Gary Burton (b. January 23, 1943, Anderson, Indiana) is an American jazz vibraphonist and composer. Having been self-taught on the vibraphone, Burton developed a style of four-mallet chording as an alternative to the usual two-mallets. This approach caused Burton to be heralded as an innovator and his sound and technique were widely imitated. Burton has composed for and played with a variety of well-known jazz musicians, including Carla Bley, Gato Barbieri