Singer, songwriter and musician Jay Burr, widely known for his performances with the Pure Pressure Band, passed peacefully in his home in Waitsfield Tuesday morning, July 14, 2015. His death was attributed to a cardiac infection following a long illness with polycystic kidney disease (PKD). He was born at home in Patrick, South Carolina, in 1949.
An avid Redskins fan, Jay grew up in Northeast DC. In high school he joined a small group of student activists, the Modern Strivers, to start the first accredited student-run high school in the U.S., the Freedom Annex of Eastern High School. He became its first director in 1968. Thereafter, he earned a full academic scholarship to Holy Cross College majoring in English. He also attended Antioch College. A talented wordsmith, Jay applied his writing craft throughout his life to songs, poems and short stories much reflecting his tender soul and distaste for injustice.
Although born in South Carolina and raised in DC with nine brothers and sisters, Vermont was home to Jay’s heart since 1974. He loved the Mad River Valley and vowed never to leave. To the delight of many, in 1983 Jay along with Dave Grippo, Bruce Sklar, Clyde Stats and David Weaver began the Pure Pressure band. Jay’s unique and versatile voice transcended the boundaries of jazz, funk, R&B, reggae, blues and country, but it was his soulful vocal print that had fans flocking to the dance floors regardless of genre.
Aside from his professional singing career, Jay’s life’s work was dedicated to improving the life of those seeking mental health services in our community. As a residential case manager and designated home provider for Specialized Community Care of Middlebury, Vermont, his deep humanity was easily felt through his natural ability to profoundly impact many lives. He often stated it was his greatest and most fulfilling privilege to be there for others.
In marriage, Jay joined the late Bess Bates of Fayston and her three young boys. They were thrilled on the birth of their son Dakota in 1981 and opened their hearts and home to Kisa Knight after the loss of her mom. In 1992, Jay married June Pekar of Fayston, formerly of Black Rock, Connecticut, and welcomed the birth of their children, Miles and Peyton.
Jay is survived by former wife June Burr and children Miles and Peyton Burr, all of Fayston; Dakota Burr of Burlington; stepchildren Mkali Foster and Changa Foster of Marin City, California, and Solomon Foster of Burlington; grandchildren Aliyah Burr of Burlington, Jeremy Burr of Morrisville and Zion Burr of Essex Junction; brothers Curtis Burr of Waitsfield, Jerry and wife Gail Burr, Perry, Noel and Michael Burr, all of Darlington, South Carolina; sister Paula Burr and husband Kelvin James of Darlington; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews; his most special friends, Harry Dodd of Waitsfield and Kisa Knight of Warren; and lovable pug Norman. He is predeceased by former wife Bess Bates; parents Edmund and Bernice Gainey Burr; sisters Wanda, Nona and Veda Burr; and nephew Kenny Burr.
There will be a potluck celebration of his life August 9, 2015, at the Lareau Farm, 48 Lareau Road, Waitsfield, at 1 p.m. Please email
Contact for donations to PKD Foundation in memory of Jay is www.pkdcure.org/donate/tribute-gift.
