At the ripe old age of seven years old, Harlan Burton knew that he was called to be a singer. His sister would play the piano and join him in singing, and they would sing mostly in church. By the age of twelve, in addition to singing with his sister, Harlan learned to play the guitar with his brother and they often played their guitars in church.
By the age of fourteen, he and his sister would be playing and singing on the local Television Talent shows. Soon his mother arranged for her kids to appear two to three times a week on the WSFA-TV Morning Show with host Reed Godsin. By the age of sixteen, Harlan had been enticed by the Rock and Roll bands, so he started one while in high school. He continued it for a while but found that it wasn't very satisfying so he left music for a while.
After a while, he knew that if he wanted contentment, he would have to sing Gospel Music, so in 1971 he started singing with the Tellers Quartet near his hometown in Alabama. He sang with them for eight years. For some reason, Harlan was still attracted to that secular field , so in 1980 he started singing secular music again. His group was good enough that they were recommended by Billboard Magazine for a pick hit from one of the songs on their record. Harlan says that they we r a middle of the road/country group and sang in very nice places such as the Country Club Circuit, lots of Shriners dates, and even a lot of politicians, such at Governors George Wallace, Bob James, and Bill Baxley. He even sang for Senator Jeremiah Denton's campaign.
In order to support his family Harlan had made a career in the US Postal Service, so he fed his singing desires until 1988 singing pop/ secular music. From 1988 until 1998 the only place that Harlan sang was in his home church. In 1998, Harlan felt the call of God again on his life to sing for Him. As the Lord would work it out, Harlan was able to retire from the Postal Service and begin working on a fulltime singing career. His wife, Gail, is the driving force behind him. They travel together, and she is the business person behind his ministry.
Harlan says that he really doesn't like to label himself, so he just sings Christian Music. He can border on CCM or sing country or Southern Gospel. He feels that he has something for everyone in his concerts.
Harlan's latest CD is Walking In The Favor Of God. He has a new radio release from that album on the DJ Man Hit singles Comp Disc, Volume two. Be listening for “It's Enough” penned by Greg Day and Marty Funderburk.
Harlan's most memorable time singing was March 9, 2004 when he received a Resolution from the State of Alabama while singing at his Homecoming In Dadeville, AL, along with Mark Lanier, the Landmark Quartet, the Relations Quartet and Belinda Parham
Here is what that Resolution said:
WHEREAS, it is with highest commendation that we recognize and honor Mr. Harlan Burton during his second annual visit to Dadeville High School on March 13, 2004; a diverse and talented singer, musician, and inspired witness for Christ, who has provided years of musical enjoyment to countless individuals; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Burton has reached new heights of popularity with some of his national releases, as well as traveled extensively throughout the southeastern states; he was with the Tellers Quartet for eight years and presently is signed with Solid Rock Promotion Agency; and
WHEREAS, during this evening of entertainment at Dadeville High School , Mr. Burton will be accompanied by Mark Lanier, the Landmarks Quartet, the Relations Quartet, and Belinda Parham, , with whom he will sing duets; and
WHEREAS, indeed, Mr. Burton has demonstrated those truest ideals of Christian love and compassion for others through his music and earned the gratitude and respect of his family and friends, and citizens of the Great State of Alabama; now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE LEGISLATUE OF ALABAMA , That Mr. Harlan Burton is herein commended for his outstanding musical achievements and, by copy of this resolution, he is applauded for his remarkable talents and impeccable style, which has provided memorable entertainment to his many devoted fans.
Resolution No. 04-061
You can find more information on Harlan Burton on his website: http://www.harlanburton.com
Author: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Written: 09/01/2004
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Category: Feature Articles
Comments: 3
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Thanks for the writeup Deon - Harlan really enjoyed talking with you.
I would like the worda to a song called -----==Had It Not BEEN
I met Harlan a couple of years ago as he was laying down vocals for a project. His smooth southern voice and his passion for the songs he sang were what caught my attention. Harlan Burton is the real deal.
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