Posted on Feb 27, 2006 | by Staff

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)--Pianist Anthony Burger, who played often with the Gaither Vocal Band and was one of Gospel music's top instrumentalists, died Feb. 22 of an apparent heart attack. He was 44.

Burger suffered the heart attack and died during a performance aboard a Bill Gaither Homecoming cruise in the Caribbean. Burger performed with the Gaither Vocal Band about 80 times a year, and took part in about 60 Gaither Homecoming videos.

He played at Billy Graham Crusades and in such locations as England, Ireland, Scotland and the Caribbean Islands. He and the Gaither Vocal Band performed at the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting in Indianapolis in 2004.

Burger recorded his own instrumental albums, and his latest CD, "Tribute to Bill and Gloria Gaither," was nominated for this year's GMA Music Award's instrumental album of the year.

Burger is survived by his wife, LuAnn; two sons, AJ and Austin; a daughter, Lori; his mother and father, Richard and Jean Burger; and two brothers, Randy and Clinton Burger.

Services at two locations have been arranged.

At Christ Church in Nashville, a viewing will be held Tuesday, Feb. 28, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. CST, and on March 1 from 10 a.m. until noon. The funeral at Christ Church will be held March 1 at 1 p.m. CST.

At Clingan Ridge Baptist Church in Cleveland, a viewing will take place Thursday, March 2, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. EST, and on March 3 from noon until 2 p.m. The funeral at Clingan Ridge will be held March 3 at 2 p.m. EST, with the burial to follow in Charleston, Tenn.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Gospel Music Trust Fund/Anthony Burger, P.O. Box 144, Goodlettsville, Tenn., 37070.
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