Mama Mosie Burks, the iconic gospel singer and beloved lead vocalist of the Mississippi Mass Choir, passed away peacefully at the age of 92 on the morning of July 7, 2025. Known affectionately as "Mama Mosie," Burks was a towering figure in gospel music, her powerful voice and deep faith leaving an indelible mark on audiences around the world.
The Mississippi Mass Choir announced her passing on social media, paying tribute to her as the defining voice and spirit of the choir. "Mama Mosie's powerful voice, unshakable faith and joyful spirit touched hearts around the world and helped define the sound and soul of the Mississippi Mass Choir," the choir wrote on Facebook. "Her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come." The choir also shared that, "She sang about having a 'standing invitation,' and early Monday morning, packed and ready, God called and she boarded her Heavenly flight." Fans and fellow gospel musicians quickly responded with heartfelt tributes, mourning the loss of a true pioneer in gospel music.
Burks' voice graced many of the choir's most beloved songs, including "They Got the Word," "I'm Not Tired Yet," and the soul-stirring "This Morning When I Rose." Her electrifying performances were legendary, especially the live rendition of "When I Rose This Morning" recorded at Jackson State University in 1996, which remains a cultural touchstone for gospel music enthusiasts. Her presence on stage was described as both joyful and deeply moving, embodying the spirit and mission of the Mississippi Mass Choir.
Born in Forest, Mississippi, Mama Mosie came from humble beginnings. She was the third of thirteen children born to migrant-fieldworker parents. Life was not easy; her mother passed away when Burks was just 21, and her father left the family, leaving her to raise five younger siblings. She worked as a maid and later found employment with the telephone company before her gospel career took flight. Despite these hardships, her faith remained steadfast and became the foundation of her musical ministry.
Burks' journey with the Mississippi Mass Choir began after the group was founded in 1988 by Frank Williams, a member of the Jackson Southernaires and a producer at Malaco Records, a renowned blues, soul, and gospel label. The choir quickly rose to prominence, with their first six albums topping Billboard's gospel charts. Mama Mosie's voice was central to their success and helped shape the choir's distinctive sound that blended traditional gospel with contemporary influences.
Her influence extended far beyond Mississippi. She toured extensively with the choir across the United States, as well as internationally to South Africa, Japan, and Europe. One of the crowning moments of her career was performing for Pope John Paul II at his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, a rare honor that underscored her global impact as a gospel ambassador.
On a personal front, Burks was a mother of three children from her first marriage; her husband passed away in 1984. She later married Willie Burks, becoming a stepmother to seven children from her husband’s previous marriages. Family was a cornerstone of her life, and she was known for her nurturing spirit, which earned her the nickname "Mama Mosie."
Even in her late 80s, Burks remained active within the gospel community. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, friends and family organized a heartwarming drive-by celebration at her nursing home to mark her 87th birthday, a testament to the love and admiration she inspired throughout her life.
The news of her passing has left a profound void in the gospel music world. Fans on social media expressed their grief and admiration, with one posting, "If you didn’t know Jesus after she finished singing, something was wrong with you. Rest in power to one of the greatest gospel pioneers, Mosie Burks." Another wrote, "Her legacy will forever live on. May she rest in power." The Mississippi Mass Choir has asked for prayers for the Burks family and the choir during this time of reflection and remembrance.
Funeral arrangements are currently being finalized, with announcements expected soon. The choir and Burks’ family have requested privacy as they navigate this difficult time.
Mama Mosie Burks’ life was a testament to resilience, faith, and the transformative power of music. From her early days in Mississippi to stages around the world, she carried the torch of gospel music with grace and passion. Her voice not only entertained but also uplifted countless souls, making her a true legend whose influence will echo for generations.
