Over the weekend, Tucson lost one of its legendary performers and educators, Burney Starks. A longtime teacher at Pueblo Magnet High School, as well as an actor and singer in many local productions, Starks touched the lives of many in town—a fact that became evident as many spent the last two days voicing condolences.

News came on Sunday, May 31 of Starks’ passing and his Facebook page was quickly flooded with people remembering everything Starks had done for the community. Whether that’s his two decades of teaching, work as a Juneteenth organizer or musical theater chops, Starks contributed many things to Tucson. Aside from that work professionally, Starks was also a well-loved facet of Tucson’s karaoke community, often showing up to many local karaoke nights to sing Motown hits.

Ynot Entertainment’s karaoke host Deanna Cross made the announcement in a post to Stark’s page on Sunday saying:

I have unfortunate news, friends. It has come to my attention that our longtime karaoke regular and friend Burney Starks has passed away. He collapsed at church this morning and despite given CPR immediately, paramedics were not able to revive him. He will be remembered by his genuine and loving spirit and of course his beautiful voice!

Information on services for Starks is yet to be announced, but The Flycatcher is hosting a special karaoke night in memory of him. The event is free to attend and begins at 9 p.m.

For now, check out a video of Burney Starks doing what he did best:

This article appears in May 28 – Jun 3, 2015.

9 replies on “Soul Singing Karaoke Legend and Teacher Burney Starks Dies”

  3. I have known Burney for 38 years and he was the most helpful,caring,loving,person you would ever want to meet. If you were having a bad time he would make you feel better and if you were out with him singing he would make you sing even when you didn’t want to because he said it makes you feel better and by the time you left that night you forgot why you were upset.
    Burney it’s just so hard to believe that you won’t be here.I always thought you would be here for us for support and I know your family must be going through a really hard time. My heart goes out to and my thoughts and prayers go to all your family and the extended family and friends that you touched in your life. BURNEY YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN AND WE THINK YOU FOR FOR THE TIME WE HAD WITH YOU IN OUR LIFE. WE WILL ALWAYS TREASURE THOSE MEMORIES AND OUR MUSIC VIDEOS OF YOU.

  4. Not much left to be said about this great man that hasn’t been said already… I was, as I’m sure many others were, inspired to be the best person I could be by knowing Burney… A great deal of my success today is because of what I tried to mimic in HIM… RIP my big bruh!… Derek E. Shelton

  5. Burney had a hand in molding me into the person I am today. I can never thank him enough. I only regret not spending more time with him.

  6. Burney was the greatest man ever,he was kind, compassionate,loving,giving,unselfish, and more that would take a whole page, he always had the time for you. The importance of kids staying in school was a priority, he mentored so many, his caring for these students went above and beyond, he was my best friend since high school, he always has been there for me, I miss him so much,he was such a Great person with everyone. Tucson will forever have you in their hearts,for you have touched so many, sing out in Heaven, until we meet again, I Love You Burness,God Bless You🙏🏻

  7. I will miss his easy laugh and his appreciation of all karaoke singers, even new ones like me.

  8. What a great man, person and model for young people to follow, you gotta know that there is a tremendous concert going on in Heaven right now……..God bless and uplift has family in their hour of need. Will Wilson and family

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