Jim Burns

James Burns (c. 1952 – December 26, 2017

Unplugged, which originally aired on MTV from 1989 to 1999, featured well-known musicians performing acoustic versions of their songs. He also worked as an executive producer and writer during his decades-long career. on the Upper East Side on Saturday, December 23, 2017. He lived in the area. He suffered severe head injuries and was taken to New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medical Center in critical condition. Burns died from his injuries at NewYork–Presbyterian Hospital in New York City hospital on Tuesday, December 26, 2017, at the age of 65.

Following Burns's death, MTV released a statement reading, "MTV was deeply saddened to learn of Jim Burns’s passing. 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." Robert Small, Burns's collaborator on Unplugged, also paid tribute, saying: "He was a terrific human being. He could make fun of people without making them feel bad. He just had a knack for making people happy."

In September 2017, just months before Burns's death, MTV Unplugged returned to television with new performances Shawn Mendes, Bleachers, and A-ha.