July 8, 2025
Burks was known for her humility yet huge impact in the world of gospel music.
Mama Mosie Burks, a legendary gospel singer known for her vocals in the Mississippi Mass Choir, has died at age 92.
Burks garnered fame as the revered lead vocalist with the gospel choir. She became a household name with the group as they toured across the country and globally. Her beloved gospel cohort shared the unfortunate news July 7.
Born in Forest, Mississippi, in 1933, she grew up picking cotton and doing domestic work before traveling to the larger city of Jackson to pursue an education. There, she eventually joined the Mass choir, but only did so decades later in 1996.
She sang lead for the first time during a performance of “This Morning When I Rose,” with the entire choir taking notice of her immense talent.
“When Mama Burks walked out on that stage, and she did the first signature shake of her hair and her head and her hair, the whole atmosphere shook,” said Mississippi Mass Choir Executive Director Jerry Mannery, according to WLBT.
Despite her instant acclaim, Burks remained humble about her artistry, stating that she “never felt qualified” to have such a profound impact through her voice.
“Hilariously, Mama Burks resisted, and the reason she resisted joining was that she didn’t think she was good enough. We laughed about that for years,” shared Mannery.
She performed on several international stages with the Mass Choir, including in eight countries, such as South Africa, Italy, and Japan. From performances at the Stellar Awards to inauguration activities in 2012, Burks spent over 20 years performing with the choir to spread a message of Christ. One of her most notable songs with the choir includes “I’m Not Tired Yet.” The song also served as a testament to her dedication to praising the Lord, regardless of her age.
The wife and mother of three also ventured into solo work, with her single “I Got A Grip” from her eponymously named album winning Song of the Year at the 2006 Mississippi Gospel Music Awards. She retired in 2020 after a final performance during the Mass Choir’s 50th anniversary.
While her humility shined through, Burks remains a pillar in the gospel music world and Mississippi Mass Choir history.
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