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Home > Austin Music Source > Archives > 2009 > May > 09 > Entry
Stephen Bruton 1948- 2009
Although his credits as a guitarist, producer and songwriter were highly impressive, there was so much more to Austin icon Stephen Bruton, who lost a two and a half year battle with throat cancer Saturday morning in Los Angeles.
“He was one of the bright spots in the lives of anyone who was close to him,” said Kris Kristofferson, who hired a 22-year-old Bruton to be his guitar player in 1971. The gig lasted 17 years and made the pair as close as brothers. Bruton also played in the bands of Bonnie Raitt and Delbert McClinton, plus he produced career-defining albums by Alejandro Escovedo, Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Marcia Ball..
“I feel fortunate that I was able to get back to L.A. last night and say farewell,” Kristofferson said. “He finally knew he was going, after fighting it so hard for so long. I said I would see him again down the road, probably sooner than later.” The two talked for awhile, then, late Friday night, Bruton said he had to go to sleep. He never woke up. He was 60.
“Stephen Bruton was the soul of Texas music,” T-Bone Burnett said in a statement Saturday. “This is an incalculable loss. He was my oldest friend and I loved him like a brother. I learned more from him than I can say.”
Burnett flew Bruton to L.A. in a private jet about two months ago, knowing that playing the guitar in the studio would be great for Bruton’s spirits. “Stephen wanted to work,” said Cameron Strang, the president of New West, which released three Bruton solo LPs. Besides playing on a soundtrack produced by Burnett for the upcoming Jeff Bridges movie “Crazy Heart,” Bruton saw two highly regarded oncologists in L.A. and had initially showed signs of improvement, Strang said.
Back home in Austin, where the guitarist played every Sunday night with the Resentments at the Saxon Pub for several years, there was hope that Bruton would pull through. If anyone could beat cancer… Instead, a music community still reeling from Wednesday’s death of Willie Nelson’s beloved stage manager Poodie Locke, had to deal with another great loss.
‘We owe a lot to Stephen Bruton,” Saxon Pub owner Joe Ables said, speaking not only for his club on South Lamar, but Austin as a whole. “The word I think of when I think of Stephen is ‘respect.’ Everyone respected him as a man of talent and integrity. He was the guy you looked up to.”
He was also known as someone you could turn to in times of despair. After getting sober about 20 years ago, Bruton was there to help anyone who wanted to lead a life without drugs and alcohol. He didn’t preach, but inspired by example..
As a producer, Bruton had a way of taking command that made you want to follow him, said Jimmie Dale Gilmore, whose Bruton-produced album “After Awhile” took Gilmore out of the honkytonks and into listening rooms and concert halls. “He was so important to me,” Gilmore said. “He had the right combination of genuine musicianship and organizational skill that made him such a great producer. Plus he was so much fun to work with.”
Off-the-cuff comedy was another of Bruton’s talents you won’t find in liner notes, but he could also take a joke. Once he was the best man at a wedding, but was the last one to arrive. As the couple waited patiently and the guests looked back at the entrance for Bruton, someone said ‘Turn on a movie camera and he’ll be here in two minutes” and everyone cracked up. Including Bruton, when he was told about it.
Raised on rhythm and blues and country in his family’s record store in Fort Worth, Turner Stephen Bruton was only 20 when he met budding songwriter Kristofferson in Fort Worth. A couple years later, the suddenly hot Kristofferson asked Bruton if he was interested in playing the guitar in his band. “Man, that’s all I’m interested in,” Bruton answered back.
“Kris was always so encouraging about my songwriting,” Bruton told the American-Statesman in 2007. Bruton co-wrote the title track of Kristofferson’s 1972 album “Border Lord” and had his greatest writing thrill when Raitt and Willie Nelson sang a duet of Bruton’s “Getting Over You” on Nelson’s “Across the Borderline” LP.
Raitt has a show Sunday in Austin at the Bass Concert Hall. It could be one of the toughest she’ll ever have to get through, as she and Bruton were extremely close.
By the time he played a part in the video for Raitt’s “Thing Called Love,” Bruton was a bit of an acting veteran. Through his association with Kristofferson, the guitarist with the movie star looks beefed up his resume with roles in such films as “A Star Is Born,” “Heaven’s Gate” and “Songwriter’ (writen by Bud Shrake, who passed away yesterday). Bruton also had speaking roles in “The Alamo,” and “Miss Congeniality” and had a cameo as the band leader in the TV series ‘Studio 60 On the Sunset Strip.’
And then he got cancer. His wife Mary had a sore throat one day and she wanted to see what a normal throat looked like so she had Stephen say ‘ah,’ but his red and swollen tonsils looked even worse. He was diagnosed in December ‘06 and vowed to fight it with everything he had. Even though he was still feeling the exhausting effects of chemotherapy, he worked as band leader for the Freescale Semiconductor “Road To Austin” show in May 2007. Playing again with special guests Kristofferson, Raitt and McClinton seemed to rejuvenate “the Kid.”
McClinton and Bruton go back to 1965, when a 16-year-old Stephen and his older brother Sumter were guitarists in the house band of a Fort Worth juke joint called the Bluebird. McClinton would sometimes sit in on harp; white teenagers playing the blues in a black club and having a blast.
By the time he hooked up with Kristofferson, Bruton had an encyclopedic knowledge of guitar riffs. But his playing was never flashier than what the song called for. “He’s my all-time favorite guitar player,” Kristofferson said.
In that 2007 interview with the American Statesman, Bruton proudly pulled out a photo of him and Kristofferson backstage warming up for their first gig together, at the Golden Bear in San Rafael, Calif. in 1971. That was the moment Bruton became a professional musician.
“Touring with Kris was the greatest experience,” Bruton said, looking at the photo with a big smile. “I feel like we went through life together.”
- Sign the guest book
- Photos: Stephen Bruton
Comments
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By Regan Brown
May 9, 2009 4:47 PM | Link to this
Thanks for all those magical Sunday nights at the Saxon Pub, Stephen…and say hey to Mambo John for all of us, okay?
By Larry Warshaw
May 9, 2009 5:09 PM | Link to this
Hugely Sad.
By mdlonghorn
May 9, 2009 5:38 PM | Link to this
Bruton was a class act. In the 2004 version of the Alamo, he played Mial Scurlock, my wife’s actual great-great-great uncle who died at the historic battle, in a speaking part in ther movie. My wife and I are also big Bruton music fans, and as we left the Alamo movie premiere in San Antonio in March 2004, I spied Bruton and wife Mary ahead of us and asked Stephen to wait while I found my wife so I could take a picture of them together (my wife had lagged behind). It took several minutes to find my wife, but Stephen Bruton had waited the entire time and my wife got her picture with Stephen at the movie premiere just as she had wished. I have always thought that Stephen was such a gentleman to have waited for me to fetch my wife for that shot. I will miss his fluid guitar work and great songs. RIP Stephen……………
By Holly G
May 9, 2009 6:00 PM | Link to this
Stephen Bruton. What is meant to be a man… a songwriter… a guitarslinger… a tasty reality rider… and the essence of poetry… He lived broad. He touched many. He made us richer with music.
He will be missed.
By Shannon Rose
May 9, 2009 6:29 PM | Link to this
Stephen, you are dearly loved and will be sadly missed.
By mark pollock
May 9, 2009 6:44 PM | Link to this
I will miss that smile and that tone…
By Johnny Hughes
May 9, 2009 6:49 PM | Link to this
Joe Nick Patoski at JoeNickP.com writes about the recent deaths of three people: Bruton, Poodie Locke, Bud Shrake.
By kat
May 9, 2009 7:03 PM | Link to this
the heavens are filling up with texas music. the living grieve.
By Debra Peters
May 9, 2009 7:10 PM | Link to this
Stephen Turner Bruton…you are dearly loved and will be sadly missed. (I most definitely second what Shannon wrote)
I used to see Stephen play around town when I was living in L.A.
I thought he was terribly cute. Almost too cute for me to attempt to flirt with. Not one girl I knew in L.A. wouldn’t have went out on a date with him! I met him briefly back in 1989 but didn’t get to know him until all those long session hours spent @ the Hit Shack in Austin. Being that I ‘hooked up’ with thee, master recording engineer Jay Hudson, I always did whatever I could to help Jay’s clients have a great time at their recording session.
Stephen was one of my favorites. We always had lots of good quality strong coffee for him when he came in the door was one thing that comes to mind right now… He hired me for an accordion part on a Sue Foley record that I will forever be grateful for. Jay could tell you LOTS of B-man stories.
Hadn’t seen much of him in the past couple years though. We kept informed about him from others in the recording world.
So sorry when we heard of his plight. Another great one down! damn. A terrible loss for Texas.
Only one more thing to say to you B man… there’s no getting over you that’s for sure… deepest sympathy to Mary, and your huge list of family and friends. God speed mi amigo.
Debra
By agnes
May 9, 2009 7:32 PM | Link to this
In high school, Stephen and two other guys played at the Ranch Day talent show. They almost got pulled off stage for a hilarious and bawdy (for the 60’s) version of SaltyDog. Great memory.
By Maria
May 9, 2009 8:13 PM | Link to this
Hi sweet darling, i did some crying today, actually i’m still crying. I’m so happy to have you in my movie and i know you’re still here, honey. God, you were one of the strongest men i’ve ever met. You took so much pain, honey, and for that i’m grateful that is over. I used to call you my little bird, and when i meet you there i’ll take some caldo de pollo with me to share. You smiled till the end, I’m happy I was so close to you in your last four months and helped you enjoy them the way you wanted. It will be hard to see your empty spot at the Saxon Pub. Everybody misses you in Taco Xpress, and everytime we cook a miga plate we will make it with extra love thinking of you. Did you realize you left one day after Stephen Bruton Day? and did you realize that your last moon was as big as you? Honey, you left with all your loved ones next to you and you know it. I adore you and will miss you always. Maria
By Van Redin
May 9, 2009 8:16 PM | Link to this
Stephen was so incredibly talented and as nice a guy as you would ever meet. I worked with him on my first feature Songwriter, The Alamo and many projects in between. Not to mention all the times I saw him play at many venues , but most of all The Saxon Pub every Sunday. My thoughts and prayers go out to Mary and all the family. Stephen you will be missed greatly! Van
By Bell Troxel
May 9, 2009 9:03 PM | Link to this
I will miss Stephen more than I can say. His songs touched my heart and soul. And in his words there were “too many memories for one heart to hold.”
He was also the most beautiful man I ever knew.
I love you Stephen, I miss you already.
By Woody
May 9, 2009 11:14 PM | Link to this
Puddie, Bud, and now Bruton. Austin culture is seeing a changing of the guard.
Stephen Bruton did so much good for Austin music that he set a standard for talented mentoring. He held court at the historic Saxon Pub where his spirit will forever be present.
By Dora
May 10, 2009 2:51 AM | Link to this
Hey Stephen, I feel blessed to have known you. Remember that gig at Continental when the power went out and you had to play the show by candlelight… man it was hot up in the club! As always you handled it with a sense of humor and it was a great show.
Hold it down up there for the rest of us… we’ll be expecting a reserved table up front for that show. Sure am gonna miss yer smilin face in the meantime.
I’ll light some candles for you brother
c u soon enough
By jim christie
May 10, 2009 3:11 AM | Link to this
i feel lucky to have gotten to play drums with stephen for a west coast run he did in the late 90s…his wit and superb delivery were sharp and admirable and made him a total gas to hang with…his songwriting and guitar playing made me a fan forever…played a couple of his tunes tonite with theresa james and terry wilson…remembering him…
By Snit
May 10, 2009 3:30 AM | Link to this
I was working and living in Atlanta..the music biz..”What it Is” came across my desk..Whoa!It was 1993 and Man, did this one get me!!Still does..I cut “This Train is Gone” and opened my show tonight with it.But..NO song has touched me more than “Getting Over You”..Has there ever been a song about heartbreak more intense than that?..me thinks not..I’ll miss you my friend
By Jack Hustinx
May 10, 2009 8:54 AM | Link to this
Malford just told me the terrible news, and I’m shocked, we’re shocked. Muchos gracias for your inspiration, your kind and encouraging words and advice throughout the years, your wit, and your great music. Safe travels my friend …. Jack Hustinx - Shiner Twins - the Netherlands.
By Susan
May 10, 2009 9:06 AM | Link to this
The world will feel this loss. He was a gift to many. Rest in peace, Stephen.
By Mary Dunaway
May 10, 2009 9:51 AM | Link to this
As our lives were brightened by his smile, charm and talent…our nights will now be brighter with this new star in heaven. My life was blessed by knowing Stephen and he will truly be missed.
By Gary Fortin
May 10, 2009 12:43 PM | Link to this
Stephen and I had a very special relationship that goes beyond words - he is called Uncle Stephen by my son Max, and the FORMAX Group has never unveiled anything without Stephen as the Musical Director. With Stephen at the helm, even the roughest of seas become tamed. The “World Congress on IT”, “Road to Austin”, and “Planet Make-over”, no matter how big or complex I created them - Stephen just beamed that million dollar smiled and said “Cool, let’s do this, and I am proud of you”. Heaven is rocking tonight and Stephen is at the helm - My HERO, my friend, my brother…I love you.
GF & Max
By Ryan Wickerham
May 10, 2009 1:18 PM | Link to this
The Heart of Austin suffers from this iconic loss. You’ll be deeply missed but always remembered.
By Red Young
May 10, 2009 3:49 PM | Link to this
Too many memories. In bands, in Ft Worth, in LA, in Europe, in sessions, in life. Inspired me to do my first album, get my life together, move to Austin. In the 30+ years I knew you, you were always an inspiration, favorite songwriter and good friend. You will be missed but you left us so many memories, songs, thoughts and inspirations. Goodbye, dear friend…
By Holden MaGroyn
May 10, 2009 8:20 PM | Link to this
The band in the great beyond has just received another charter member. Austin has lost another one of our movers and shakers. My deepest sympathies go out to Mary for all the trials and tribulations that she’s had to endure in these last few months.
By Gail
May 10, 2009 8:52 PM | Link to this
Like most fans, I was always in awe of Stephen’s talent. The most important thing to me though was Stephen’s grace in always speaking to my husband and son when they were in the audience. He was especially kind to our son and, on this Mother’s Day, I will always remember Stephen for that. A true gentleman and wonderful expample to younger players. Thank you, Stephen, for acknowledging my family and for sharing your sweet, incredible talent with the world. We are better people for it. My heart goes out to all family and friends. He will be remembered forever.
By Barbara Hammerman
May 11, 2009 8:39 AM | Link to this
Compared to other folks commenting here, I met Stephen later in his long and varied career — it was 1996 or 97. Not surprisngly it was a chance encounter along 6th in Austin where he happened to be making the rounds to be with buddies playing in the clubs that night along the street. He coulda been any player starting out looking for exposure. But it wasn’t . It was Stephen Bruton for goodness sakes! Just hangin’ - having fun - joking - giving a boost to all he enountered. He endured my gushingly uncreative groupie-like greeting — As I recall it was something in the nature of ‘Always loved your music, yattayatta’ —He was attentive, pleasant, patient — then moved along to those he was really there to see and be with: the musicans, younger/older - known/unknown - able and not-so much.
Ran into him only one other time to talk, while sharing the Delbert McClinton’s Sandy Beaches Cruise. Same guy, same patience, - any time you wanted to talk.
Couldn’t say he was a friend - but he made me feel that way.
Special wishes to all who knew him well. He’ll be missed by all of us and the music business he served so well. -Barbara Hammerman
By Simon Page
May 11, 2009 8:42 AM | Link to this
A great Texas writer/player is gone. I saw you once at Saxon Pub a year ago. It was my first(long anticipated) show. You’re playing changed the way I thought about lead guitar. Prayers go out to your brother and mother at the Music shop. You changed music for me. Thank you.
By Tom
May 11, 2009 8:55 AM | Link to this
I live in upstate NY, but was lucky enough to see Stephen Bruton one night at the Saxon. It was one of the best shows I’ve ever seen - so intimate - so friendly - such a good player. I’m sorry for those who never got to experience his talent - but they can still get a taste of it through his cds. His song “Faith” say it all.
By Mr.Mikie
May 11, 2009 9:51 AM | Link to this
Thanks Stephen for the many memories. We were truly blessed to have had Stephen play for us at our club “6th Street Grill” in Fort Worth several times. He was an exceptional talent and an exceptional person. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
By Lon Bozarth
May 11, 2009 12:16 PM | Link to this
TSB
Whether you and Joe were prankin me at the Saxon or making us crack up at macho movie night, teaching the twins guitar licks or giving me and Mary a reason to cut a drunken rug in Montana, you rolled with inimitable style and humor. Although we have been separated of late by time and distance, I most remember how you kept your friends in your heart. And Stephen Bruton, you will always be in mine.
Love LBoz
By Jim in VA
May 11, 2009 2:19 PM | Link to this
Your absence will be noted, more than a few times you put into song what my brain was thinking, I just didn’t know how to express it. You were a trasure as a musician and as a person.
By Stormy
May 11, 2009 4:48 PM | Link to this
I can’t believe we’ve lost another one. I got to hear the start of the Resentments and what a treat to hear Hal Ketchum sing in the early days with the guys. It was always special to hear Stephen on Sundays in South Austin. And, how about that night when Bonnie stepped up to play with her buddy. Bob Burk say’s you saved his life with your talks.
By Svein in Norway
May 11, 2009 4:56 PM | Link to this
We miss you so much, your music and for who you were, a kind spirit. I haven’t got you out of my head since i heard the sad news. Met you once in Austin and then in Norway. The world lost one of the greatest guitarists and a great songwriter. RIP
By Jon T. Howard
May 11, 2009 6:07 PM | Link to this
One of the very best of the best…… JTH
By ty chapman
May 11, 2009 9:46 PM | Link to this
Wow. I don’t live in Austin but saw SB play every chance I got. Was always in awe. I was jogging along town lake one day and heard “come on lady wake up and watch your dog”. The guy had tripped over her dog. I laughed to myself since most people don’t have the guts to speak out like that these days. The guy ran on by before I realized it was SB - I laughed even harder after that in appreciation of the whole thing. I only visit Austin 3-4 times a year but every time I saw him he would say “call me next time you’re in town”, even though I felt like I was just another fan. We should put a statue down on town lake trail to honor him. I’ll gladly contribute. TC
By Amanda
May 12, 2009 10:25 AM | Link to this
I remember the very first time I went to the Saxon Pub. It was Stephen Bruton’s birthday and naturally, there was a line at the door. When I finally got in, the place was packed with a multitude of musicians and friends. As I squeezed towards the stage I noticed a large guitar-shaped birthday cake on the front table; but the best part of the night was definitely the music. From that moment on, I have been a huge fan of SB and would see him whenever I got the chance. Family, friends, and fans have lost a great talent and a kind-hearted, fine human being. Love and hugs, ASF
By Karen Graham-Kurio
May 12, 2009 10:49 AM | Link to this
Thanks to Cliff (Antone) I had the priviledge to share personal mements with a lot of musicians behind the scenes. One night, after a rare performance at Antone’s (Guadalupe St.) by Kris K., we all hung out on Kris’s bus. Stephen, Kris, and Cliff, true brothers in music, laughing, telling stories, and playing obscure blues tunes…it was at that moment I witnessed Stephen’s genuine tenderness and the love and loyalty between Kris and Stephen, and the mutual respect between these three marvolous men. I miss Cliff terribly, and I know all of Austin will miss Stephen.
By Nashville, TN
May 12, 2009 11:59 AM | Link to this
I met you as a child and you always smiled. You made me smile. You were quick to pose for a picture and smile at me during the shows. If I brought you something to drink during autograph sessions throughout the years and you would always stop to give me a warming thank you. Over all of these years you have always remained a favorite and as the years go on, you always will be. You are shining down holding hands through this. Your family and our friends are in my deepest prayers. You will be great missed forever!! Much Love♥.
By Deb in Wv
May 12, 2009 1:22 PM | Link to this
I was so stunned when I heard the news that I picked up my guitar and went out on my back deck and played Stephen Bruton tunes and cried. I didn’t know you well Stephen but you always had a smile and a warm hello when I saw you. You always made me feel like I was a good friend and for that I am grateful. I will miss you and your wonderful music so keep writing up there. I expect to hear some wonderful new tunes when I arrive.
By Sean
May 12, 2009 6:40 PM | Link to this
One of the greatest moments of my life was when Stephen Bruton referred to me as “a pretty fair gunslinger.” I have the email bronzed. His generosity, humor, intellect and talent touched me deeply and I looked up to him like a brother. I am a better human being for having known him, and for that I am blessed. Thank you, Stephen. Thank you and Godspeed.
By Diaa
May 12, 2009 8:52 PM | Link to this
In honor of Stephen Bruton and the beloved memories he created for so many, please allow me to share this AMAZING book by two very DEVOTED scientists: http://www.amazon.com/Foods-Fight-Cancer-Essential-prevent/dp/0756628679/ref=sr11?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1242179261&sr=8-1
A better world lies ahead of us. xo
By Tom Fillman
May 12, 2009 11:32 PM | Link to this
My life would not have been as rich in music and laughter as it has been if it not for Stephen. I was so lucky to to work with him. He always gave confidence. Once at a session when I wasn’t sure about what I should play, he walked outside with me and said, ‘your here because of the way YOU play, not because you should play like someone else.’ He was a constant as a friend. To say I’ll miss the guy would be huge understatement. We’ll all miss him in some way. He loved life. He loved music and people and making people laugh. We could talk about anything or nothing, and sometimes we did. It’s just not what I thought would happen. But to quote a favorite songwriter, “Expect the unexpected” Love you brother and thanks for everything.
By Rich Curilla
May 13, 2009 9:24 AM | Link to this
mdlonghorn above (on May 9) indicated the Stephen Bruton portrayed Mial Scurlock in John Lee Hancock’s 2004 film “The Alamo.” For the record, he played Captain Almeron Dickinson in the movie, a much heftier part. For your family history, mdlonghorn, Mial Scurlock was portrayed by Joe Stevens.
What impressed me about Stephen Bruton in “The Alamo” is that he created a memorable character with Dickinson with practically no dialogue — very difficult. He was very believable.
By Lou Cardamone
May 13, 2009 4:32 PM | Link to this
What a hugh loss. I met Steve when he came to Memphis to play with my friend John Kilzer at Gibson Guitar. He blew all of us away with his sound and friendly smile. He was one of a kind and playing a Paul Reed Smith guitar at Gibson was really special. Rest in peace and God bless. You are truly one of God’s people.
By Rene Sims
May 14, 2009 1:11 PM | Link to this
Stephen Bruton was one of the finest guitarest I have ever heard. I was fortunate to have been put on to follow him one night at the 6th Street Grill in Fort Worth .I was in awe of his talent. Yes he was very easy on the eyes. He was a gentleman.He went on over in time that night much to the delight of his fans. I to follow not coming on til 1:00 am .I think he relized that it put me into a tight spot. He came back in, sat on the front row.Listened and afterward stood up took the tip can and passed it around through the crowd. They lit thier lighters and I was so humbled and thanked him for his kindness. “Its a night I will never forget!” You will be missed and remembered. God Speed!
By Rene Sims
May 14, 2009 6:03 PM | Link to this
Stephen Bruton was one of the finest guitarist I ever heard! He was a gentleman! Also, yes very easy on the eyes.I was very fortunate to be booked to follow him at The 6th Street Grill in Fort Worth.He was wonderful and to the delight of his fans he played over time .I think he realized he put me in a spot.He came back in after I began my set at 1:00 a.m. and sat down on the front row ,listened for awhile,he stood up smiled at me nodded grabed the tip can and walked around the entire room with it. The crowd lit there lighters and I was so very humbled !”It was a night I will never forget!”He will be missed and always remembered!God Speed!
By roscoe
May 15, 2009 9:04 PM | Link to this
Stephen was such a cool dude. Always someone like you knew all of your life. I will miss him always. And, Mary, so beautiful as she always is. Love you. I had the good fortune to know them both a few years back through a mutual friend, and, to also look after their dogs and the house while they traveled. Fred and Lucky, two beautiful sweet black labs who were two of the best people i have ever known. Does anyone besides me remember why Lucky was named so? If you do, then you are a friend of mine as well.
By Hat
May 15, 2009 11:59 PM | Link to this
Bruton will now be circling around the sun, from a distance not too far away from all his fans, friends and family. He fought the fight like he played his guitar. When he was on stage, he gave it everything he had. He gave folks he met along the way, the same kind of treatment. He opened so many doors, to so many musicians, singers/songwriters along the way-sharing what he knew, so others could hear or see them the way he did. There are no words that will bring him back, just listen to what he left us all with, as he touched each of our lives, in his own special way. Catch ya further on down that tune highway of life!
By Mark Starr
May 18, 2009 6:45 AM | Link to this
Stephen Bruton was one of life’s special ones. He made a nervous Kristofferson fan feel very special and then helped me see the music business when I lived in Austin. I was in Austin when he produced Jimmie Dale’s album and Alejandro’s first 2 albums. I helped Stephen with grunt work and got to do short tours with Little Whisper. He was talented and inspirational. I saw him a few years ago when he came to Scotland and last spoke with him the day after his 60th birthday. He was a hero to me but more importantly a friend. I will miss him always and love him forever. The music lives and so do you. Adios and vaya con dios.
By Neil Slaven
May 25, 2009 6:24 AM | Link to this
I interviewed Stephen the first time he came to England some years ago. We got on well right from the start and his gig at the Mean Fiddler in London was tremendous. Bonnie Raitt sat in on a couple of numbers. I saw him again a year later when he did a gig in Nottingham, when he was gracious enough to dedicate a blues song to me. He was a splendid human being and I regret I never made it to Austin to tell him so to his face. I’ll miss him a lot.
By Rob
May 26, 2009 8:44 PM | Link to this
Dear Stephen So sad to hear this news. I had the pleasure of road managing some UK dates for you in the 90’s. Your music came to mean a lot to me and helped me through some difficult times. I admired your talent, humanity and kindness greatly. Love and respect in fellowship. RB
By Candi
July 3, 2009 11:26 PM | Link to this
Sometimes news travels slow. I am so sad. I just heard today and I am so sad. Don’t know if is true or not, but you told me in 1980 that I was your first fan - the first to ask for an autograph. I have that autograph in a scrapbook along with a myriad of photos from that summer, and news news of you through out the years. I was so looking forward to your next album. I know your family misses you, so do your fans. Thanks for the honesty.
By Jed Rogers
September 2, 2009 8:54 PM | Link to this
The great die young - not only the good. You will always be great!!!
By Walter Pustilnik
September 23, 2009 7:43 AM | Link to this
Stephen, Thank you for showing up as you did in my life. You were that classy, powerful ‘Texas pretty boy’ on my first tour as a Road Manager. You encouraged me and we became friends. I sat with Muddy Waters in Denver who commented that you were the best white player he knew and some of the best playing I EVER heard, even now, was in your hotel room, you wearing boxers with a smile as big as your home state. We met almost 20 years later and you greeted me by name like we had seen one another the day before. I was glad that I finally got to complain about when you took me to that soul restaurant in LA and you ‘turned me on’ to collard greens. Not one of your better contributions to a friend! I see from the other posts that you moved others as you did me. THANK YOU for that, you will always be a star in my life. Walter Pustilnik
By Ed Reynolds
November 25, 2009 9:54 PM | Link to this
I worked on Stephen’s guitars for many years. Found him to be always present, in the moment, perceptive, discerning, supportive and with a wicked sense of humor. … One time I walked into the Saxon with a cop, and Stephen actually STOPPED a song the Resentments had just started, to say; “Hey; That’s Ed Reynolds there, and that police officer with him is for OUR protection; not his”. … Another time, he did the same thing but said: “That’s Ed Reynolds there: … DON’T ENCOURAGE HIM”. The guy was about taking life seriously, so as to live it to the fullest, and he assisted others in doing that, But he was also about not taking himself so seriously that it got in the way of his having fun. His “fun” was always with a generosity of spirit. That’s how I knew him to be. It’s Thanksgiving. Thank you Stephen. Your examples help me to enjoy my ride on this trip around the sun.
By Duncan Stuart
December 12, 2009 7:54 PM | Link to this
I’m down in New Zealand on the other side of the world. Today I was listening to Stephen’s FROM THE FIVE album - glorious music - and thought I’d look him up on the web and drop a line to say thanks for the music. Well, I’m afraid I missed him - but to his friends, colleagues and family I offer my condolences. Stephen’s humour and his hot, hot, hot guitar licks speak of a man who could only have been well loved by those around him. Today we lost a goodie.
Duncan
By Miss Eula Mae
December 24, 2009 2:51 PM | Link to this
We went to the Austin Armadillo Christmas Bazaar this past Sunday and witnessed an amazing tribute by Malford Milligan and friends and discovered the depth of briilliance in Stephen’s songs. Really had no knowledge of your music until we saw Bonnie Raitt’s show on Mother’s Day and saw the emotion with which she performed your song “Too many memories”. So glad we picked up the tribute CD at the Bazaar - Malford’s voice is extraordinary, and really did justice to your songs on the CD, but the performance Sunday was just genius - spine chilling. I wish I had caught you at the Saxon - what a wonderfully intimate setting - but am thrilled to discover your songs to enjoy in the future. songs so beautifully emotional…
By Sharon Snow
December 24, 2009 7:26 PM | Link to this
I loved you so long.
By Sally
January 22, 2010 9:29 AM | Link to this
With birthday wishes in my heart, I sent Stephen my yearly e-mail in November. Curious of no reply, I was devastated to learn of the loss of such a dear friend. Memories of ‘83 and ‘84 in Vancouver, Canada watching him play with Kris. A Canadian misses you.