MTV Unplugged co-creator Jim Burns has died, aged 65.
The TV producer, who co-created the show which showcased musical artists in a live performance in 1989 with Robert Small, passed away this week (begins25Dec17), Billboard has confirmed.
Burns had been in hospital in a critical condition since Saturday (23Dec17), after he was reportedly hit by a taxi while walking his dog on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.
In co-creating MTV Unplugged, Burns gave major acts the chance to perform acoustic versions of their hits, with the first season including performances from Aerosmith, Elton John, Sinead O’Connor and Poison, among others. The show aired regularly until 1999, with many of the stars who appeared on the show in the 1990s releasing their Unplugged session as an album, such as Eric Clapton, Mariah Carey, Rod Stewart, Tony Bennett, Nirvana and Shakira.
In the 2000s, MTV Unplugged specials have aired occasionally, with notable performers including JAY-Z, Lauryn Hill and Alicia Keys, with the latest edition of the show airing in September (17) and featuring Shawn Mendes.
In addition to working with MTV, Burns also worked as a writer and producer.
