James Burns (c. 1952 – December 26, 2017^[1]) was an American television producer and writer who co-created MTV Unplugged with Robert Small in 1989.^[1][2][3]

Unplugged, which originally aired on MTV from 1989 to 1999, featured well-known musicians performing acoustic versions of their songs.^[3] The show, which was also produced by Burns and Small, earned three Primetime Emmy Awards during its initial ten-year run.^[1] Artists appearing on the series included Nirvana, Mariah Carey, Eric Clapton, LL Cool J, and 10,000 Maniacs.^[2]

In 1989, Burns and television producer Robert Small joined together to co-create and produce MTV Unplugged, a new series featuring artists performing acoustic, stripped down versions of their songs. According to Robert Small, Burns believed that a show like Unplugged would create another venue for reaching audiences besides music videos, which were highly popular at the time.^[4] Small told the New York Post that Burns thought, "How can we create another avenue for artists?....It allowed for artists to show another side, for instance, a lot of hip-hop artists had the chance to be more lyrical and poetic."^[4]

MTV Unplugged debuted on MTV on November 26, 1989. The first season featured Elton John, Aerosmith, and Stevie Ray Vaughan.^[3] By the early 1990s, the show, helmed by Burns and Small, became a bonafide television and music industry hit.^[3]

Since leaving the Unplugged series, Burns had largely switched from television production to theater.^[4] He also worked as an executive producer and writer during his decades-long career.^[3]

Burns was struck by a taxi cab while crossing the corner of 87th Street and Fifth Avenue with his dog,^[5] on the Upper East Side on Saturday, December 23, 2017.^[4] He lived in the area. He suffered severe head injuries and was taken to New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medical Center in critical condition.^[1][3] Burns died from his injuries at NewYork–Presbyterian Hospital in New York City hospital on Tuesday, December 26, 2017, at the age of 65.^[1][2][3]

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."^[1][2] 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."^[4]

In September 2017, just months before Burns's death, MTV Unplugged returned to television with new performances Shawn Mendes, Bleachers, and A-ha.^[1]