Anthony John Burger (June 5, 1961 - February 22, 2006)
Biography
Anthony Burger, a Southern Gospel musician and singer, was the son of Richard and Jean Burger. When he was just eight months old as he was learning to walk in a walker, one of the wheels of the walker got caught on the furnace grate and the walker turned over, throwing him down on the heater. He sustained third degree burns throughout his legs, face and hands. He had to be carried on a pillow for an entire year, during which time he received three medicated baths a day for the burns. Doctors who treated him said he would never be able to move his hands. But God had a plan for his life and his hands. At age 3, Anthony played his first song, The Old Rugged Cross, and was just five years old when he became the youngest student ever to be accepted by the Chattanooga Cadek Conservatory. Playing the piano was more than just a job for Anthony Burger. It was a way of life, as well as a blessing, privilege and a direct gift from God.
Anthony was the pianist for The Celestials, The Kingsmen Quartet and the Gaither Homecoming Series. As a young teenager, barely 16, he joined one of Gospel music's most popular quartets, The Kingsmen Quartet, and by the age of 17 was nominated as one of the Top Five pianists in Gospel music. In fact, he earned that award by subscribers of The Singing News Magazine for 10 consecutive years, from 1980 through 1989. For a few years, the Award became known as the Anthony Burger Award.
He was thrilled to perform at the White House, as well as several Billy Graham Crusades. He also appeared on The Today Show, David's Citadel in Jerusalem and Prime Time Country. Shortly after leaving The Kingsmen Quartet and embarking on his own solo career, he began traveling with Bill Gaither, serving as pianist for the Gaither Vocal Band, the Bill Gaither Trio and the Gaither Homecoming Series. He was a Dove Award nominee this year for Instrumental Album of the Year and recently was endorsed by Steinway & Sons.
Anthony also did a stint with a group comprised of Ivan Parker, Kirk Talley and himself called simply "The Trio" in which he not only accompanied but also contributed vocally. His performances exceeded 250 each year, and he loved every moment on the road, on stage, sitting at the piano.
Anthony died suddenly during a piano performance on February 22, 2006 aboard a Caribbean cruise as it sailed in the Atlantic Ocean. According to the official medical examiner's report, Burger's heart simply burst. He was on board the ms Zuiderdam with his wife LuAnn, Bill & Gloria Gaither, many of his Homecoming friends and more than 1500 passengers, doing exactly what he loved best, playing the piano. He was only 44 years old. His life could easily be summed up with a quote that he himself once stated, "I am a simple man, with a majestic instrument and the power of God behind me." That's the life he lived. That's the life he loved, and that's the legacy he leaves.
Anthony is buried in Sunset Memorial Gardens in Cleveland, Bradley County, Tennessee, USA.
Awards
SGMA Hall Of Fame (2007)
Singing News Fan Awards
Favorite Musician (1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989)
Solo Discography
Songwriter's Résumé
(Partial List)
My Days Are Getting Brighter
