April 2006 ~ Pianists Remember Anthony Burger
I think it's safe to say that there's not a pianist in Gospel music that hasn't been influenced in some way by Anthony Burger. His playing was original, creative, and extremely versatile. Add to that his great showmanship and you'll see why his career has been unparalleled. He joined the Kingsmen at the young age of 16, and was voted the Favorite Pianist in the Singing News Fan Awards for 10 years in a row until they finally named the award after him! He then had tremendous exposure and success as the pianist on the Gaither Homecoming Series. I have gathered just a few quotes from some of Anthony's friends and included them below. He definitely made his mark in Southern Gospel Music!

"When I had heard the news that Anthony had passed away, like most I was in a state of shock. I began playing for the Nelons about the same time he was with the Kingsmen. We were on a lot of concerts together and got to know each other real well. Anthony was so unique. Not only a magnificent pianist, but a wonderful showman and he combined the two like no one else has ever done. He was the standard by which all pianists in Southern Gospel were judged. We have all lost a huge talent in this industry and I have lost a friend whom I had a great deal of respect for. I will miss him very much."
Jeff Stice
Triumphant Quartet

"Anthony was the best pianist the Southern Gospel Music World has ever seen. He was in a class by himself. The first time I saw him play was about 23 years ago. I knew the minute I watched him play that I wanted to play the piano too! His music was enjoyed by millions of fans across the world. He was the best. I am proud to say the Anthony was my friend. I miss him already! This is the last picture that was taken of us together. We were going over charts for the Gaither video taping in South Africa this past December. It was my dream come true to get to play with my musical hero! His music will live forever!"
Roy Webb
Signature Sound

"While growing up, most young people have a hero that they look up to. Some emulate sports stars, others admire persons in history, but my admiration was directed toward Southern Gospel Music and my hero was Anthony. At the age of 3, after seeing Anthony play, I sat down at a keyboard and learned my first song, Sweet Hour of Prayer. As I grew older, he was always there to encourage me and teach me new things, not only about the piano, but more importantly about life. His talent and walking testimony were, still are, and will always be an inspiration to me. Just as Elijah laid down his mantle, Anthony left behind a rich legacy. Elisha picked up the mantle Elijah left, and I want to do my part to help pick up the mantle Anthony left behind to ensure that his works in Gospel Music continue to touch and minister to people around the world."
Matthew Holt
The Perrys

"Anthony Burger was the first piano player I met when I joined the Cathedrals in November of 1979. It was my second night to play and we were in Knoxville, TN, with the Kingsmen. I didn't even know all the Cathedral songs by heart yet and now I've got to play on stage with Anthony who was incredible. I'll be honest I was more than a little nervous. I soon found out there was no need to be. Anthony treated me like we had been friends forever. He instantly put me at ease. During those days the Cathedrals and the Kingsmen were a popular program with promoters so we worked together a lot. We both enjoyed being together. One day in Jackson, MS, we were waiting to go to the auditorium when Anthony and I went for a walk around town and found a piano store. I don't like to play at stores like that it's just hard for me to do. Anthony talked me into it and we strolled in to the store and picked out a couple of pianos that were back to back and we started to play. We drew a pretty good crowd right away and Anthony was in his element. It was fun to watch him pick song after song and I just had to keep up! We ended up having a great time and I think the music store customers did as well. I'll miss him very much. He was the best at what he did and will continue to set the standard through the many great recordings he left for us."
Roger Bennett
Legacy Five

"Anthony was one of the greatest pianists that Gospel Music has ever had, and I'm proud that I had the honor of calling him a friend. He wasn't just a friend, but was also one of my heroes. Anthony, along with Roger Bennett and Derrell Stewart, hold a special place in my heart, as my 3 heroes. Everything I do seems to be a mixture of their styles and accomplishments. Anthony encouraged me from the first time I met him. He played a duet with me on my first cd, he invited me to join his Pianorama at NQC, and much more. He did all of this for some young red headed kid who he didn't have to take time to fool with, but he didn't mind putting others in the spotlight. I will be forever grateful to Anthony for all that he has done for me. Losing Anthony is a tremendous loss for all of Gospel Music. As good as he was, I never heard him brag about himself, he just used his talent for the glory of God! Thanks Anthony for all you have done for me and thanks for being a friend! I'm sure that he has found a Steinway in heaven and is holding a Pianorama with Wally, Hovie, and all the greats!"
Stewart Varnado
Dixie Echoes