*Huntsville, AL – As the year 2023 came to an end, the entertainment world was jolted by tragic news of the unexpected passing of music, business, and social justice icon, Arthur Leon Burnette, affectionately known by many as “Mr. B.”
The beloved visionary, event producer, and impresario who helped ignite the careers of renowned figures such as Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, The Brothers Johnson, L.A. Reid, Eric “ET” Thomas, and others, departed on Christmas Day at age 72. Family, friends, and industry leaders will gather to honor his life and legacy on Sunday, January 7 at Oakwood University Church, 5500 Adventist Blvd. NW in Huntsville, Alabama.
Born in South Central Los Angeles in 1951, Burnette led an extraordinary life of innovation and a commitment to service. While much of his work was behind the scenes, his impact on the ascension of some of black entertainment’s most renowned and celebrated talents was undeniable. After studying at Long Beach State University and Oakwood College (now Oakwood University) in Huntsville, his career in the music business took off in 1975 when he toured with the funk band Mandrill.
A master at building relationships and recognizing talent, throughout the 1970s and 1980s he would work with a legendary lineup of artists, including Rick James, Kenny Rogers, Midnight Star, The Deele, Heatwave, The Commodores, and many more. Burnette was a protégé of Quincy Jones and was responsible for taking the most decorated vocal group in history, Take 6, to meet Jones at his home, establishing a relationship that birthed the multi-Grammy Award-winning album “Back on the Block.”
In 1984, he served as the production manager for the Summer Olympics at the LA Memorial Coliseum, which featured Stevie Wonder, Etta James, and a tribute to George Gershwin. He would later orchestrate the first ever live video streaming for the 28th annual Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference in 1998, and executive produce the National Baptist Convention. As his production prowess grew, he returned to Oakwood for 15 years to executive produce the church’s national conventions as well as concerts featuring headlining gospel artists like Fred Hammond, Donnie McClurkin, and Kirk Franklin. During that time, he took Oakwood University students, as well as his three sons, Monualdai, Miles, and Marques under his wing to expose them to the world of business. He had a passion for youth and sharing valuable life lessons.
“My father was a man of purpose, a visionary, and a family man. He showed us that with God all things are possible, and he instilled in us the importance of leaving a legacy for future generations,” said Monualdai Burnette, the eldest son.
“To others, he was a man that made things happen. He had a keen ability to see talent in people before they saw it in themselves. He wanted only the best for those around him, he wanted them to win and he wasn’t concerned about the credit and recognition. He just wanted to win!”
Speaking of legacy, Burnette’s influence expanded far beyond entertainment. A civil rights champion with a passion for history, exploration, and storytelling, “Mr. B.” orchestrated other impactful programs and initiatives that will now continue under the guidance and leadership of his sons, including Civil Rights Trail Tours, a travel company that provides education and cultural immersion tours of the south to expose people to the rich aspects of black history and music. Also, as a tour director, Burnette founded The Pathways Project, a coalition of organizations that is focused on exposing inequalities and eliminating barriers to entry into the travel and tourism industry for Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) and minority women.
Burnette left such an indelible mark on so many people from all walks of life that his supporters are adamant about ensuring his name lives on. He is survived by his 95-year-old mother Ruth Mildred Burnette, his wife Marcia Adams-Burnette, his three sons Monualdai, Miles, and Marques, and his grandchildren Xavier Marques Burnette, Monualdai Ethan Burnette, and Xaria Mariea Burnette.
The funeral service, scheduled for 11:00 AM on Sunday, will have remarks from Burnette’s family, his godson Eric “ET” Thomas (renowned motivational speaker), and others, including a powerful video tribute from the TreadRight Foundation, performances by Joey Kibble (of Take 6), reflections from Reggie Calloway (of R&B Groups Calloway and Midnight Star), Maureen Wright-Evans and Omar Evans, co-founders of Wanderlust Adventures Group of Jamaica, and other comments of remembrance. Viewers can watch a live stream of the service at ww.LongLiveMrB.com. Two additional services will take place in Los Angeles and Jamaica at dates to be determined.
For more information on Arthur Leon Burnette and his most recent work, visit tourismpathways.com and civilrightstrailtours.com. Additional remarks from family and industry friends and of Mr. Burnette are below and attached. To schedule an interview, contact Ivan Thomas of Intrigue Media Group at [email protected] or 202.904.4790.
Statements
Burnette Sons: Monualdai, Miles and Marques
Dad we love you, we miss you and we thank you for instilling in us vision, purpose, and discipline founded in a love for travel, people, and progress. We are forever grateful for the legacy you created for the Burnette Family to carry on for generations. The Legacy Continues.
We would to express to our heartfelt gratitude to the family, friends, and medical professionals who provided unwavering support and comfort during this difficult time.
Eric “ET” Thomas: world-renowned speaker and author
Arthur Leon Burnette, aka Mr. B., was a father figure, mentor, and friend. His impact on my life is immeasurable. Early in my journey as a community leader and motivational speaker, Mr. B. took a personal interest in my development when he didn’t have to. He took me in, mentored me, showed me the ropes, shared with me, and nurtured within me kind of laser-focused professional sights and values that would take me to the next level and beyond. In short, Mr. B gave me the “game”. His heart was big, and his vision was transcendent. His love for people, especially his three boys, was undeniable. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will continue to live for many generations to come.
Forever missed. Like the Marathon, The Legacy Continues…
Reggie Calloway: Grammy-nominated artist, producer; Owner of Spiral Galaxy Entertainment and Calloco Music, Inc.
Hello, I’m Reggie Calloway, Songwriter, Producer, and member of the duo Calloway formerly of Midnight Star and current Director at Sound Royalties with a few words about my friend, Leon Burnette.
Job to be done, a mountain to climb, a road to be crossed…that was the mission of Leon Burnette. Leon was a man who dreamed big. He was a visionary who was not limited by the situation or the tools at hand. He was both a handyman and an inventor.
Our first encounter with this big-hearted, joyful giant was when he came aboard as road manager for our group, Midnight Star. He was much more than that. He was a connector to the industry elite. He was a way finder to help navigate us from being very good to being excellent.
He changed all of our lives and the lives of others around us when he introduced us to his friend, Quincy Jones. After a one-on-one with Quincy backstage at his concert, I was made much more ready to produce our 4th album, “No Parking On The Dance Floor,” and the rest is history. Making way for our many number-one projects as well as launching the careers of Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Antonio “LA” Reid, and The Deele, all culminating in Calloway with my brother Vincent and I.
Leon was a giver and a server. He tried to make everyone else a success, building on their dreams and goals. Selfless, yet committed to the task and hand.
One night we were all in the stretch limousine and headed to the backstage entrance for our concert. We were the next act coming on after the very young New Edition and before the Commodores and the Isley Brothers. The guard refused to let us in and demanded our backstage passes. Of course, Leon explains we are the next act and our passes are waiting for us at the door entrance. The clock is ticking and time is running out as they go back and forth, back and forth. Finally, Leon in his most assuring way yells out:
Everybody hit the floor! Driver punch it! We had a great show that night and many more.
To all the family and friends we send our love. Leon would want us all to put our heads to the grindstone and go full throttle. That’s the only way.
Steve Myers: Executive Director of Operations for Civil Rights Trail Tours / Truth Retreats
One day at a time is all we should be dealing with. We can’t go back to yesterday, we can’t predict tomorrow, so let’s live for today and make it beautiful. May you be blessed with love in your heart, happiness in your home, peace in your soul, and joy in your life. This will provide a pathway to honoring the life and legacy of someone you call a friend…Arthur Leon Burnette, AKA “Mr. B. The Guru” is that friend and mentor I consider a basket filled with Joy, Peace, Faith, Love, Strength, and Grace as a Legacy to pass on. Let’s go to work to keep the Dream alive, Leon’s Dream of seeing the multifaceted tourism industry open its arms to minorities, qualified creative persons of color! Rest well, my friend!
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB: Leon Burnette’s DiversCity Stories: A Black History, Culture, and Music Travel Show Available Now / WATCH
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