Anthony Burger

Anthony John Burger (1961–2006) was an American pianist and singer associated with Southern gospel music. He was born in Cleveland, Tennessee, to Richard and Jean Burger. As an infant, he suffered third-degree burns on his hands, face, and legs after falling into a floor furnace. Despite that early hardship, he began playing the piano at age three and became the youngest student ever accepted to the Cadek Conservatory of Music at age five.

Burger joined the gospel group The Kingsmen at age sixteen and remained with them until 1992. He later became a featured pianist for the Gaither Homecoming tour and videos. Over the course of his career, he released a number of recorded projects, including Anthony Burger at the Lowrey Organ (1975), God’s Country (1995), Hands of Time (2000), New Born Feeling (2002), Let Freedom Ring (2002), The Gift (2002), A Tribute to Bill & Gloria Gaither (2004), and Christmas With You (2005).

Burger was voted Favorite Pianist in the Singing News Fan Awards for ten consecutive years from 1980 to 1989. He was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2000, and in 2006 he was endorsed as a Steinway Artist by Steinway & Sons. On February 22, 2006, Burger died of a heart attack while performing on a cruise ship.