Ed Bruce

Ed Bruce

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Ed Bruce

Singer, songwriter, performer
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Ed Bruce

Singer, songwriter, performer

December 29, 1939

Keiser, Arkansas

January 8, 2021

Deadline

Ed Bruce was an American singer, songwriter, and actor.

He is perhaps best known for writing the classic song, "Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys," which has been featured in a number of productions including The Electric Horseman (1979), Urban Cowboy (1980), CHiPs, The Dukes of Hazzard, Knight Rider, and Mystery Science Theater.

On screen, he is most widely recognized for co-starring alongside James Garner in the series Bret Maverick; a show on which he also served as the series' musical composer.

Bruce also had a recurring role in The Chisholms, appeared as a guest star in Walker, Texas Ranger, and landed roles in a number of TV movies including The Last Days of Frank and Jesse James (1986), A Horse for Danny (1995), and Blue Valley Songbird (1999).

On the big screen, Bruce appeared in Father's Day (1988), Fire Down Below (1997), Public Enemies (2009), and The Pardon (2013).

Bruce died January 8, 2021, in Clarksville, Tennessee. He was 81.

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