John Burke, a 2007 graduate of Habersham Central High School, has been nominated for a Grammy Award by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. On February 12, in Los Angeles, California, the 28 year-old will learn if his sixth solo performance piano album, “Orogen” will win the “Best New Age Album” award.
Burke says his Habersham County roots have helped propel him to the musical composition and performance level of a Grammy Award nominee.
“My choir director, Bobby Ivey,” was one of Burke’s positive musical influences in high school, he said. In addition, locally known musical performer John King has been “a bandmate” of Burke’s, who has also encouraged his musical skill development.
John says, in addition to singing in the high school choir, he also has fond memories of cross-country running at Habersham Central, where one teammate, Chris Miller, encouraged John’s musical growth “with his optimism.”
“My favorite memories were those long cross country practices after school. Also, I adored being in choir!” ~ John Burke, Grammy nominee and HCHS alum
After graduating from Habersham Central John attended Oglethorpe University in Atlanta. He currently serves as associate director of music at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Atlanta.
John is the son of local real estate appraiser Jean Holmes and David Burke, a retired Fulton County clerk turned musician.
More videos of Burke’s performances may be viewed at www.johnburkemusic.com. John’s Grammy nominated album “Orogen” and other works may be purchased and downloaded from his website.
