Stephen Bruton, 1948-2009

Guild is deeply saddened to learn of the loss of a dear friend, Stephen Bruton.

Bruton, 60, passed away in Los Angeles on May 9 after a long battle with throat cancer. He’d just completed working with close friend T. Bone Burnett on the film Crazy Heart as music producer and composer.

A revered and accomplished guitarist, songwriter and producer, Bruton was known for his long musical partnership with Kris Kristofferson. Bruton also played in the bands of Bonnie Raitt and Delbert McClinton, and was a member of Austin, Texas, supergroup the Resentments. His songs were recorded by Kristofferson, Raitt, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Patty Loveless, Jimmy Buffett, and many others. Bruton also produced records for Alejandro Escovedo, Storyville and Jimmie Dale Gilmore, and he released five solo records, from What It Is (1993) to From the Five (2005).

Kristofferson told United Press International that Bruton was “one of the bright spots in the lives of anyone who was close to him.”

In addition to his music career, Bruton also acted in several films, including Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid, Heaven’s Gate, A Star is Born, Songwriter, Miss Congeniality, and The Alamo.

Born Turner Stephen Bruton in 1948, he grew up in Fort Worth, Texas, surrounded by music. His father was a jazz drummer who ran a record store where Bruton eagerly absorbed blues, country, pop, jazz and classical music.

Bruton is survived by his wife, his mother and a brother. The funeral will be held in Fort Worth, Texas.