Rod Burton might be - no, has been - described by family and friends as an interesting cross between big city businessman and down-home country boy. Born in Harlan, Kentucky and now an executive at Comcast Cable in suburban Chicago, Rod is no stranger to either world and is comfortable in his city mouse and country mouse surroundings.

Rod's first taste of music ministry was at the age of 5, singing on a local radio show. His place in the kingdom was confirmed at age 11, when he received salvation at a Baptist church in Ohio. Growing up in the Dayton area afforded Rod many opportunities to pursue music ministry: besides enjoying his tenure as a tuba player in the Northridge High School marching band, Rod traveled to play and sing with several Christian projects. From 1978 - 1983, he was privileged to play with the late Charles Feltner, who continues to be an inspiration to Rod. He enjoyed a brief time with His Witnesses before trying out his Christian Rock band, T.A.S.K., from 1984 - 1987. Rod then sang with The Viceroys in 1991 and 1992, but it was with the Southern Gospel trio Destined that Rod really found his place. The group sang throughout Ohio from 1993 - 1997 and released the album Just the Beginning in '97.

Ironically, a job transfer for Rod shortly after the release of Beginning meant the end of Destined. Though Southern Gospel music is a little more difficult to promote in the Chicago metropolitan area, Rod spent 1998 and 1999 singing lead with another trio, Through His Blood. A move for the baritone singer meant the end of another group, and Rod spent the next several years focusing on his telecommunications career and building his family in Homewood, Illinois. Meanwhile, he began ministering as part of the worship team - playing bass, singing tenor, and leading the band - at New Life Fellowship Ministries in Tinley Park, Illinois.

With career and family going well, Rod was inspired to get back to his Southern gospel musical roots in early 2006. Rod self-produced the demo CD, Almost Home, and is planning to sing as many dates as possible in this busy year. Along with his work at Comcast, Rod, with his wife Kelly, a high school English teacher, is raising 15-year old Josh and 13-year old Paige. Their new little miracle baby, Miranda Rose, arrived in November 2006.. The entire family is in some way involved in Rod's ministry - be it through administration, prayer, or cheerleading. They are all looking forward to where God leads Rod in the coming days. Of this journey, Rod says: "I know where I was, and where the Lord has brought me. It's my desire to share with everyone that we're all just sinners, saved by grace."