Pianist Rahn (Ron) Burton Dies at 78

Best known for his work with Rahsaan Roland Kirk

Pianist Rahn Burton, also known as Ron Burton and best known for his work with Rahsaan Roland Kirk, died Jan. 25 in New York City. The cause of death was not reported.

Burton was born in 1934 in Louisville, Ky., and began playing in that city in the early 1950s. He joined Kirk’s group in 1953 and stayed with him for six years, recording with Kirk for the Argo label. Later Burton toured with George Adams, rejoining Kirk in the late ’60s and remaining with him into the mid-’70s. He started his own band, the African-American Connection in the early ’70s, while also freelancing with other musicians.