The Burroughs
Steeped in classic soul standards and outfitted with modern flair, The Burroughs are a
nine piece band with a powerhouse sound that has been electrifying audiences across
Colorado and beyond. Since 2013, the band has lit up stages with their trademark brand
of “Sweaty Soul Music,” quickly earning their rightful place as one of the best live bands
in the region.
The Burroughs’ 2019 release with Color Red, a digital 45 featuring the original tunes
“The Slip” and “Forever In Love,” has been called “a funk-focused, witty complimentary
pair of tracks that are like nothing you’ve ever heard in decades” by 303 Magazine.
Funktropolis writes “The band drops pure fire on this funkalicious groove—super-tight
horn lines, bumpin’ bass, dirty rhythm guitar and a sizzling beat. And can we talk about
that bridge? The Godfather himself would tip his hat to this monster of a bridge, which
raises the track’s funk level through the roof.” The tracks were recorded at Color Red’s
studio in Denver, CO, and produced by Mike Tallman of Euforquestra and Kim Dawson
of The Pimps of Joytime.
No newcomer to uplifting spirits, Johnny Burroughs has a background working as a
licensed minister and music pastor. His church upbringing serves him well on stage,
where the red-headed frontman sings, dances, and screams audiences into a revival-
like frenzy. His dynamite backing band includes a sizzling 4 piece horn section and tight
4 piece rhythm section that are as versatile as they are fun to watch. The band’s live
performances are capped by choreographed dancing, soaring solos, and funky grooves,
with the goal of moving the audience to a joyful celebration by each show’s closing tune.
The Burroughs have played prestigious festivals and venues including Salmonfest
Alaska, Bohemian Nights New West Fest, Denver's Underground Music Showcase, and
the Mishawaka. They have opened for acts including The Motet, The Steve Miller Band,
Keller Williams, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, and The Main Squeeze. Previous
recorded releases include their full-length studio album Got to Feel (2018); the single
“You Are My Joy,” and b-side “1968” (2016); and the full-length live album Sweaty
Greeley Soul (2015), recorded live at the Moxi Theater.
Since the band’s start, The Burroughs have always embraced their hometown of
Greeley, Colorado, with a passion for community outreach. Previous partnerships have
amplified the work of great organizations like the Weld Food Bank, Greeley Boys and
Girls Clubs, and Habitat for Humanity. The band’s latest mission is an ongoing
partnership with Greeley-Evans District 6 Schools titled #BandsGiveBack- a campaign
for local artists to pledge money and time dedicated towards providing all area students
with access to music education. Providing music clinics and joint performances with high school bands around their city and across the country, The Burroughs hope to
inspire the next generation of musicians to find a career path in music.