Jo Lynn Burks

Biography

Ms. Burks earned a Bachelor of Performing Arts degree from the University of Alabama, where she was crowned Miss U. of Alabama. She further obtained a Master of Musical Theatre Degree from the University of Miami, FL, and also received the title of Miss University of Miami.

As a singer and keyboardist, Jo Lynn Burks has toured with renowned artists such as Gladys Knight, the Lead Singers of The Temptations, Leslie Gore, Laura Bell Bundy, a solo tour with Roger Daltrey of The Who, and with Tony Award nominees Norm Lewis and Gavin Creel. She often works privately with close friend Kristin Chenoweth.

Jo Lynn’s solo piano/singing engagements have taken her to venues in New York like The Carlyle, the Waldorf-Astoria, The Plaza, and iconic Pat O’Brien’s in New Orleans.

On Broadway, Jo Lynn originated a principal role in Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story. Her other Broadway credits as a musician include Hairspray, Smokey Joe’s Café, The Full Monty, All Shook Up, and The Color Purple. National Tours include Buddy, Fame, Mamma Mia, Smokey Joe’s Café, Jesus Christ Superstar, Hair, and Fred Waring & The Pennsylvanians.

Alongside her cabaret partner Daryl Glenn, Ms. Burks created the NYC cabaret show Robert Altman’s ‘Nashville,’ which won the "Triple Crown" of Cabaret in New York: the NYC Nightlife Award, the Bistro Award, and the Manhattan Association of Cabaret Awards.

Her television credits include appearances on All My Children, One Life to Live, Nashville Now, and numerous broadcasts of Christmas at Belmont on PBS.

In her youth, Jo Lynn thoroughly enjoyed singing and dancing her way through various shows at Nashville’s Opryland.

Currently, Ms. Burks serves as Resident Musical Director and Voice Professor at Belmont University’s Musical Theatre and Commercial Voice Departments. Several of her protégés have gone on to appear on Broadway in productions such as Aladdin, The Book of Mormon, Wicked, Six, and TV Regular, Chris Lee as Lafayette/Jefferson in Hamilton. One of her most proud accomplishments is the Mentoring and Musical-Arranging/Vocal Coaching of Miss America, Cassie Donegan!

Among her most heartfelt and meaningful contributions is her volunteer work with her licensed Therapy Dog, “SugarBear,” at Centennial Children’s Hospital, Brookdale Elder-care, Parthenon Alzheimer’s and Abe’s Garden Mental Health Centers.