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Country Boy Eddie

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Country Boy Eddie
Born
Gordon Edward Burns

(1930-12-13)December 13, 1930
Warrior, Alabama, U.S.
DiedJanuary 13, 2023(2023-01-13) (aged 92)
Warrior, Alabama, U.S.
Occupation(s)TV and radio host, musician
SpouseEdwina Burns
RelativesDoyle Edward Burns (son)

Gordon Edward Burns (December 13, 1930 – January 13, 2023), known as Country Boy Eddie, was an American singer, instrumentalist, and radio and television personality.

Career

From 1957 to 1993, he was the host of the Country Boy Eddie Show on WBRC, a variety show which focused on country music.[1] Tammy Wynette had her first major break on the program.[2][3]

His show was said to have been "...a blend of cowboy and country music and down-home talk and humor". His show became very popular and had high ratings.[4] In the book Lovesick Blues author Paul Hemphill said, "Birmingham would awaken to the sounds of Eddie braying like a mule... and then breaking into a hoedown with his house band".[5]

Burns was considered a local celebrity and made many public appearances.[6][7]

Awards and recognition

The set for the Country Boy Eddie Show is on display at the Alabama Music Hall of Fame.[8] Eddie was recognized for his contributions by induction in the Birmingham Record Collectors Hall of Fame in 2003.[9] In 2020, to celebrate his 90th birthday, WBRC released a television special called Absolutely Alabama: Country Boy Eddie’s 90th Birthday Celebration.[10]

References

  1. ^ Haring, Bruce (January 14, 2023). "'Country Boy Eddie' Dies: Alabama TV Star Who Gave Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette A Chance Was 92". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on January 15, 2023. Retrieved January 20, 2023.
  2. ^ Thornton, William (January 13, 2023). "Gordon Burns, Birmingham's 'Country Boy' Eddie, dead at 92". The Birmingham News. Archived from the original on January 15, 2023. Retrieved January 20, 2023.
  3. ^ WBRC Staff (January 13, 2023). "Gordon Edwards Burns, known as Country Boy Eddy, dies at 92". WBRC. Archived from the original on January 17, 2023. Retrieved January 24, 2023.
  4. ^ Armstrong, Neil (2013). Who's That With Charlie?: Lessons Learned And Friends I've Made Along The Way. Clerisy Press. p. 134. ISBN 978-1-57860-533-0.
  5. ^ Hemphill, Paul (2006). Lovesick Blues: The Life of Hank Williams. Penguin Books. p. 206. ISBN 978-0-1430-3771-2.
  6. ^ Laney, Don W. (2013). Forever Arabian: Life In A Small Southern Town. Xlibris. p. 104. ISBN 978-1-4836-8859-6.
  7. ^ La Chapelle, Peter (2019). I'd Fight the World: A Political History of Old-Time, Hillbilly, and Country Music. University of Chicago Press. p. 212. ISBN 978-0-22692-300-0.
  8. ^ Blakely, Will (January 13, 2023). "Birmingham's 'Country Boy Eddie' passes away 'peacefully in his home' at 92". 1819 News. Archived from the original on January 21, 2023. Retrieved January 21, 2023.
  9. ^ "Country Boy Eddie Burns". Birmingham Record Collectors Hall of Fame. November 17, 2013. Archived from the original on January 20, 2023. Retrieved January 20, 2023.
  10. ^ WBRC Staff (December 2, 2020). "Celebrating country music legend Country Boy Eddie". WBRC. Archived from the original on January 20, 2023. Retrieved January 20, 2023.
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