Rod Burton sees his solo CD projects as a natural progression of Christian life. The first, Almost Home, was about salvation. The second, By His Grace, focused on, of course, God’s amazing grace. And the latest, Walking in the Light, the second on Eddie Crook Company’s Morning Star Label, showcases the journey that every Christian takes.
“Receiving salvation is the easiest part of being a Christian,” Rod says. “It gets a little more complicated when it comes to the grace, because we must learn how to accept it and pass it on to others. But it’s our Christian walk that is the hardest part; it means having a godly world view, a pure heart, and of course, an evangelistic spirit that motivates us to take God’s message to others.”
But “walking in the light” isn’t all about work; Rod has found that it is also about joy. “When it came time to name this latest project, the title track is what stood out in my mind,” he explains. “’Singing as I go, happy yes I know...’ Those are some simple words, but they are pretty meaningful for a guy like me, who at this stage of the game, feels like I am finally doing exactly what I am called to do, and simultaneously, that I am living my dream.”
Indeed, this stage of the game for Rod has been full of unexpected blessings. While he continues to work full time in business in the Chicago suburbs, he has been actively traveling for his solo ministry for the last two years, adding more dates consistently. His eldest children, Josh and Paige, are now both in high school, while his youngest children, one year old Miranda and newborn Kaitlyn, were miracles bestowed on him and his wife Kelly after they’d been told they could never have children. And though a solo artist, Rod considers his ministry a family one. Kelly and the babies travel with him full time, while the teens come along when their school schedules allow. Kelly also partners with Rod to maintain his website, communications, and publicity. “And,” he adds with a smile, “she always makes sure I have enough Coke Zero and a tie that matches my shirt. I call her the ‘glue,’ and that’s a compliment!”
Prior to branching out as a solo artist, Rod spent many years with a variety of groups. His earliest experience was with renowned gospel writer, the late Charles Feltner. Rod played bass and sang with “Charlie” as a teenager and during this time, learned his model for ministry.
“At the end of the day, no matter where we were going, no matter how many miles driven or how many people sat in the audience, Charlie was always reminding us what ministry really is. We can sing the greatest songs ever written, but our hearts must be right before God for it to matter. And more than anything, my goal now is to spread the gospel. Music is just the means for me to do that.”
After his time with Feltner, Rod tried his hand with several other groups: His Witnesses, the Christian rock band T.A.S.K., and the Dayton, Ohio based trio Destined. After moving to the Chicago area in the late 1990s, Rod took a break from southern gospel, but found it wasn’t long until the music in his soul made its way back to the forefront of his life… and he also found that the time away gave him a powerful testimony. That is, Rod says, “No matter what happens in your life, God can use it. Satan will try to convince us otherwise, but God’s grace is truly bigger than any mistakes we can make.”
When it came time to choose songs for his latest CD, Rod found a common theme among them: the greatness of God’s power to provide miracles (“That’s How a Miracle Feels”), joy (“Walking in the Light”), healing (“You’ll Make it Through”), inspiration (“The Other Side,” “Thank God”), empowerment (“Take a Stand”), and hope (“Just One Glimpse”). Rod sought to express these blessings by using a standard of excellence in the recording, and he is proud of the talent that joined him on the project. The legendary Eddie Crook took the role of session leader and piano player for the tracks, with Grammy winning producer Adrian Payne serving as audio engineer. Rod was also pleased to add a personal touch by having good friends Bobby and Sharona Carter of The Jay Stone Singers sing many of the background vocals. Bobby also penned two of the songs, including the title track, and Paige and Kelly added their voices to the song, “I’ll Bless That Name.”
“We had a wonderful time in the studio,” Rod says. “I was fortunate to have the songs that I do, and it was really special to have people I’m close to singing with me. Also, the second time around with the Eddie Crook company meant I had a certain comfort level and familiarity with the process. Working with Adrian is a big plus because he has amazing ears. I couldn’t be prouder of a project, or more excited to share it with people, because it tells the most important Story in what I hope is a very memorable way.”
Along with recording his new project in 2008, Rod is working in several other areas. He has partnered with the company iPodjuice.com, who is sponsoring his road dates this year, and he is also partnering for the second year with the Angelic Talent Showcase at National Quartet Convention. In addition, Rod is joining several prominent solo southern gospel singers to create an association to support soloists in the ministry.
As Rod looks forward to all that lies ahead, he is grateful for what he takes with him on the road as he travels “in the light” – good friends, great music, a close family, and the love and grace of an amazing Savior.
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