SGN just learned that Anthony Burger has tragically died from a heart attack.
Anthony Burger died suddenly on Wednesday evening, February 22. He was 44 years old.
Burger suffered an apparent massive heart attack while in the Caribbean on the Bill Gaither Homecoming Cruise. A family spokesman said Burger was doing what he loved best, playing the piano, just before collapsing.
He is survived by his wife, LuAnn; two sons, AJ and Austin; a daughter, Lori; his mother and father, Richard and Jean Burger; two brothers, Randy and Clinton Burger, and countless friends and loved ones.
The Burger family is in the process of making arrangements at this time and appreciate the prayers of everyone. Additional information will be released when it becomes available.
Please remember the Burger family at this tragic time.
Author: AGM
| Author's Website: http://absolutelygospel.com/
Written: 02/22/2006
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Category: News & Scoops
Comments: 92
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What a great loss! He was definitely one of the greatest pianists to ever grace the southern gospel stage. He will be sorely missed.
Terrill White
We are sure praying for his family and hiw crew. Dustin Reynolds, our former production manager joined his crew in September 2005. We were all saddened by this news.
So very sad that this has happened!!! I will be praying for his family.I guess God is getting the band ready to make that final note!!!
I am so heartbroken over this news. We will definitely be praying for Anthony's family. As awesome as he played here on this earth, I can't even begin to imagine the sounds of him tickling the ivories of Heaven. And, no doubt, my sweet mother is standing right along side Vestal, Howard, George, Rex, Glen, Jake, and all the ones gone on, gathered around Anthony's piano, singing the sweetest songs. God bless Anthony for his neverending testimony to us all.
I am so saddened to hear of Anthony's death. It is another great loss for the world of southern gospel. I was devastated to hear of this news last night. I thought this can't be real but then I thought well he went out doing what he loved. I'm going to miss that piano playing - he was one the best out there!!!
I can believe it. We have lost the greatest southern gospel piano player in gospel music. He was such an awsome talent. I have followed his music since his days with the Kingsmen. His testimony about burning his hands as a child and they said he would not have the use of his hands didn't stop the miracle power of God in this man's life. He will definitly be missed.
just learned about anthony burger passing away. he was the best piano player in gospel music .first time i
I was completely shocked at Anthony's passing. He was my greatest inspiration for playing the piano and he is still is. He had an unbelievable talent and it saddens me that he will no longer be able to share that talent with the world.
Oh, how sad that Anthony has passed on from us in this earthly world. But oh, how glad the angel band at the father's house. What a joyous meeting that is going on in heaven.
I am saddened to hear of this loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with Anthony's family.
What a tragedy; We will be lifting up Anthony's family in prayer.
Our lives are just a vapor, only what's done for Christ will last. Anthony's legacy will live on and continue to bring glory to Jesus. Our love and prayers are with his loved ones. We'll miss you Anthony, keep the music going, we'll join you soon.
I first met Anthony when he was with The Kingsmen and I was a high schooler wanting to sing gospel music. I had the chance to spend a lot of time with him when they would come to Alabama and Tennessee. Years later our paths crossed again on the Gaither tour and during the Trio years.
What a shock! I am still reeling! What a terrible loss for his family & for SGM! My thoughts & prayers are with LuAnn, Lori, A.J., & Austin plus his folks. May God strengthen each of them & comfort them.
God is good all the time & all the time God is good.
Elaine Harcourt
It is so sad to lose another friend in Southern Gospel Music in just a few weeks. My prayers go out to his family. Anthony will be missed dearly. He was loved by many. Having known him for most of my life there will be an empty spot in my heart from now on.
Perhaps the greatest So. Gospel pianist ever is now home. We were fortunate to have him at our church Jan 15th. He will be missed.
Our family is truly saddened at Anthony's passing. But we know we shall see him again. Our prayers are with the Burger family and we are so grateful that they shared their husband and daddy with us the fans.
Like others, I am shocked and saddened; I am praying for LuAnn, AJ, Austin and Lori as they deal with the loss of their mate/Father respectively. I pray the transition to bring Anthony back to the US will be smooth - I also am praying for the rest of the Gaither crew - how shocking for all of them.
OH WHAT A LOSS BUT A HUGE GAIN IN HEAVEN I COULD JUST IMAGINE THE LOOK ON HAPPY,VESTAL AND JAKE WHEN ANTHONY WALKED INTO HEAVEN AND FINISHED HIS SONG FOR JESUS. IAM PRAYING FOR HIS FAMILY WITH ALL MY HEART BUT PRAISING GOD FOR THE SAFE JOURNEY TO HEAVEN FOR ANTHONY GOD BLESS YOU.
I had the honor of meeting Anthony at a Kingsmen Concert when I was about 10 years old. I had only been playing piano about 2 years and he was such an inspiration to me.
I went to UTChattanooga, the home of Cadek Conservatory where Anthony studied as a young man. Many days I would walk the halls and try to imagine him being there.
After losing Doug in January, this has been a rough first quarter for SG.
Our prayers are with Luann and all of his family. I can't imagine how devastating this is for those precious people.
Heather E. Craig
Soprano, Pure Heart Music Ministries
I got the phone call at midnight last night. Anthony was my producer and a dear friend. I believe he was only 44. My heart is broken. My prayers are with Anthony's family and all the Gaither artists.
Marcelene New / Good News Trio
I have know Anthony personally since his teen age years and long before he became a Kingsmen. This is a tragic loss for the industry and I have lost a good friend.
Our prayers our with the Burger Family and all of the Gospel Music Family. What a man of talent and how wonderful that he used it for the glory of the Lord!! How he blessed us with his music!! The scripture that comes to mind at this time is Psalms 116:15 - "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." (NIV)
I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Anthony Burger. Last night I had just finished reading the Singing News interview with Anthony. My wife and I were remarking about Anthony's career and talent. We both remember Anthony as a teenager coming with the Kingsmen to our church and the amazing talent he had. Our prayers and thoughts are with the Burger family during this difficult time. Our prayers are with the rest of the Gaither family that are still on the cruise. Heaven has become even more richer with Anthony at the piano.
My heart swelled with emotion as I listened to the announcement of Anthony Burger's death. It is definitely our loss. But then I thought of what he was doing when the Lord decided to take him home. I can only hope that when it is my time to leave this old earth, I will be serving my Lord and Savior.
My heart goes out to Anthony's wife and familiy. I pray especially for his kids. I lost my Dad to a sudden heart attack when I was 14 years old and even though that's been many years ago I still miss him everyday. Even though we can't understand why things like this happen, we have trust and praise the Lord, because He knows what's best. It's a sad sad day for us, but Anthony is in a much better place.
How sad to hear of Anthony's passing. I'm sure God just said "come on home". My son has music lessons tonight and he really loved Anthony's playing and wanted to one day play like him. Unbelievable news!
JUST HEARD OF ANTHONY'S PASSING.
When I heard I was sad. Heaven awaits and can you imagine the music being played in that choir tonight? David step back. I am reminded of the words that my mother said once when our local church lost a jewel, it is that GOD KNOWS HOW TO DELIVER HIS PEOPLE. There is a verse in the bible that says that. Surely HE never makes a mistake. Our hearts are saddened but the spirit knows that there is no such thing as death to a CHILD OF GOD!
I am so sadden by the devastating news that Anthony is no longer with us. He has brought so much joy and happiness to so many people. Another jewel has been taken from us, but I am sure that he is really blessing those gone on before him.
I heard the news this morning on a SG radio station!Such a tragic loss this has been!He will truly be missed by family, friends, and fans everywhere!I'll continue to pray for the family of this wonderful man!
Learning the news of Anthony's death this morning has so saddened my heart. I have grown up listening to Anthony and always wishing I could play like that. He was and still is a real inspiration. My prayers go out to his wife LuAnn, Lori, A.J., and Austin, Anthony's parents, family, and friends. I will miss you dearly Anthony.
I first met Anthony when I was 21 and he was 18. We worked many concerts together in those early days. Back then he was with the Kingsmen, and I had just started with the Segos. We were both with Century II talent and wound up working a lot of the same dates. I saw Anthony almost every week. That said, I knew him pretty well. He was always fun o be around, and was so full of life. I loved Anthony, and he will be missed. But I just imagine Heaven's band just kicked it up a notch with Anthony at the piano.
My heart sank when the news broke of Anthony's death. What a loss to all who knew him and loved his music. My heart goes out the family especially his wife and children. Our loss is heavens gain but what a wonderful gift he has left behind in his music. There will never be another one like him. God certainly gave him a wonderful gift and he used for all God's glory.
I am so very sorry to hear of Anthony's passing. My prayers are with the family, friends and loved ones.
I met Anthony many years ago when he was playing with the Kingsmen and doing sessions in Greenville. Such an awesome pianist ---my heartfelt prayers to the family - we as listeners have lost much, heaven has gained - and praise God we will see him again one day...I too walk this road of shock in loss. May God bless you. and hold you in His arms just now.
Although I never met Anthony, I have been blessed to have his step-daughter, Lori Apple, in my life. My brother, Chris, toured with the Gaithers for 7 years as part of the camera crew and also dated Lori for some time. She is a wonderful person who I know is hurting very deeply over the loss of her beloved step-father. Anthony will be greatly missed.
Praying for Anthony Burger's family. He was the greatest Southern Gospel Pianist. I love listening to his CD's. I know he is happy right now. We, here on earth, are the sad ones. May God's continued blessings be upon his family.
I know how much the family must be greiving. The Lord gave him such a talent and he used it to uplift the Lord. Many people as well as I have been greatly blessed by his love of the Lord and his music. He will be greatly missed.
I sure am sad at the loss of Antony he has surly been an inspirtation to so many people. We will surly pray for the family in this time of sadness. What a great man and father. God surly blessed him in his work for the Lord. God Bless
What sad news! Oh, how I wish it were a hoax.
What a shock! It's another reminder that we know not the day or the hour that the Lord will call us home. My prayers are with the family and all of his many many friends.
We just saw Anthony with the Booth Bros. last Friday night in Lakeland, FL. We are so sad and will miss him terribly. Our prayers are with his family.
This is truly a sad day in Gospel music. When I first heard the news from Mark Lowry that Anthony was playing "We shall behold him" when he died, I couldn't help but think about the part of the song that says "Face to Face in all of his Glory." He was now living in that moment.
I WAS SHOCKED AND SADDEN BY THE TRAGGIC PASSING OF ANTHONY, THE LORD GOT ONE OF THE FINEST PIANO PLAYER EVER IN THE SOUTHER GOSPEL INDUSTRY. WE AS THE PENNELL FAMILY WILL KEEP ALL HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS IN OUR PRAYERS AT THIS TIME OF TRAGIC PASSING. HE WILL BE SOELY MISSED!!!!!!!!!!!
I am heartbroken that Anthony is gone. When he was 20, I was a 10 year kid. Anthony was my Hero. I was learning gospel piano, and loved his arrangements so much that I tried so hard to learn them from my piano teacher Brenda Listenbee. She was a student of his when he lived in Asheville, NC. My piano recitle peace was his arrangement of "Just Over in the Gloryland." My childhood dream was to meet Anthony in person.
I have been so devastated at hearing the news of Anthony's death. I attended his concert last week and was so blessed by his music and devotion to God. My prayers are with his family and the Gaither Homecoming as he will be greatly missed.
Anthony was a great talent! He will be greatly missed. I was blessed enough to see him perform when I saw Mark Lowry in Hollywood. He was truely amazing. His family and friends are in my and my families prayers.
Anthony & his family came to The Crown Room that we just opened up for Gospel Music, he played and when the smoke came out of the piano, the alarms went off the fire trucks, all came, the police came, the fireman had axes, etc. we all laughed. We had such a fun time. Anthony and his family wanted to come back to the Crown Room, they really enjoyed the intimacey and had a great time. We felt such a bond, like family. We miss him dearly and we are praying, it will not be easy, but with Gods "grace" you will get thru it. We will never forget him. Don't let the devil steal what God has laid before you all. God is still in control!
I was pumping gas today and got back into my car where my 7 year old son had been listening to the radio. He had a strange look on his face and then started to cry. He said, "mom, Anthony Burgher died yesterday!" He has been taking piano lessons since last august my husband took him to one of Anthony's concerts here in town and he just loved it. After the concert my husband took him up to meet Anthony and my son talked about it for weeks. He was really touched by the concert. I am so glad my husband took him to that concert so my son could meet a great and talented man like Anthony.
I am so sad at the loss of Southern Gospel Music's premier pianoist. I will never forget one particular night at a Kingsmen concert I attended years ago, Big Jim Hamill turned and ask Anthony to play something for the crowd on the piano. After a few seconds thought, Anthony began playing a beautiful rendition of the old Floyd Cramer classic "Our Last Date". The crowd went wild. Just goes to show that Anthony could have succeeded at any genre of music..but he chose to use his talents for the Lord. Earth's loss is Heaven's gain. There are some awesome piano players in Southern Gospel Music, but there will never be another Anthony Burger.
I was deeply saddened when I first recieved the E-MAIL last night from HisSong about Anthony Burger passing away. However, I began to think of the songs that he played and came to the realization that Anthony was now beholding HIM face to face! Anthony was doing exactly what he loved doing, that is what God called him to do! He will surely be missed, seeing that he was the best pianist in southern gospel music, possibly the best period. However, earth's loss is heaven's gain!
A great loss for us, but a greater gain for Heaven!
READING ALL THE COMMENTS HERE ABOUT ANTHONY MAKES ME SEE THAT HE WAS GREATLY LOVED AND KNOWN AROUND THE WORLD FOR HIS WORK AND USE OF HIS GOD GIVEN TALENT. WE ASK OURSELVES, "WHY DID WE HAVE TO LOOSE HIM SO EARLY IN HIS LIFE?" CAN YOU EVEN GUESS WHAT A GREAT REWARD HE WILL RECIEVE WHEN HE COMES "FACE TO FACE" WITH THE LORD? MAY WE EXAMINE OURS LIVES TO SEE IF WE ARE ALSO TOUCHING OTHER FOR CHRIST. MOST OF US WOULD HAVE TO SAY, SOMETIMES. NOT MANY OF US GAVE OF OURSELVES AS ANTHONY DID. HE WAS READY AS HE HAD DONE WHAT THE LORD SAID TO DO, TO GO INTO ALL THE WORLD AND PREACH THE GOSPEL. ANTHONY WOULD TALK OF THE LORD WITH HIS MOUTH, BUT AS WE ALL KNOW HIS GIFT WAS TO TALK OF THE LORD WITH THE PIANO.OH, WITH TEARS, I SAY I MISS YOU EVEN NOW,ANTHONY, SO SOON AFTER YOU HAVE LEFT US. I KNOW IN MY HEART WHEN YOU ENTERED INTO GLORY THE LORD STOOD UP FROM HIS THRONE IN HONOR OF YOU, AND SAID, WELL DONE MY GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVENT,ENTER IN!!!!!!!!
Thanks Anthony for all of the great piano playing and representing gospel music. He has set the bar for playing the piano. I hope the put him in the hall of fame.
This is so devistating to hear the News of such a great not only musician but person leave so suddenly.But can you imagine the Homecoming he and the crew that's gone on are having. I really feel anthony went the way he would want to go. He will be missed. Our prayer go out to him and his family
My dad called my cell phone while I was in school this morning. I checked the voicemail a little later on and he told me about Anthony going to Heaven. I was completely shocked. I'm praying for his family & friends..
Wow! Gospel music loss is Heaven's gain. I had the pleasure of meeting Anthony at a Homecoming concert in 2001 in Grand Rapids. As great a talent he was at the piano, he was that much better a human being. Just a really sweet man.
He was the greatest piano player in Southern Gospel Music. He wii be missed a lot. His family and friends will be my prayers. May God keep each and everyone in His Loving Arms.
What a SHOCK!!!! But oh what an addition to the heavenly choir. I wish to extend my heartfelt sympathies and condolences to Anthony's Family. I'll quote the words of a close family friend "God knew what He was doing, but oh what a loss."
My deepest sympathy to the family and friends who are missing Anthony so much. This world has lost a wonderful star in the family of God here on earth. There are tears in many eyes today at the loss of a great man of God, an unbelievably talented pianist, a loving and caring man,friend, father, son, husband. God bring peace to each of you. My first thought was that we don't really die when our body does. We just move from one realm to the other, and I believe that knowing the consummate pianist that he was, Anthony never missed a note in his transition. This time the applause was from his good friends who preceded him, the angels, and of course our Holy Father. All of his wonderful music down here was just practice for that big recital at home.
I will miss Anthony! He was a wonderful
My condolences to his family. I always enjoyed his work with The Kingsmen.
im speachless, God is slowly taking the greats and letting His children know He is in charge. It was eye awakening and a reminder that GOd is truely in charge and in a blink of an eye He takes us home. My prayers and thoughts go out to the family and loved ones, and to all the Gaither homecoming friends. It is a horrible thing to see but a great reminder of Gods power and the need to be constantly in His care.
We will miss Anthony ,the greastest piano player ever. Wonder if Anthony and Wally Varner are comparing notes? We are praying for his family,dear wife and children ,this is an even greater loss for them. May God Bless and comfort them at this time.
The news of Anthony's passing was a shock. Thank goodness his music will be with us forever. I had the pleasure of meeting Anthony in Knoxville, TN last September where he was giving of his time and sharing his talent for the Katrini Concert. I shook his hand and told him how much I enjoyed playing his piano music as I have all his books. Laughingly, I held up my ten fingers and said I couldn't understand how his ten fingers could make the music sound so differently. He smiled and gave me a huge hug. I cried when I sat down at the piano yesterday--Anthony will always be in my heart. Love and prayers to his family.
I was very saddened to learn of Anthony's sudden passing...but praise the Lord. Our lives are in the Lord's hands. He knows the path we are to take. Give GOD the glory. What a fine testimony though.
I am in shock. Anthony was a great person and performer. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and family. He will be missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Burger Family. He will be greatly missed!
Shocked and devastated are small words to convey my feelings at this moment. I spent some time talking to Anthony just last Friday at the Booth Brothers Homecoming in Lakeland, FL. My last conversation with him will be my lasting memory as we shared times past and the future. Sincere, sympathy and prayers go out to his family and to the Gaither Homecoming group who were so close to him and experienced his homegoing on the cruise.
This is such a shock. I just saw him today on GMT and he was singing. He was truly great at everything he did. We've often spoke of him being able to overcome his tragic burns as a toddler. Its so hard to believe. His family and friends are in our prayers.
I find it so hard to believe what I just read about Anthony Burger. My heart goes out to the family, and will be among all the many friends who knew and loved him, praying for his family. thanks to his family for shareing him with us. What a Blessing he was to everyone who heard him playing the piano and heard him sing. Harold & Elizabeth Jones
MY HOMETOWN IS SADLY MISSING A GREAT MAN. ANTHONY WAS OUR NEIGHBOR AND FAMILY FRIENDS. MY SISTERS HAVE LOTS OF WONDERFUL MEMORIES AND MY MOTHER SPEAKS ALWAYS WITH A LAUGH AND A SMILE REMEMBERING THE BURGERS. WE WANT THE LOVE AND JOY OF HIS MUSIC TO CONTINUE TO SPEAK HIS WORD AND WILL ALWAYS HAVE GREAT MEMORIES OF THE OLD HOUSE, NEIGHBORHOOD AND CONCERTS.
I first met Anthony during my time with Gold City. He has been a good friend ever since. Never was he too busy to chat, no matter when we run up on each other. He would always have encouraging words to say concerning my solo ministry. Anthony was about his Father's business, but he was human enough to have fun, also. The last time I talked with him, I made a comment that he needed to slow down and get some rest. He said, "Can't, man. Too much to do!"
Anthony Burger was the all time great as a pianist in gopel music. I saw him in concertrecently. What a loss but heaven has gained another angel,What a celebration. My family prays for his family. There will never be another Anthony Burger.
I was so shocked to here the news of Andy,s passing. We all will be praying for his Family & Friends that new him so well , GOD speed Andy you will be for very missed
I remember Anthony and the Kingsmen coming to our little church here in East Auburn, Maine. I joked about how he played many out of tune pianos, and sat down at ours. He hit the keys and "Squeaky" said That's off...... Anthony said perfect.
Anthony was the best of the best pianist in the world. There has never been anyone as good as him or never will be. God has been putting His choir together for a while, He must have needed a piano player! Heaven's gain is our loss!
We are so sorry for this great loss and our prayers go out to the family at this time.we never know ,only one breath away from our heavenly home,God Bless all the family at this time,
The world has lost another of its most talented,& most gifted people.
were gonna miss anthony burger piano playing cause he is the greastest there ever was personally im going to be praying for his family that god will help them endure this pain they are suffering at the loss of a father a husband how greatly hes gonna be miss
The world of gospel music will for ever miss the beautiful sound Anthony brought.Ican only imagine what the sound is in heaven.God has called the one home to complete his chior.His family is in my thoughts,may GOD bless his family in their time of loss
This has been the hardest to accept. I
Sorry to hear of Anthony suddened passing, our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Absent from the body presents with the Lord
Sorry to hear of the passing of Anthony, Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. He well be greatly missed on the gaithers show
I cant describe the pain. I have followed his music for years and for almost a week now I still think its all not true. Did I know his tribute to Bill and Gloria was his farewell.. Anyway I rejoice in the comfort that we will meet again at the feet of Jesus to sing the song of Moses and the Lamb. I can almost hear him strumming that ivory.....Our prayers are with his immediate family and all the Southern Gospel family and friends. Do not weep even as others without hope. We may not understand why it had to happen now but I trust it was the best in His providence. I leave you to sing " When death has come and taken our loved ones It leaves our home so lonely and drear ...Farther along we'll know all about it Farther along we'll undestand why Cheer up my brethren, live in the sunlight, We'll understand it all bye and bye"
My condolences to the Burger family, Bill and Gloria Gaither, the vocal band and All Home coming friends. I know you are in pain but I wish you knew how much pain we are going through too after knowing you guys so well. You are like family members to us although you dont know us. May God comfort all of us especially the family and those very close. Yes, Jesus should come now to take us home were we will never die any more. The signs are sure telling us that He is coming soon. Lets all be strong. God bless.
Very sorry
Oh my...I'm so sorry to hear this. I loved to hear the man play, what a talent! My sympathies to his wife and children and of course to his parents and siblings. He will be missed by the music world greatly. You are all in my prayers.
I attended Anthony's funeral services in Cleveland Friday. The service was beautiful. Kevin Williams played the guitar, Kirk Talley sang "Serenaded by Angels", and at the end of the service, Voices of Lee from the local Lee College sang Hallelujah while a video played on the screen behind them of Anthony playing the song. It was very emotional to see Anthony playing the final song at his own funeral.
We had the priviledge of hearing Anthony perform 3-4 times---most recently on 12/03/05 in STL at a Gaither HomeComing 10th Anniversary Concert!!....He had a truly God-given talent!.....Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family....Earth's loss is heaven's gain!....Jim & Wanda Fields
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