A native of Jackson, Mississippi, Michael grew up listening to his mother sing with the Mississippi Mass Choir and accompanying her at church on Sunday 　　mornings. His father was also a tenor saxophonist, and really influenced Michael's appreciation of 1960's and 70's soul music. At the same time, young Burton was building his own collection of hip hop and jazz recordings. These influences have had a profound effect on his approach to improvisation and composition. 　　 　　Michael received his Bachelor and Master of Music degrees in jazz studies, from Indiana University, where he studied with David Baker. 　　 　　He has toured with Mary J. Blige, Jill Scott, Anita Baker, Tyler Perry's "Madea Goes To Jail," Tyler Perry's "What's Done In The Dark," New Edition, Johnta Austin, Soul artist PJ Morton, and with Blues singer Willie Clayton. He played sax and keys for Tyler Perry's stage play "Why Did I Get Married." You can see (as well as hear) Michael play in the motion pictures, Tyler Perry's "The Family That Preys" and Tyler Perry's "Madea's Family Reunion." While he was touring with "Madea," Michael had the honor of playing behind Prince, Patti Labelle, Jennifer Holiday, and Chaka Khan. 　　 　　Michael has also performed with Young Jeezy, Timbaland, Keisha Cole, Kim Burrell, Robin Thicke, Dead Prez, Bone Crusher, Angie Stone, Janelle Monae, N' Dambi, Mary Mary, Kirk Whalum, Chuck Brown, Mike Phillips, Jeff Bradshaw, Freddie Jackson, Gloria Gaynor, Russell Gunn, Ronny Jordan, Omar, Nick Colione, Marcus Johnson, Victor Goines, Byron Cage, the Mississippi Mass Choir, and a host of others. 　　 　　Michael has recorded with Polow Da Don, Fergie, Hidden Beach Recordings "Unwrapped Volume 5.0," Ann Nesby "In The Spirit," PJ Morton "Emotions, special edition," Marcus Johnson "Just Doin What I Do," Alyson Williams "It's About Time," Bill Banfield "Striking Balance, and The Mississippi Mass Choir "Amazing Love," just to name a few. 　　 　　Michael has appeared on The Tonight Show, Ellen, Jimmy Kimmel, TV One, and BET Jazz, performing on the popular show Studio Jams alongside pianist Bobby Lyle. Burton has also written and/ or produced songs for Alex Bugnon, Terrell Carter, Christian Keyes, Chandra Currelley, and Melvin Miller.