Burke started out as a preacher but signed with Atlantic Records in the 1960s. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001 and won a Best Contemporary Blues Album Grammy a year later for "Don't Give Up On Me."
He is best known for his 1964 hit "Everybody Needs Somebody to Love," which was later featured in the Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi movie "The Blues Brothers." The Rolling Stones and Wilson Pickett also recorded it.
Also, his hit, "Cry To Me" was used in the movie, "Dirty Dancing" with Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey.
Burke had a close relationship with the Roman Catholic Church and performed at the Vatican in 2000.
In 2010, he released the album, "Nothing is Impossible."
Burke is survived by 21 children, 90 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
