‘MTV Unplugged’ Co-Creator Jim Burns Dies After Being Hit by NYC Taxi
Jim Burns, co-creator of MTV Unplugged, has died after being struck by a taxi in New York City. Having suffered serious head trauma, the 65-year-old succumbed to his injuries on Dec. 26, three days after the taxi accident.
According to various news sources, the vehicle accidentally struck Burns while he was crossing Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. Burns was walking with his seeing-eye dog near his home on the Upper East Side. The taxi driver remained at the scene and police believe the incident did not appear to be criminal.
“MTV was deeply saddened to learn of Jim Burns' passing,” the channel posted on Twitter. “As co-creator of the beloved Unplugged franchise, his groundbreaking work continues to resonate with audiences around the world. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones.”
Unplugged became an iconic performance franchise after debuting in 1989. The series hit its peak in popularity in the early ‘90s, with Nirvana arguably playing Unplugged’s definitive set in 1993. Nirvana’s MTV Unplugged in New York album would go on to sell over five million copies and earned the Seattle band a Grammy Award.
The highest selling Unplugged album, however, belongs to Eric Clapton. Released in 1992, Unplugged by the guitar icon sold 7.7 million copies and won Clapton a staggering six Grammys in 1993.
We’d like to send our deepest condolences to the loved ones of Jim Burns during this difficult time.
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