Burks was well known for his jazz programs on several radio stations, including KXLW-AM, KSTL-AM, KATZ-AM, and KADI-FM.
[5] He hosted a daily show called "The 'Spider' Burks House of Joy" where played jazz music.
During his tenure at KXLW, Burks was one of the highest-paid African-American disc jockeys in the United States.
[3] From 1970 to 1971, he hosted the "Spider" Burks Show broadcast on KXLW live from the Gourmet Rendezvous.
[12] In 1972, he began working as a job placement officer at the St. Louis County Division of Adult Correctional Institution.