Goodbye Ed Bruce

Songwriter Ed Bruce passed away in Clarksville, Tennessee passed away of natural causes on Friday, January 8, 2021. The 81-year-old country singer and songwriter held 35 Billboard spots and six Top 10 Hits. His hits include “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys,” “You’re the Best Break This Old Heart Ever Had,” and “See the Big Man Cry.”

Ed was born in Keiser, Arkansas on December 29, 1939. His first big break came when he was 17. Catching the eye of record producer Sam Phillips, of Sun Records, Bruce released his first song “Rock Boppin’ Baby.” Later in 1962, Bruce wrote, “Save Your Kisses” for Tommy Roe. The next year he earned his first Billboard spot n the Bubbling Under chart for “See the Big Man Cry” for Carlie Louvin. Other notable songs include “Walkers Woods,” “Last Train to Clarksville,” “Song for Jenny” and “Everybody Wants to Get to Heaven.

Country music star Blake Shelton spoke out on Twitter over the weekend regarding Bruce’s passing.

“Just hearing that Ed Bruce passed away… What a stand-alone voice he had. He’ll be remembered for his many talents including acting and maybe most important his songwriting… Rest In Peace cowboy. I’m not loving 2021 so far.”

In addition to a successful music career, Ed Bruce also enjoyed his time as an actor. He co-starred alongside James Garner in the TV series Bret Maverick, as well as made special appearances in Walker, Texas Ranger, and The Chisholms. He also played host to shows such as Truckin’ USA and American Sports Calvacade.
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Bruce was married twice, first to Patsy Bruce who cowrote “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” with him. They had three children together. The pair divorced in 1987 and Bruce remarried Judith Woodlee and had one child together.

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