Artists and Industry Friends Reflect on Passing of Tom T. Hall

 Artists and Industry Friends Reflect on Passing of Tom T. Hall

23 Aug 2021

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tom T. Hall was dubbed “The Storyteller” by Country Music Hall of Fame member Tex Ritter. He was known for writing songs distinguished by their narrative quality, their rich detail, and their keen insight into the beauty of everyday life,” described by the Country Music Hall of Fame. The Country music singer-songwriter Tom T. Hall died Friday at his home in Franklin, Tennessee, at the age of 85.

Artists and industry friends reflected on his passing:

“It is difficult to believe the Storyteller of our time is gone, his stories have been told and that is so hard to imagine, as we all want to hear more.  If you listen to “I Love” you know Tom T,  and you also know that’s why HE was loved so much. He reminded us that those little things were so special, like little baby ducks. One of the treasures that I regret losing in the flood was a handwritten note to me from Tom T. for the ‘recipes’ I had written for the Animal Land Cookbook. He said it was a gift to be able to make someone laugh in one paragraph and cry in the next, and he should know because he did that often. The treasure I regret losing most of all is Tom T. Hall as he was truly a gift. It helps to know that today he is reunited with Miss Dixie and all the dogs they’ve ever loved.”– Jeannie Seely

“Tom T Hall was one of the greatest songwriter/poets of our time. He could paint wonderful, vivid pictures with his words – a great fellow Kentuckian, and a wonderful person.” – Marlon Hargis-Exile

“We have lost two awesome story tellers over the past year, Charlie Daniels and now Tom T. Hall and we will miss them both tremendously. Tom T. made all of us Kentucky folks proud, and we will brag about and honor him and pray for his family! Rest In Peace Tom T.” – Les Taylor-Exile

“Oh my gosh. My hero is gone. A true genius. “Old Dogs and Children and Watermelon Wine” was my favorite country song of all time. This is a big one.” – JP Pennington-Exile

“For this Kentucky boy dreaming of being a songwriter, Mr, Hall was a North star and inspiration. He came from a small town in Kentucky and his songs reached folks around the world. He wrote about real people and real life with his own unique style. He certainly was one of a kind and a gift to me.” – Kent Blazy

“When we were kids, we had many musical heroes. We were inspired when we heard them singing on the radio or telling stories about their lives in music. We saw that through hard work and sheer talent, they deserved every ounce of their success. We looked up to them and dared to dream. It is sometimes said that you should never meet your heroes because they may not live up to your expectations, but when we started our band in 2007, we never imagined it could be possible that many of our musical heroes would eventually become our friends. Tom T. Hall, a giant among musical heroes for many, was so much more than we imagined a hero could be. Along with his wife, Miss Dixie, he was always so very kind and giving of his time to us. They loved our music, and from the very beginning, they believed that with time…if we stuck it out…we could experience great success, too. They were BIG reasons that we  pursued our career and knew that we could do anything we set our minds to. That’s what it felt like to be around Tom T. – like greatness was possible. He knew how to be great and made those around him want to be great, too. We are saddened to hear of his passing, but we know that he anticipated his glad reunion with Miss Dixie since her passing in 2015. Thank you, Tom T., for your inspiration and friendship, and for leaving the world with songs and stories that will continue to be told for generations to come. We already miss you.” –Darin and Brooke Aldridge

“Tom. T. inspired me so much with his conversational lyrics. It doesn’t get any better than “That’s How I Got To Memphis”. As a kid, in my mind, I spent a week with Tom T. in that little country jail, I could almost taste Watermelon Wine and I could just picture the lonely Dad in “Homecoming”. Tom T. sent me a note several years ago. It read, “Have fun in the music biz, but don’t try to have as much fun as I did. All the best, Tom T”  I’ll treasure that note forever.” –Bobby Tomberlin

“Tom T Hall was one of the greatest songwriters in the history of music. He will live on through the many great songs that he wrote. Prayer to his family and loved ones in their time of loss.” – Taylon Hope

“My family and I are so saddened to hear about the passing of Tom T. Hall. Growing up on traditional country music, some of my most favorite songs are “Harper Valley PTA” and his version of “Fox on the Run”. What a tremendous songwriter and storyteller. Country music will greatly miss Tom T. Hall” – Dallas Remington 

“Tom was a legend and a gentleman. He was a true supporter of young artists, always encouraging the next generation of songwriters. His impact on us will not soon be forgotten, and he will be missed dearly. Our regret is that we weren’t able to sit down and chat with Tom T. Hall  for our podcast series, Country Music Success Stories.  Tom’s vast experience in country music and his wisdom would have been an incredible experience for listeners.” – Country Music Success Stories – Candy O’ Terry and Jacy Dawn Valeras

“Tom T. Hall was quoted as saying ‘Remember that someone is always thinking of you and wants you to be happy. People like you better than you do. You’re ok.’ He was an amazing songwriter and what an impact he made on so many lives. He will be missed greatly! Thank you for your poetry and kindness.” – Kyndon Oakes

“Tom T. was one of the first people I reached out to when I moved to Nashville. I knew he was one of the very final links between Country Music’s golden era and the Music City that we live in today. While I’m sad he has left us, I’m glad he is reunited with Dixie. And luckily for us, he left behind a vast collection of stories that we are able to share with the many generations of poets and songwriters to come.” – Zacharia Malachi

“So sorry to hear this! Tom T. Hall was a legend and a great storyteller.” – Frank Myers

“I am so saddened to hear of the loss of the great storyteller of country music himself, Mr. Tom T. Hall. “Harper Valley PTA” was always one of my favorite hits of the many that he wrote. He will surely be missed, but forever live on through all of his songs.” –Dani-elle Kleha

“Rest In Peace Tom T. Hall. ‘The Storyteller’ of country music. Your legacy will live on forever.” – Rob & Jackie Wolf

“Very sorry to hear of the passing of Tom T Hall. He was the Storyteller of Country Music. My condolences and prayers for his family. What a gift he was and will always be to us all.” – Mickey Lamantia

More Fellow artists mourn the loss of their friend Tom T. Hall:

 

“I worked with Tom on several occasions, and he was always a gentleman. He was a very interesting songwriter and a fun person to be around. He contributed a great deal to country music and he got to live a full life.” – Don McLean

 

“Back in 1978 when we sang at Mama Maybelle Carter’s funeral a saddened and shaken Johnny Cash walked up to the podium and asked Tom T. Hall to stand with him… Johnny said, “I draw strength from you, Tom!” Thank you Tom T. Hall for the songs and the strength you provided to so many … Rest Easy now and draw strength from the loving arms of Jesus… until the day.” – Joe Bonsall, The Oak Ridge Boys

 

“TOM T. HALL WAS A ONE-OF-A-KIND HUMAN BEING. HE LEFT US WITH A BODY OF SONGS THE LIKES OF WHICH WE WRITERS CAN ONLY DREAM OF. HIS RECORDS WERE HITS. A SUCCESSFUL AUTHOR, HIS BOOKS WERE ALWAYS A FUN READ. HE MADE US LAUGH AND CRY. HE WAS A HALL OF FAMER AND WILL BE DEEPLY MISSED. THAT IS THE MARK OF TRUE GREATNESS. REST EASY, OLD STORYTELLER.” – T. Graham Brown

 

“Tom T. Hall made a great impact in country music and beyond, with the social messages written in his songs, such as “Harper Valley P.T.A.”, a huge hit for Jeanie C. Riley . . . I just visited with her at a show I did in Carthage, Texas and it brought back great memories of that era and time in my life. Greatly missed, and loved.” – Janie Fricke

 

“I loved him – he was always so kind and good to me – and so complimentary – when I was first in Nashville and he heard me sing, he said he thought I must be the reincarnation of Hank Williams – what a lovely thing to say. I will miss him.” – Lacy J. Dalton

 

“The one thing I could always count on when doing shows with Tom T was that there would be laughter. His incredible poetic writing talent and storytelling genius will for sure be deeply missed. He truly was one of our industry’s great treasures.” – T.G. Sheppard

“I grew up listening to Tom T. Hall on the radio or being covered in the Oprys of Texas. He is and will always be a Legend. Never forgotten. We will miss you, Mr. Hall. Sending all my love and prayers to his family in this time.” – Mary Sarah

 

“Tom T. Hall loved honest, open smiles, kisses from a child, tomatoes on the vine, and onions. He was the quintessential artist who painted life’s portrait with an economy of words, a storyteller with a philosopher’s wisdom, and a poet with the common man’s heart. I remember one glorious day at Fox Hollow with Tom and Miss Dixie–sitting around their kitchen table sharing stories–hoping that in some crazy way I would absorb even an ounce of his genius. He pulled out an old guitar that day and began to sing “The Homecoming.” I was spellbound as he wove his tale of a country music singer standing on his father’s doorstep after years on the road. There’s a sadness at the finality of Tom’s road days coming to an abrupt end, but peace in the fact that he is home for good now still loving winners when they cry, loser’s when they try, music when it’s good, and life.” – Tim Atwood

 

“What a sad day in country music. We’ve yet again lost another legend. Truly an icon to so many in this business. Gone but will never be forgotten. RIP Tom T. Hall. Prayers sent!” – Shane Owens

 

“Frizzell and West enjoyed being the guests on the TV Show “Pop Goes The Country” with Tom T. Hall as host. We had a great time. ‘Say Hello To Heaven’, Tom T.” – David Frizzell

 

“I’m shocked and saddened to hear the tragic passing of fellow Kentuckian Tom T Hall! One of the pioneers of songwriting and a hall of famer that was known everywhere. Country music has lost one of the good ones. Prayers to the family.” – JD Shelburne

 

“I recorded this back in 1999. [ listen ] It was a Tom T. Hall tribute by his favorite bluegrass singer Charlie Sizemore. It is one of my all-time favorite projects to ever work on. Tom T. and Dixie were with us every step of the way, and he was grinning from ear to ear the day we had The Oak Ridge Boys come in to add their signature sound to his classic composition “Me And Jesus.” Duane Allen is my father-in-law, and I know how important great songs are to him, so it was an easy task getting them to come in and sing on a song written by ‘The Storyteller’.

Every time I play this version, I am transported back to that day. One of the greatest songwriters combined with one of the greatest vocal groups coming together to document a moment in time.

There was so much fun and laughter in the studio that day. I have always believed that type of environment is what creates the best chances of capturing special moments. In my view, I believe we achieved our goal.” – Paul Martin, Rockland Road

 

B.J. THOMAS DEAD AT 78

Fellow Singer/Songwriters and Friends Remember and Mourn The Loss of B.J. Thomas

29 May

ARLINGTON, Texas – Five-time Grammy award winner and Grammy Hall of Fame inductee, B.J. Thomas, died today at home in Arlington, Texas at the age of 78 from complications due to stage four lung cancer.

Few artists have left a more indelible mark on America’s musical landscape than B.J. Thomas. With his smooth, rich voice and unerring song sense, Thomas’s expansive career crossed multiple genres, including country, pop, and gospel, earning him CMA, Dove, and Grammy awards and nominations since his emergence in the 1960s.

Thomas’ career was anchored by numerous enduring hits, among them his million-selling cover of Hank Williams’ “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” the Grammy-winning “(Hey Won't You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song” and the iconic “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head,” which won the Academy Award for best original song. A five-time Grammy award winner and Grammy Hall of Fame inductee, Thomas has sold over 70 million albums worldwide, scoring eight No. 1 hits and 26 Top 10 singles over his 50+ years in the music industry. His lengthy chart history led to him being named one of Billboard’s Top 50 Most Played Artists Over The Past 50 Years. Such memorable hits as “I Just Can’t Help Believing, “Don’t Worry Baby,” “Whatever Happened To Old Fashioned Love,” “New Looks From An Old Lover” and “Hooked on a Feeling” have made him a staple on multiple radio formats over the years.

Born in rural Hugo, OK, Billy Joe Thomas moved to Houston, Texas with his family and where he grew up absorbing a variety of musical influences from the traditional country of Ernest Tubb and Hank Williams Dr. to the soulful sounds of Jackie Wilson and Little Richard, whose “Miss Ann” was the first single B.J. ever bought. He began singing in church as a child and in his teens joined the Houston-based band the Triumphs.

Thomas’s first taste of success came in 1966 when he recorded “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” with producer Huey P. Meaux. Released by Scepter Records, it peaked at No. 8 on the pop charts and became his first million-selling single. He released the follow-up single, “Mama,” and delivered his first solo album that same year.

Thomas’ second million-selling hit came in 1968 with the release of “Hooked on a Feeling,” from On My Way, his sophomore album for Scepter. During his days with the New York label, he became friendly with Ronnie Milsap and Dionne Warwick, who were also on the roster at the time. It was Warwick who introduced him to songwriter-producer Burt Bacharach. In January 1970, Thomas topped the charts with “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head.” Penned by Bacharach and Hal David, the song was featured in the classic Paul Newman/Robert Redford film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, earning the Oscar for best original song. Sales quickly exceeded two million copies and it has remained one of the most enduring pop hits of all time, reoccurring in such films as Forrest Gump, Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle, Clerks II, and Spider-Man 2 as well as multiple TV shows over the years. He followed that career-defining single with a string of pop/rock hits, including “Everybody's Out of Town,” “I Just Can't Help Believing,” “No Love at All” and “Rock and Roll Lullaby.”

After six years with Scepter Records, Thomas signed with Paramount Records where he released two albums—1973’s Songs and 1974’s Longhorns & Londonbridges. In 1975, Thomas released the album Reunion on ABC Records, featuring “(Hey Won't You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song,” which holds the distinction of being the longest titled No. 1 hit ever on Billboard’s Hot 100.

Like many successful pop/rock artists, Thomas fell into drugs and battled substance abuse. His wife Gloria became a born-again Christian and the turning point in Thomas’ life came when he became a believer in 1976. He immediately quit drugs and found an avenue for expressing his faith in gospel music. Thomas signed with Myrrh Records and released the album Home Where I Belong in 1976. Produced by Chris Christian, the project won Thomas a Grammy and became the first of two Dove Award wins. The album became the first gospel record to sell a million copies. The warmth and emotional timbre of Thomas’s voice was well suited to the genre and he became one of gospel music’s most successful artists. His rendition of “Amazing Grace” is considered one of the most poignant of the classic hymn’s many covers.

In addition to his country and gospel success, Thomas also enjoyed a healthy run on the country charts in the 1980s with such hits as “Whatever Happened to Old Fashioned Love,” “New Looks from an Old Lover Again,” “The Whole World’s in Love When You’re Lonely” and “Two Car Garage.” “(Hey Won't You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song” was No. 1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the Hot Country Songs charts. It won the Grammy for Best Country Song in 1976 and was nominated for CMA Single of the Year. On his 39th birthday in 1981, Thomas became the 60th member of the Grand Ole Opry.

Beyond populating multiple radio formats with so many beloved hits, Thomas also voiced the theme song, “As Long As We’ve Got Each Other,” for the popular TV series Growing Pains, and has lent his voice to numerous commercials, including campaigns for Coca-Cola and Pepsi. He can also be seen on television hosting Time Life Music’s Forever 70s infomercial. As an actor, he also appeared in the films Jory and Jake's Corner. Thomas authored two books, including his autobiography Home Where I Belong.

In 2013, he released The Living Room Sessions, an acoustic album, which celebrated Thomas’s nearly six decades in the music industry. The project featured Thomas dueting with other high profile artists on his most beloved hits, which included teaming with Richard Marx for “(Hey Won't You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song,” Vince Gill on “I Just Can’t Help Believing,” Sara Niemietz on “Hooked on a Feeling,” Keb' Mo' on “Most of All,” Lyle Lovett on “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head” and The Fray’s Isaac Slade on “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry.” The album was well-received with critics praising it as a reminder of just how engaging his voice remained after decades of recording and touring.

Though Thomas will be remembered as one of this generation’s premiere vocalists and a consummate entertainer, the humble artist was most proud of his family. He’s survived by his wife of 53 years Gloria, their three daughters Paige Thomas, Nora Cloud, and Erin Moore, and four grandchildren, Nadia Cloud, Keira Cloud, Ruby Moore, and Billy Joe Moore.

A quote from his website exemplifies Thomas’ humble attitude and appreciation for life. “All I am is just another guy. I’ve been very lucky,” he shared. “I’ve had a wonderful life, I’ve been a husband and a father who cherishes his children and now I’m a grandfather, and I’m motivated like all these teachers and preachers and mothers and fathers to help my kids grow up with character and self-respect. I hope that doesn’t sound too grandiose, but that’s what it comes down to. It’s what I’ve tried to do with my music and with the majority of my life.”

4 Feb 2022 Update

IN REMEMBRANCE – LOVE SONGS & LOST TREASURES AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER NOW AT BJTHOMAS.COM

Nashville, Tenn. – B.J. Thomas, whose career spanned over six decades and sold over 70 million albums, will have new music available to music lovers on February 4, 2022, as Real Gone Music will release an 18-song CD, which will include 13 unreleased songs! This package includes eight unreleased songs from the Warner-Reprise Records vault, four songs from a limited edition direct response album in the 90s, rare photos, outtakes recorded with veteran songwriter/producer Steve Dorff, and more. Fans can pre-order this collection at www.bjthomas.com.

 

Track listing:

1. Expression of Faith

2. Meet at My Heart*

3. I Like Livin’*

4. When the Hero Dies*

5. The Best Things in Life*

6. Rock and Roll Lullaby*

7. Hands on Me Again

8. This Ain’t a Song (It’s a Prayer)

9. Think About Me*

10. No One Else on Earth*

11. Our Younger Hearts*

12. That’s The Thing About Love*

13. Red Letter Days

14. When a Woman Talks*

15. Love by Any Name*

16. Memory in the Making*

17. Wings of a Dove*

18. America the Beautiful

 

* denotes unreleased track

Rhonda Vincent Inducted Into The Grand Ole Opry

Rhonda Vincent Inducted Into The Grand Ole Opry 

Feb 6, 2021

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Multi-award-winning bluegrass artist Rhonda Vincent was formally inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry Saturday by Opry member Dierks Bentley. The invitation was delivered in February of 2020 by Opry member Jeannie Seely with an original induction date scheduled for March 24, 2020, prior to the pandemic.

 

Dierks said, “I’ll never forget the night that our mutual friend Marty Stuart made me an official member of the Opry and I’m so pleased to get to do the same for you tonight. Rhonda, you are now an official member of the Grand Ole Opry! I know you will carry the Opry banner proudly wherever you go.”

“It’s been 343 days, seven hours, three minutes, and five seconds,” Rhonda said laughing sharing how many days it had been since the Opry invitation came last year. “This is a night I will never forget and will cherish the rest of my life. I am proof that dreams really do come true.”

“It’s great to have the supremely talented and very patient Rhonda Vincent as an official Opry member,” said Dan Rogers, Vice President and Executive Producer, Grand Ole Opry. “She brings with her countless fans, industry respect, and heartfelt passion for keeping the Opry vibrant and entertaining for generations to come. We look forward to Rhonda spending the rest of her career with us as part of the Opry family.”

Additional performers included Opry members Riders In The Sky, Jeannie Seely, and Mark Wills as well as special guests Don Schlitz and MCA Nashville Records artist Parker McCollum, who made his Grand Ole Opry debut.

Saturday’s Opry was broadcast live on Circle and Gray TV stations, DISH Studio Channel 102, Sling TV and other TV affiliates in addition to a companion live stream on Circle All Access and YouTube and could be heard on 650 AM WSM and SiriusXM.

About Rhonda Vincent:
The Grammy-winning Queen of Bluegrass Rhonda Vincent began her professional music career at the age of five, singing with her family’s band, the Sally Mountain Show. She picked up the mandolin at eight and the fiddle at twelve, performing with the family band at festivals on weekends. Rhonda struck out on her own, singing with the Grand Ole Opry’s Jim Ed Brown. Her opportunity eventually led to a deal with Rebel Records. Her work caught the attention of Giant Nashville’s president, James Stroud, who signed Vincent to record two contemporary country albums. After Giant, she signed with Rounder Records where her passion for traditional bluegrass music flourished. With the release of her debut album “Back Home Again,” “The Wall Street Journal” crowned Rhonda Vincent the New Queen of Bluegrass. She’s a multi-award winner, with a Grammy for Best Bluegrass Album (2017), Entertainer of the Year (2001), Song of the Year (2004), and an unprecedented 7 consecutive Female Vocalist of the Year awards from the International Bluegrass Music Association (2000 – 2006). Her powerful vocal style transcends the boundaries of bluegrass music, as evidenced in her collaboration with Dolly Parton on the Elton John / Bernie Taupin Tribute Project “Restoration” 2018. Rhonda Vincent’s lifelong dream came true when she was invited to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry on February 28, 2020.

www.rhondavincent.com
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Instagram @rhondavincent
Twitter @rhondavincent13

About The Grand Ole Opry:
Opry presents the best in country music live every week from Nashville, Tenn. The Opry can be heard at opry.com and wsmonline.com, Opry and WSM mobile apps, SiriusXM, and its flagship home, 650 AM-WSM. The Grand Ole Opry is owned by Ryman Hospitality Properties (NYSE: RHP). For more information, visit opry.com.

 

Country Music Singer/Songwriter Ed Bruce Dies At Age Of 81

 COUNTRY MUSIC SINGER/SONGWRITER ED BRUCE DIES AT AGE OF 81

 

08/01/21 

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. - Ed Bruce, singer/songwriter, died Friday, January 8, 2021, in Clarksville, Tennessee, of natural causes at age 81.

In 1957, at the age of 17, he went to see Jack Clement, a recording engineer for Sun Records. Bruce caught the attention of Sun owner Sam Phillips, for whom he wrote and recorded "Rock Boppin' Baby" (as "Edwin Bruce"). In 1962, he wrote "Save Your Kisses" for pop star Tommy Roe and in 1963 he reached No. 109 on the Billboard "Bubbling Under" chart with his own recording of "See the Big Man Cry" (Wand 140), both published by Bill Justis at Tuneville Music. Charlie Louvin recorded "See the Big Man Cry" (Capitol 5369) in 1965; Louvin's version reached No. 7 on the Billboard "Country Singles" chart. During his career, many songs that Bruce wrote and recorded were more successful when re-recorded by others.

In the early 1960s, Bruce recorded for RCA and some smaller labels like Wand/Scepter, singing rockabilly music, as well as more pop-oriented material such as "See the Big Man Cry." In 1966, he returned to RCA and recorded "Puzzles", "The Price I Pay to Stay" and "Lonesome Is Me". He still did not achieve great charting action. He made money doing voice-overs for television and radio commercials. He scored his first charted single with "Walker's Woods" in 1967, and also charted with his version of The Monkees' "Last Train to Clarksville." Both of these singles were minor hits. In 1969, Bruce signed with Monument Records, where he continued to have minor successes with "Everybody Wants To Get To Heaven" and "Song For Jenny".

Meanwhile, he continued to write songs like "The Man That Turned My Mama On," which was a major hit for Tanya Tucker in 1974 and "Restless" for Crystal Gayle the same year. He signed with United Artists Records in 1973 and released several singles, but only one single in 1974 became a minor hit. He finally made the upper regions of the charts when he made the Top 20 on the country charts with his version of "Mamas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys", a song he co-wrote in 1976.

Two more Top 40 hits followed for Bruce in 1976, and in 1977, he signed with Epic Records where he would score minor hits. In 1978, "Mamas Don't Let Your Babies Grow up to Be Cowboys" was recorded by Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings. It became a major hit and continued the upward swing in Bruce's career. In 1979, Tanya Tucker took Bruce's 1977 song "Texas (When I Die)" into the country Top 5.

In 1980, Bruce signed with MCA Records, where he would score his biggest successes. His early hits with MCA included "Diane", "The Last Cowboy Song", "When You Fall In Love (Everything's A Waltz)", "Evil Angel", and "Love's Found You And Me". His biggest hit, "You're the Best Break This Old Heart Ever Had" went to number one on the country chart in 1982. This also was Bruce's first Top 10 as a singer after 15 years. He had other hit songs that made the Top 10 like "Ever, Never Lovin' You", "My First Taste of Texas", and "After All".

In 1984, he returned to RCA Records and scored a No. 3 hit with "You Turn Me On Like A Radio" in 1985. His last Top 10 single was "Nights" in 1986 and his last Top 40 single (and last chart single to date) was "Quietly Crazy" in 1987.

During this time, Bruce began to act and do commercials. One of his biggest acting roles was as the second lead on the television revival of 1957's Maverick, called Bret Maverick. Starring James Garner as a legendary western gambler, the series ran on NBC-TV during the 1981-82 season but was unexpectedly canceled despite respectable ratings. Bruce played the surly town lawman who found himself reluctantly co-owning a saloon with Maverick, with whom he seemed to maintain a surreally adversarial relationship more or less throughout the entire season. Bruce also sang and wrote the theme song to the show, while Garner himself sang the same song over the end titles at the show's close, albeit while being relentlessly interrupted by network announcements about upcoming programming.

After the 1986 album entitled Night Things and a 1988 self-titled follow-up, Bruce made a conscious decision to cut back on his music to focus on his acting career, appearing in several made-for-TV films. He hosted two shows in the late 1980s, Truckin' USA and American Sports Cavalcade. Bruce has also appeared in several theatrical releases, including Fire Down Below with Steven Seagal.

Bruce was honored with the Arkansas Country Music Award for "Lifetime Achievement" on June 3, 2018 at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.