Ed Bruce

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Ed Bruce
An Ed Bruce album
Background information
Birth name	William Edwin Bruce
Born	December 29, 1939
Origin	Keiser, Arkansas
Genre(s)	Country Music
Occupation(s)	songwriter/singer
Years active	1966-present
Label(s)	RCA, United Artists, MCA

William Edwin Bruce, born December 29, 1939, known as (Ed Bruce) is a Country Music songwriter and singer.

[edit] Early Life & Songwriting Career

Ed Bruce, became known for his songwriting abilities. As a songwriter, he is probably best known for writing the hit song, "Mamma's Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys" for Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson. ^{[citation needed]} In 1962, he wrote the hit song "Save Your Kisses" for Tommy Roe and in 1965 he wrote, "See the Big Man Cry" for Charlie Louvin.

He was born in Arkansas, but he grew up in Memphis, Tennessee. In 1957, at the age of 17, he went to see Jack Clement. Clement, who hadn't achieved success yet for himself was just an engineer for Sun Records. Soon after, Bruce caught the attention of singer, Sam Phillips to which he wrote the song "Rock Boppin' Baby". In the early 1960's, Bruce recorded for RCA Records and some smaller labels like Wand/Scepter. Singing Rockabilly music as well as incorporating a more pop-oriented sound never really gained him any success as a vocalist.

[edit] The Height of His Career

In 1966 he signed again with RCA Records. That year Bruce recorded songs like "Puzzles", "The Price I Pay to Stay" and "Lonesome Is Me". He still did not achieve great charting action. He was able to make some money by singing and narrating television commercials. ^{[citation needed]} When he signed with Monument, he made the Country charts with his version of "Mamma's Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys". In 1978 the song was recorded again by Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings. The song was a major hit and put Bruce on an upward swing.

In the early 1980's Bruce began to have success as a singer. "You're the Best Break This Old Heart Ever Had" went to #1 in 1982. He had other hit songs like "Ever, Never Lovin' You", "After All" and "You Turn Me On (Like a Radio)".

[edit] Decline and Television Career

In 1986-87 he released two final albums. ^{[citation needed]} After their release, Bruce left music to persue a career in acting.

He hosted two shows in the late 80's, "Trucking USA" and "American Sports Calvacade". Bruce also appeared in several made-for-TV films.

[edit] Trivia

• In October 2004 Mamas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys appeared in popular videogame Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, playing on fictional country music station K-ROSE.

[edit] Discography

[edit] Hit Singles

[edit] Selected Albums

[edit] Sources

• Country Music:the Rough Guide; Wolff, Kurt; Penguin Publishing
• LP Discography.com

[edit] External Links

• All Music Ed Bruce