As a child he always felt like an outsider. Shy and unable to fit in, he was uncomfortable in his own skin. Not the best performer in school he would find himself repeating the sixth grade and skipping school for shame and embarrassment. His only solace was music.

His passion for music and dancing would be the impetus for his current iconoclastic status as one of the pioneers of House music. At the age of 14 he would become a member of the House music dance group “The Shy Boys” from the Westside of Chicago. The legendary dance battles held in Stevenson Park would serve as the catalyst for many other moments that would further solidify Byron’s place in the annals dance and House music.

Dancing would lead to his interest in DJing and he would invest hours into honing his craft. A few years and 200 mix tapes under his belt he would get the shot he needed to show off his skills. Byron was brought to the attention of legendary Chicago club promoter Terrible Ted and was given the break he needed at the tender age of 16. Byron was given the chance to spin at special events and at clubs along side such noted Chicago House DJs as Tyree Cooper, Lil Louis, Steve “Silk” Hurley, Mike Dunn, The Hot Mix 5, Terry Hunter, Fast Eddie, K Alexi and Jessie Saunders.

As history has proven time and time again, life throws many curve balls and although at the time one may not understand why things happen the way that they do, in the end the rewards prove to be worth the sacrifice. In a pivotal moment Byron was faced with a decision. An inner voice told him to quit school and follow his passion. While holding an album in his hand prophetically entitled “Music is the Key” by Steve “Silk” Hurley he called a number conveniently located on the album. The number happened to be to the president of DJ International Records, Rocky Jones. Mr. Jones picked up the phone and a meeting was set up. A contract was offered and a career was launched.

Byron ended up quitting high school and as a result was kicked out of the house by his parents. Left to fiend for himself, his survival instincts kicked into high gear. Following that inner voice he would be lead to further nurture and hone his creative and musical gifts. He eventually created a group called “B Rude Inc.” and later would become a part of House music legendary group “Ten City.” From this he would be responsible for writing such iconoclastic hits as “Devotion” and “That’s the Way Love Is” which can still be heard on urban radio stations to this day! Ten City had 1.2 million global record sales. As co-writer and producer for the groups albums Foundation, State of Mind, That Was Then, This is Now, and No House Big Enough, he was instrumental in making hits that would spawn ten Top 20 Billboard Magazine dance songs, five Top 10 Billboard Magazine Sales Chart Singles, ten Top U.K. Pop Chart Singles, a Gold album from South Africa and a Silver album from the U.K. that received international acclaim on four continents.

The eventual disbandment of the group would not mark the demise of Byron’s career. It would only lead to further opportunities in the industry as he became the writer and producer for countless other artists on the dance music scene. He would later become the Co-Executive Vice President of the music division for Prelude Music & Film Works that released the 1998 motion picture for New Line Cinema’s “Lost in Space.” To add to his repertoire he would become the co-writer and producer for such labels as Atlantic Records, East/West Records, MAW Records, Maxi Records, Strictly Rhythm Records, Continue Music and Road Runner Music out of Germany, as well as Chicago Traxs, Strictly Hype, Bright Star/Dance Maina, Columbia Records, Universal Records and Capital Records.

With a music career that spans over 20 years, his life’s journey would still allow for more twists and turns. Meandering though a plethora of experiences Byron never forgot that inner voice that told him to follow his passion. Taking heed to what he deemed a divine calling he would launch an online ministry fittingly called “Divine Prosperity.” Byron Burke Ministries is the umbrella and in conjunction with New Covenant Ministries International he has created a virtual ministry that empowers people of all walks of life regardless of race, previous church denominational affiliation, gender, or social status through prophetic teachings, scripture and the power of the Holy Spirit. Just like he heard the call to follow his divine gift and talents he encourages others to do the same through “kingdom building principles” outlined in the Christian Bible.

Keeping in line with divine empowerment Byron has also launched the entertainment company BB Media Global Group that specializes in artist development and internet marketing. His company also assists entrepreneurs and new and expanding companies in finding venture capital and angel investors for their business.

Holding fast to his first love of House Music he has also launched the House Music Channel which features interviews, DJ mix sets, news, special event coverage, and videos from the leading recording artists, DJs and record producers in the Dance music industry.

Byron Burke went from a shy misfit with failing grades to a multi talented tour de force. His tireless pursuit of endeavors that not only call upon his talents but the talents and empowerment of others is a true testament of his give back mentality. In following his dreams and listening to that divine inner voice Byron Burke has become one of the leading business men in dance music today. The world has no doubt heard the last of Byron Burke and in all of his accomplishments he has always stood firm on this one belief “Put God first and everything else will follow.”