The co-creator of hit '90s television series MTV Unplugged has died.
Jim Burns, who created the show with television producer Robert Small in 1989, was struck by a cab Saturday and died Tuesday due to the injuries sustained from the accident. The 65-year-old, who had trouble with his eyesight, was walking around his neighborhood in Manhattan when a cab hit him, police told the Associated Press. The incident was purely accidental, as the cab driver remained on the scene for questioning.
“MTV was deeply saddened to learn of Jim Burns’ passing. As co-creator of the beloved Unplugged franchise, his groundbreaking work continues to resonate with audiences around the world. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones,” an MTV representative told VarietyWednesday.
Small, who had become distant with Burns but worked to rekindle the relationship, confirmed his friend’s death.
“He was a terrific human being. He could make fun of people without making them feel bad. He just had a knack for making people happy,” Small told the New York Post on Wednesday, after visiting his former partner in the hospital.
Burns died after suffering multiple head injuries.
Unplugged was a true gem of the '90s. The music series featured stripped down performances of legendary artists like Elton John, Jay-Z, Bob Dylan, and more.
“It kind of allowed a rebirth of acoustic. Jim thought, ‘How can we create another avenue for artists?'” Small reminisced to the Post. “It allowed for artists to show another side, for instance, a lot of hip-hop artists had the chance to be more lyrical and poetic. It was at a time when songs were becoming big hits because of the music videos. It became going beyond the music videos and back to the music.”
The music television series was brought back this year; Shawn Mendes performed as Unplugged’s first artist back in September.—Philip Lewis
