Joshua Burton
Joshua Allan Burton was a young upcoming LDS musician from Cardston, Alberta, Canada. To say that Josh had a passion for music is an understatement. His memorable music touched the hearts of many people who had an opportunity to attend one of his performances.
He played to a full house for his first solo concert which took place at the Cardston’s Carriage House Theatre, performed on stage with world-class performer William Joseph, and his premiere album titled “Sketches” which was released on 6 November 2010 immediately gained public acclaim. His uncle, Wayne Burton, also a well-known musician, featured an original song by Josh from his “Sketches” album on Sound Cloud.com as a memorial to him. The song is called “An Evening Walk”. Not only did Josh love performing music, but he is also remembered as a composer (he began composing music at age 10), actor, and a compassionate humanitarian whose goal was to uplift others.
He also served a two-year voluntary mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Guatemala Cobán mission. He earned money to support his mission through the sales of his CD. On Saturday morning, 20 July 2013, in route to a service activity with a group of other missionaries and young adults, Josh was seriously injured when the pick-up truck that he was riding in overturned. His back was broken, he suffered a concussion, and his shoulder was also broken. He underwent surgery on Saturday evening to stabilize his spine and passed away from the injuries that he sustained at 11:15 p.m. on Monday evening, 22 July 2013, at the age of 23. At the time of his death, he had been serving for 21 months. Three other missionaries involved in the accident sustained only minor injuries.
The following was reported by Deseret News on Thursday, 1 August 2013:
Josh was the second oldest of nine children and was homeschooled through elementary, middle and high schools. Upon his return from missionary service, he planned on studying music and business.
Josh’s two maxims were “life is music” and “live life to the fullest,” and he worked hard to put these into practice. As a young teenager, Josh first discovered the magic of Fredric Chopin’s “Fantasie Impromptu” and began filling his life with classical mentors like Beethoven, Grieg, Ravel and Rachmaninov.
“If you listen, really listen,” Josh promised in his CD’s dedication, “I think you will hear something more than just notes on a piano, something deeper within the music. And my hope is that you will be better for having heard it.”
Follow Joshua Burton
Recent Posts
J.ournal’s Spoken Word Rendition of “The Little Drummer Boy”
The sounds of Christmas permeate the airwaves during this delightful time of year with traditional carols being sung and played. Perhaps one of the most beloved carols is “The Little Drummer Boy.” In the lyrics, the singer relates how, as a poor young boy, he was...
David Archuleta Joins Several Celebrities and Sports Stars in Support of Middle-School Boy Who Was Bullied
One dictionary definition of the word bully is “a person who uses strength or power to harm or intimidate those who are weaker.” To bully someone then, is to “use superior strength or influence to intimidate (someone), typically to force him or her to do what one...
David Archuleta Joins Other Music Artists to Light the World in a Special YouTube Livestream Event
As Christmas Day approaches, people are busy looking for that one perfect gift to put under the tree for someone they love. However, Christmas is more than brightly packaged gifts under a tree. The true joy of Christmas is found in the heart, and so, the best gift...
Monica Scott Helps to Light the World with Her New Children’s Christmas Song “Starlight”
Monica Scott grew up in a musical family where she learned to play the violin and the piano at an early age. She graduated from Brigham Young University (BYU) in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music. She is a stay-at-home mom who lovingly spends her time...
Evie Clair Collaborates with Other Music Artists to Help Light the World
Singer, songwriter, arranger, and musician, 12-year-old Evie Clair, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has captured the hearts of many adoring fans with her unique gift of music and angelic voice. She started developing her piano playing and...
LDS Twins Jason and Jeffrey Linford Creating A Buzz in Hollywood
Jason and Jeffrey Linford were born in Boise, Idaho, but grew up in Mesa, Arizona. They are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and both served full-time missions. Jason served in Korea, and Jeffrey served in Romania. They graduated from Brigham...