Anthony Burger (1961-2006)

All I can say is, what a shocking blow this is to the industry! We’re all just trying to deal with the death of Doug Riley, and then Anthony Burger. But what a way to go…doing what he loved best, playing “We Shall Behold Him” and then slipping right on into glory beholding the King of King and Lord of Lords, face to face. Anthony is where we all long to be, in the Presence of God Almighty!

I have been a fan of Anthony’s piano playing for years. I only met him a few times and he was always very cordial. The first time I actually met him was when I did a radio interview with him back in 1988. We talked his playing and about the formation of a brand new record company he was a part of called Pinnacle Records…now known as Horizon Music Group. He was so excited about that and being able to produce and play more of role in the musical creation of artist’s recordings.

One time, I brought a friend with me to see the Kingsmen back in the early 1990s. My friend was an aspiring piano player. I did an interview with the Kingsmen for radio that night and in my talking with Anthony, I told him about my friend. He went out of his way to make them feel special and throughout the concert, he would look and smile and wink, making them feel like he was playing just for them.

Anthony took piano playing to a whole new level within Southern Gospel Music. He literally could tear up a piano, and made people want to learn to play as well. His life exuded music. It was obviously his passion and joy, and his music brought much joy to literally thousands upon thousands of people. His music lives on though, through not only his recorded works, but through the countless number of people his music has inspired.

The last time I saw Anthony play was at Jubilate' on New Years Eve. As usual, he gave an awesome performance. I am so glad I got to see him play one more time.

Thank you Lord, for sending people like Anthony Burger to inspire us, delight us and through their music, help us draw closer to You.

Rembering Doug Riley (1971-2006)

The Southern Gospel Music world awoke to shocking news on Tuesday morning, January 31 when they found out that Doug Riley had been tragically killed in a car accident. I’ve never been privileged to meet Doug Riley, but from the things I have heard and read over the past two days have afforded me the wonderful opportunity to get to know him in some form; and I have come to the conclusion that Doug Riley is a man I wish I had met.

I knew Doug Riley to be one of the best musicians and songwriters Southern Gospel Music has to offer, but over the past two days, I have found him to a committed Christian, devoted husband and father to his wife and children, much beloved son and brother to Tim and Barbara and Daniel Riley respectively, and a great friend to those privileged to call him as such.

What a wonderful legacy he has left behind and his life is a beautiful testimony of a good life lived, though seeming cut very short. I hope in some small way I can resemble that legacy and as my life continues on, I pray I am able to take in each new day and just drink in the many pleasures that life has to offer. I believe that being a Christian affords me so many awesome opportunities to enjoy life and all the simple things it has to offer.