Michael Burks was an American blues guitarist and vocalist, born on July 30, 1957, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and raised in Camden, Arkansas. Known for his passionate playing style and strong, soulful voice, Burks earned the nickname "Iron Man" for his energetic, marathon live performances. He began playing guitar at an early age, influenced by his musical family; his father ran a juke joint where Michael was exposed to the sights and sounds of touring blues artists. This environment deeply embedded the blues in his soul and set the stage for his future career.

Burks' music career took off in the late 1990s and early 2000s with the release of albums such as "Make It Rain" (2001) and "I Smell Smoke" (2003), showcasing his fiery guitar skills and deep, emotive vocals. His powerful performances and recordings gained him recognition within the blues community and a growing fan base. Albums like "Iron Man" (2008) and "Show Of Strength" (2012) further solidified his reputation as a formidable force in the blues genre. Unfortunately, Michael Burks' life was cut short when he passed away suddenly on May 6, 2012, but his contributions to the blues were immortalized in his posthumously released album "Show Of Strength" and in the hearts of blues fans worldwide. His legacy lives on through his recordings and the memories of his electrifying performances.