Anthony Burger was considered by most to be Southern Gospel’s most elite solo piano performer. Does anyone think he left a void that could be filled or even should be attempted? If so, by whom?

Unfortunately yes, it will be filled eventually.  Listen to Kim Collingsworth sometime.

Anthony had such a great testimony that made his playing more remarkable.  Their are many that are real close is skill, but not in style. IMO

In my opinion, Anthony Burger left a void that will not be filled. When you combine his raw skill, incredible technique, flair, versatility and unique arrangements with his testimony of healing , work ethic, personality and ability to connect with an audience, he was definitely one of a kind.
There are many other good pianists, but none that will fill his particular spot in SG music.

There’s a young man still in his teens by the name of Joshua Pope that I heard recently and I think he could accomplish what Anthony did but only time will tell.

Richey - 08 November 2007 09:13 AM

There’s a young man still in his teens by the name of Joshua Pope that I heard recently and I think he could accomplish what Anthony did but only time will tell.

IMHO-- every piano-player is like each SG Singer’s--- none of the tenors, bass, or baritone, & lady-singers sound the same, nor have the same stage movements either, each have “Their” own Special-Quality and I’m sure everyone can agree with me on this topic???  

Maybe the next Anthony could keep from playing ahead of the beat.............
Just a thought.

There will never be another Anthony but that doesn’t mean that someone will not rise to fill a position such as his in their own right.  Anthony was an amazing man who left a void for all who knew him. 

But there are other great pianists out there, making their own place in SG, I love to hear them play and hope that someone steps up and becomes the ‘holder of the bar’ where the standard is set.

Yes, Anthony’s main appeal was his enjoyment of performing.  It is true that he had an incredible command of technique and style, but his main attraction (as far as people were concerned) was the stage presentation; he simply loved to play!  Now, there are plenty of other pianists in SG who could match his performing ability, but few could match his enjoyment of the instrument.  When I was a piano performance major in the mid-1980s, the Kingmen released an LP titled “Mississippi Live”.  Anthony and crew had an instumental where he played “When We All Get To Heaven” in 3 or 4 different musical styles.  I bought that record down in Waycross GA at a big all-night singing that went on at time every summer.  When I heard that track, I immediatly began to learn the piece myself by just simply playing that track over and over.  Remember, this was before SG groups released CDs, so this involved a lot of pressing the “cue” button and backing the stylus needle up to the beginning of that piece!  Finally had to by a new record player at the end of 1987.  At that time I was enrolled at Emmanuel College in Franklin Springs GA.  Also there was a guy named Peter Penrose and Regi Stone.  Penrose later went on to be somewhat successful in CCM and Stone (who was the equivelent of Anthony on the piano, so much so that he was allowed to skip voice lessons in favor of 2 hour piano lessons.  The other 3 performance majors, myself included, were required to take voice lessons) went on to become a name in Praise and Worship.

peterpan - 07 November 2007 09:49 PM

Unfortunately yes, it will be filled eventually.  Listen to Kim Collingsworth sometime.

Unfortunately? Why do you say that? What is wrong with another artist that can fill the void left in gospel music by Anthony’s passing?

I DO believe that Anthony, like the other greats before him, will leave a singular mark on gospel music in an individual way, but that doesn’t mean that it would be a bad thing if someone else were to achieve the same kind of greatness that Anthony did. After all, Anthony did it...why can’t someone else?

Though I think Jackie Marshal and Wally Varner were the greatest of all time....I think Anthony ranks 3rd...I personally think Andrew Ishee could be 4th...I know a lot will disagree w/ me but Andrew could flat out play...I don’t think he has peaked.