The Passing of a Distinguished American Pianist
The House of Steinway & Sons notes with profound sadness the passing of the distinguished American pianist and Steinway Artist Anthony Burger on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 at the age of 44, of an apparent heart attack. Mr. Burger collapsed onstage while performing aboard a cruise ship in the Caribbean.
One of gospel music's premier musicians, Anthony Burger delivered more than Christian entertainment to his listeners. He also communicated inspirational stories. Intense with his craft, he seemed especially determined to give his audiences everything they had come to expect from such a powerful musician. He was a piano virtuoso with an incomparable style of playing. Mr. Burger was a classically trained, much-revered pianist for the Gaither Homecoming series, as well as a highly successful solo recording artist. On his latest release, "A Tribute To Bill & Gloria Gaither", which received a 2006 Gospel Music Association Award Nomination (formerly the Dove Awards), Mr. Burger recorded some of the best-loved classics from the Gaithers' prolific pen, including He Touched Me, The King Is Coming, It Is Finished and Because He Lives.
As a recent addition to the Steinway Roster of Artists, both Steinway & Sons and Mr. Burger were looking forward to a mutually inspired and musically fulfilling professional association. 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. We wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to his wife LuAnn, their children, and entire family.