The following article, written by Jennifer Weaver, aired in this month’s St. George Magazine in Southern Utah in anticipation of the What Women Want performances over May 2nd and 3rd.
Miraculous Music
What woman does not want to be serenaded by a tall, dark and handsome man? It’s a fantasy derived by fairy tales such as Snow White who makes a wish to find her true love through song. In response is the sweet, melodic tenor whose pure masculine voice melts the heart of the princess longing to be united with the crooning knight in shining armor. Minus the armor — but with princely appeal — Salt Lake City rock pianist Kevin Burdick is a woman’s dream come true. His story telling lyrics based on his personal experiences, and masterful song writing on the ivory and ebony keys, rolls Billy Joel, Elton John and Ben Folds into this one-of-a-kind Utah independent artist. The infectious piano-driven-rock musician is sure to stake claim to national fame with his albums that have included collaboration with Joel Pack, who is affiliated with Maverick Records and Warner Brother Records. On his way to the top, Burdick is making a stop in St. George as a special guest of the SouthernUtahMoms.com outdoor booth at the What Women Want Expo, May 2 and 3.
“The truth of the matter is that I was raised by my mom with four sisters,” said the 34-year-old bachelor. “My dad was never home because he was an attorney so I was heavily influenced by women, and women’s issues are close to my heart, and a few things that women have to go through are reflected in my music.”
Songs like “She Does Her Crying Alone” and “Firefly” are tributes to single mothers who Burdick says are “real heroes.” A compelling soul-wrencher is Burdick’s song, “Too Good For This World,” which honors his infant daughter, Dempsey Sue Burdick. The newborn died May 3, 2003, at Phoenix Children’s Hospital from complications associated with open-heart surgery to correct a birth defect. She was just 31 days old.
Burdick now has a charity, named after his daughter, that helps families purchase headstones for their deceased babies. “Any charity that deals with neo-natal issues has a place in my heart and peaks my interest because of my experience losing my only child.” Burdick said.
Burdick will not only share his rhythmic and contagious melodies, he will donate 10 percent of the proceeds of his CD sales at the Expo to the Foundation of Dixie Regional Medical Center to help the hospital’s youngest patients.
“We are honored and grateful to be the recipients of Kevin’s generosity. His desire to remember his infant daughter with a gift to ease the path of other parents with fragile newborns will mean a great deal to Dixie Regional,” said Kerry Kastler-Hepworth, Foundation of DRMC director. “While most mothers experience a joyful birth experience, 10 to 15 percent of all newborns require some specialized care.
“It is comforting to know there are partners in our community and beyond, like Kevin, helping us strengthen our newborn intensive care and maternal fetal medicine programs,” Hepworth added.
To learn more about Burdick, visit www.kevinburdick.com or SouthernUtahMoms.com. To donate to the Dempsey Burdick Memorial Fund visit www.dempseyburdick.com. sgm
