The gospel music scene is mourning the loss of Mosie “Mama” Burks, a global legend who sang for decades in the Mississippi Mass Choir. Burks was 92 and passed away Monday.
The Mississippi Mass Choir announced Burks’ death, calling her “a living testimony of unwavering faith, joy, and perseverance.”
“It is with heavy hearts and treasured reflections that the Mississippi Mass Choir announces the transition of their beloved member Mother Mosie Burks – affectionately known to the world as Mosie ‘Mama’ Burks,” a social media post from the Mississippi Mass Choir reads.
“Mama Mosie was more than a voice,” the post continued. “Her energy, her testimony, and her unwavering love for God touched audiences around the world and brought countless souls to Christ.”
Born in Forrest on June 17, 1933, Burks later moved to Jackson to pursue higher education. While attending Jackson State University, tragedy interrupted her goals in the classroom when her mother died at age 40. Her father left several of the family’s youngest children in Burks’ care, for whom she supported by working as a maid.
In her mid 20s, Burks began to start her own family and resumed her education at Tougaloo College. Her first husband was severely injured in a hit-and-run, once again putting a pause on her higher education plans. To support him until his death in 1984, Burks worked for South Central Bell Telephone Company.
She never stopped singing, though. Burks became a popular soloist with fiery stage appearances at various Jackson churches.
Mississippi Mass Choir founder and Malaco Records executive Frank Williams had heard Burks sing and unsuccessfully tried to recruit her to join the group on multiple occasions. After Williams’ passing, his widow Katrina finally persuaded Burks to join in 1996, in part by offering her second husband a chance to sell choir merchandise during tours so the couple could travel together.
Becoming the group’s go-to soloist for roof-raising songs such as “This Morning When I Rose,” “They Got the Word,” and “I Love to Praise Him,” Burks was an instant hit and would end up singing in eight countries across 24 years, all while spreading the word of Christianity. She retired in 2020 but not before cutting her first record.
In 2005, at age 72, Burks recorded a studio album with Malaco called “God Has Brought Me from a Mighty Long Way” with Malaco Records. She was featured in the Disney film, “America’s Heart and Soul,” had her songs played on radio stations across the world, and even saw her hit “I’m Not Tired Yet” licensed to ESPN.
Multiple organizations across the genre, including the Stellar Gospel Music Awards, took time to pay homage to Burks.
Burks was the mother to three children, a grandmother, and great-grandmother. A public visitation will be held Tuesday, July 15, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Jackson Memorial Funeral Service. A musical celebration will follow from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Greater Fairview Baptist Church in Jackson. Her funeral will be held on Wednesday, July 16, at 11 a.m. at Greater Bethlehem Temple Apostolic Faith Church in Jackson.
Biographical information in part provided by Malaco Records.
