Christopher Burks, known professionally in the music world as Chris B, is an accomplished music producer and audio engineer with years of experience in the industry under his belt — so he is no stranger to the power of music.

Born and raised in Athens, the 50-year-old audio engineer was indoctrinated into the sounds of music at a young age due to his family’s gospel singing group.

“They actually started the group before I was even born,” Burks said. “Me and my 13 siblings just grew up into it, traveling the world singing our hearts out. That was pretty much the only thing we knew, and that’s where I would say everything started for me.”

The early exposure to music not only nurtured his love for the art, but it also instilled in him a deep religious faith that would propel him on his journey to the recording studio.

“When I became a musician, I had to learn the guitar and the keyboard, so I knew it would be easy for me to learn how to work the recording system so we could save money,” Burks said. “From there it kind of just took off for me. If it wasn’t for the man above, I know I wouldn’t be where I’m at. I depend on him for all things, and he’s definitely at the forefront of everything I do.”

Burks pursued a career in audio production full time, graduating from Full Sail University before engineering in studios in several music hot beds such as Nashville, Tennessee, and New York City, New York. His journey has led him to the threshold of the music industry’s most prestigious event — the 67th annual Grammy Awards.

As a sound engineer, he played a crucial role in shaping the multi-layered sound of DOE Jones’s latest Christian album, “Heart of a Human,” which had been nominated as one of the five Best Contemporary Christian Music Albums of 2024 by the Recording Academy for the upcoming Grammys.

“I don’t think there is anything bigger than this,” Burks said. “Once you are nominated for a Grammy, you know you are at the top of your craft. This was always something I knew I could achieve, but it is still unbelievable.”

Burks, who recently purchased and now owns Sound Cell recording studio in Huntsville, added that he is more than excited to fly out to Los Angeles, California, to attend the 2025 Grammys Sunday, Feb. 2.

He also gave some advice to the younger generation of up and coming artists and producers, who have dreamed of being where he is at now.

“This is something that I’ve talked about doing for years now,” Burks said. “I’m of course hoping to win, but just being nominated carries a lot of weight on its own. If I could say anything to them it would be to just stick to it and keep God first. He is the only one who can open these doors for you. You do have to stay focused, and stay consistent — if it’s a dream, reach for it and never let it go.”

The Grammy Awards will air live on Sunday on CBS and Paramount+. This year’s telecast will look different then previous years, as it will raise funds for support to the Los Angeles wildfire relief efforts.