[2] Skilled as a guitarist and bassist, Burke continued to work for the Dark Horse label as a session musician, while burgeoning a solo career of his own.

[2] During this period he contributed instrumentation to songs by a diverse range of artists such as Sly & the Family Stone, Natalie Cole, Billy Preston, Terry Callier, Curtis Mayfield, Bill Withers, Dusty Springfield, Diana Ross, and Gladys Knight.

[2] This album included the singles "Hang Tight" and his signature hit "Risin' to the Top," a big success in Chicago.

[2] The latter song has become a popular sampling choice for hip hop artists, having been borrowed by artists such as Doug E Fresh ("Keep Risin to the Top"), Big Daddy Kane ("Smooth Operator"), LL Cool J featuring Amerie ("Paradise"), Pete Rock & CL Smooth ("Take You There"), Mary J. Blige ("Love No Limit"), O.C.

[2] On April 3, 2022, Burke received a Lifetime Achievement Award from The National Rhythm and Blues Music Society at The Claridge Hotel, in Atlantic City, NJ.