RIP Stephen Bruton

James Pennebaker · Post by **James Pennebaker** » 10 May 2009 7:51 pm

Stephen was my mentor growing up in Ft. Worth, TX. He lost his 3 year battle with cancer yesterday morning. I was fortunate enough to have him as one of my oldest and closest friends and the honor of providing pedal steel parts on a couple of his solo albums and other projects he produced for other artists. I'll miss the good times in Austin with he and wife Mary staying over at their home whenever I happened to be down that way. Picking guitars, listening to music and eating some great Tex Mex or Bar B Que at The Ironworks (where Stephen was quite well known and the food was always on the house).
Rest easy my brother. Heavens gate was open wide for Mr. Bruton yesterday.

http://www.star-telegram.com/metro_news ... 67962.html

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20090 ... dies+at+60

JP

Jody Sanders · Post by **Jody Sanders** » 10 May 2009 8:39 pm

James, I am sorry for the loss of your friend. May GOD bless, comfort. and keep his family always. Jody.

John Macy · Post by **John Macy** » 10 May 2009 8:52 pm

Man, it's been a tough week in Austin...

Peter Freiberger · Post by **Peter Freiberger** » 11 May 2009 7:57 am

http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/ ... 5727.story

He was an unforgettable guy with a big heart and talent to match. I didn't know Stephen well, but you didn't have to to know that. My condolences to all who knew and loved him. Especially to you, James.

Skip Edwards · Post by **Skip Edwards** » 11 May 2009 8:28 am

I am really sorry to hear about this.
RIP, mijo.

Bill Terry · Post by **Bill Terry** » 11 May 2009 12:31 pm

James, I know just how you feel bro.

Back when I was living in FW, Stephen was always one of those guys who had something good to say no matter what. I remember when he used to drop by with T-Bone (remember the Bruce Music Co. days?) and we'd hang and talk and play guitars. I learned a lot from Stephen and not just about how to play guitar.

When I moved to Austin back in the early 90's I called him up, wondering if he would even remember me, and he greeted me like an old friend. I can't think of anybody that had more class and talent, and yet was so humble, and just a nice guy.

They've been playing some of his records on Austin radio today, and it's been great hearing all that good music. Even though I couldn't call Stephen a close friend, I feel a real personal loss that's hard to describe. That's the kind of guy he was.

Chris Boyd · Post by **Chris Boyd** » 11 May 2009 4:20 pm

This is SO sad..what an amazing guy....RIP SB....

James Pennebaker · Post by **James Pennebaker** » 15 May 2009 4:48 am

Funeral will be at 10:00 AM, Saturday, May 16, in Ft. Worth, TX at Holy Family Catholic Church.

JP

Herb Steiner · Post by **Herb Steiner** » 19 May 2009 4:06 pm

Yes, Bruton was a hoss.

It truly was a tough week in Austin, Mr. Macy... no lie.

Steve England on Tuesday, Poodie on Wednesday, Bruton on Saturday. Good lord!