July 8, 2025
Burks was identified for her humility but large influence on this planet of gospel music.
Mama Mosie Burks, a legendary gospel singer identified for her vocals within the Mississippi Mass Choir, has died at age 92.
Burks garnered fame because the revered lead vocalist with the gospel choir. She turned a family title with the group as they toured throughout the nation and globally. Her beloved gospel cohort shared the unlucky information July 7.
Born in Forest, Mississippi, in 1933, she grew up choosing cotton and doing home work earlier than touring to the bigger metropolis of Jackson to pursue an training. There, she finally joined the Mass choir, however solely did so a long time later in 1996.
She sang lead for the primary time throughout a efficiency of “This Morning After I Rose,” with the complete choir taking discover of her immense expertise.
“When Mama Burks walked out on that stage, and he or she did the primary signature shake of her hair and her head and her hair, the entire ambiance shook,” stated Mississippi Mass Choir Govt Director Jerry Mannery, in accordance with WLBT.
Regardless of her immediate acclaim, Burks remained humble about her artistry, stating that she “by no means felt certified” to have such a profound influence via her voice.
“Hilariously, Mama Burks resisted, and the explanation she resisted becoming a member of was that she didn’t suppose she was ok. We laughed about that for years,” shared Mannery.
She carried out on a number of worldwide phases with the Mass Choir, together with in eight nations, comparable to South Africa, Italy, and Japan. From performances on the Stellar Awards to inauguration actions in 2012, Burks spent over 20 years performing with the choir to unfold a message of Christ. Certainly one of her most notable songs with the choir consists of “I’m Not Drained But.” The tune additionally served as a testomony to her dedication to praising the Lord, no matter her age.
The spouse and mom of three additionally ventured into solo work, together with her single “I Received A Grip” from her eponymously named album profitable Music of the 12 months on the 2006 Mississippi Gospel Music Awards. She retired in 2020 after a last efficiency through the Mass Choir’s fiftieth anniversary.
Whereas her humility shined via, Burks stays a pillar within the gospel music world and Mississippi Mass Choir historical past.
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