2021 is not off to an ideal start.  Today, we have lost our first big country name of the year, as Ed Bruce has passed away due to natural causes at the age of 81 in Clarksville, TN.  Despite starting his career in the late 1950’s, he didn’t crack the top 10 on the country singles chart until the 1980’s where he scored one #1 single and six top ten singles.  He was also an accomplished songwriter, most notably being known for writing the Waylon Jennings smash hit “Mamma’s Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys.”

Here is what his peers are saying about his loss today:

• Andrew Farris – As a teenager during the 1970s, his song Mama’s Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys was one, and still is, of my favorite songs EVER
• B.J. Thomas – We knew Ed and have performed on shows with him across the country. He was a good man and he will be missed.  RIP Ed Bruce. Great writer and great friend. Love to family. BJ
• Blake Shelton  – 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. Im not loving 2021 so far.
• David Frizzell – Ed Bruce’s “Mama’s Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys” has to be one of the best country songs of my time. I also got to record a song with Ed called “The One That Got Away” in the early ’90s and we did a video for it. We laughed and joked all the way thru it (along with some Ol’ High Note”). We had a great time together! Say Hello To Heaven, Ed.”
• Jamey Johnson – Thank you Ed Bruce for all the years of dedication to country music that paved the way for songwriters like me. Hell of a run Sir.
• Janie Fricke – I’m proud to have known Ed Bruce, both in the studio and on television appearances. I admired his talents and unique style. May his memory live on forever.
• Joe Bonsall (Oak Ridge Boys) – (1) We have lost another friend and songwriter today. Rest Easy Ed Bruce! Many will remember him for songs like Mama Don’t Let Your Baby’s Grow Up To Be Cowboys, but we shall remember him for a song called “I Know.” Look it up for a blessing. Goodbye brother and thank you.  (2) So then within one day we have lost 2 master songwriters in Jamie O’Hara and Ed Bruce and a baseball icon Tommy Lasorda … Celebrate Life dear friends
  
• Johnny Lee – Ed Bruce was a dear, dear friend of mine. We always talked about visiting more, but now that’s going to have to wait. This one hits close to home and I will miss him like crazy.
• Lacy J. Dalton – Ed wrote songs so close to the bone, you couldn’t help but be touched by them. He was my friend and I will miss him.
• Steve Wariner – I am very saddened to hear of the loss of my friend Ed Bruce. What a super, multi-talented man. He was proficient at so many things! Such a huge loss. Condolences to the family. Rest In Peace, Ed.
• T. Graham Brown – Ed was a big man with a big voice. He knew how to write a great country song. That deep speaking voice of his was unmistakable and he had some serious acting chops. Condolences to all of his family and friends. Rest easy, buddy.
• T.G. Sheppard – So very sad to hear that another one of country music’s great voices has gone silent. You could always tell instantly that it was Ed whether he was speaking or singing. I had the pleasure of working with him many times through the years and each and every time it was an honor. RIP my friend.
• The Oak Ridge Boys – We have lost another friend and songwriter today … Rest Easy Ed Bruce … many will remember him for songs like Mama Don’t Let Your Baby’s Grow Up To Be Cowboys but we shall remember him for a song called I Know … look it up for a blessing … Goodbye brother and Thank You
• Tim McGraw – We lost another one of our great country singer songwriters today.  The man behind “Mamas, Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” and more.  So many cool records of his that I listened to growing up.
• Trace Adkins – It was an honor to perform on stage with Ed Bruce. The memories of sitting in the living room with him and a couple of guitars are priceless. I appreciate his counsel and encouragement. My heartfelt condolences to his family. Thanks, Ed.