented with one of the highest honors in the country, a Congressional Record recognizing Lynyrd Skynyrd’s contribution and support of U.S. troops through playing their music to soldiers which is vitally important in raising their spirits. Bob is pictured accepting his 2006 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame award in Cleveland, Ohio.

Bob has been married to his wife Marsh Lynn Burns for nineteen years and they have two daughters, Lauren and Kristen Burns who definitely inherited the music bug from their father. Both are talented singers and musicians who play multiple instruments.

More than four decades later, “Bob is considered one of the world’s best drummers” per a previous quote by Ringo Starr and most known for being an original member of the band. Burns was with the band for many years and was instrumental in developing their first two albums with hits, such as: Free Bird , Sweet Home Alabama and Gimme Three Steps.  

When Bob was asked “how did you make it, how did you do it?” his answer was, “Sheer determination.  On numerous occasions we were told “we weren’t good enough, didn’t have what it takes”. They started out playing cover songs by the Allman Brothers. “We finally made a breakthrough when we were told what a great band we were, but needed to stop playing covers and write our own music, so that’s what we did we wrote and recorded, wrote and recorded” said Burns “we never gave up”. His advice to others trying to get into the industry, “there were times when it got touch, we didn’t agree. You just have to swallow the bitter pill and go on. Put principles before personalities. Most importantly if you have good chemistry as a band, stay together, the in and out stuff is no good, you have to stick with it”.

While living the dream was surreal to Bob, he never forgot his roots and has always been grateful for the good fortune he’s enjoyed throughout his life.  This might be why he feels so strongly and believes in giving back to his local community where he currently resides in the north Georgia mountains. Burns has been instrumental in mentoring a local band named Six Shot Revival who ironically resembles the original Lynyrd Skynyrd band members in appearance and music style. He speaks to local youth high schools and their bands to encourage strongly discourage drug use. He frequently tells them to “stay away from using substances, if you want to have a career. Using drugs will only destroy your life and a band faster than anything”. Burns encourages others to “pursue their dreams, to never give up”.  Bob is also a strong supporter of the Make a Wish Foundation and animal rescue programs. Bob enjoys cultivating new musicians and mentoring others.  “When we reached out to Bob, he was so excited, thankful and very humble to be asked to be part of the Inaugural Georgia Music Awards show” said Terry Gage, GM Awards volunteer. “We are extremely proud and honored to have such a superstar of Bob’s caliber and celebrity involved with the show. He’ll be showcased as one of our award presenters and more”, said Omar McCallop, GM Awards executive producer.  And as for Bob’s thoughts, “I’m looking forward to being part of the show, honored to be chosen to represent what Lynyrd Skynyrd was all about, so excited I might even buy me a new coat”.

“We’re delighted to have Bob’s support. We’ve been working really hard to align ourselves with artists like Bob and great sponsors who can help our artists gain more exposure, build bigger fan bases and get their music heard” said Christi Chambers, the show’s director.  Current sponsors include: Bold Spicy News--the Kimberly James Report, an Atlanta based entertainment column, IndieHitMaker, Country Fried Rock, Georgia Country, Country Music Gone Wild, TangledOrb.com, Georgia Commerce Club and several radio stations, like Jazz 91.9 WCLK and KJAG Radio.

The GM Awards show will be held on June 18, 2011 at the Ferst Center for the Arts in Atlanta, Ga. Nominations will open in February. Visit the official Georgia Music Awards website at www.georgiamusicawards.com to keep up with the latest award show news. Questions and sponsorship inquiries can be directed to info@georgiamusicawards.com.

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Georgia Music Awards is a regional music award show honoring native and local talented professional and youth musicians statewide throughout Georgia.