Gary Burton (born on January 23, 1943, Anderson, Indiana, USA) is an American jazz vibraphonist and composer. Having been self-taught on the vibraphone, Burton developed a style of four-mallet chording as an alternative to the usual two-mallets. This approach caused Burton to be heralded as an innovator and his sound and technique were widely imitated. Burton is notable as one of very few openly gay musicians in jazz history, and has stated that his coming out in his 40s had no adverse consequences for his career as he had feared.
One of his first recording jobs was with famous guitar player Hank Garland on the landmark and critically acclaimed jazz album, "Jazz Winds From A New Direction."
Is portrayed by Jason Poss in Crazy (2008/II)
Inducted into the Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame in 1988.
