Country Boy Eddie
American country singer and television personality (1930–2023)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Gordon Edward Burns (December 13, 1930 – January 13, 2023), known as Country Boy Eddie, was an American singer, instrumentalist, and radio and television personality.
December 13, 1930
Country Boy Eddie | |
|---|---|
| Born | Gordon Edward Burns December 13, 1930 Warrior, Alabama, U.S. |
| Died | January 13, 2023 (aged 92) Warrior, Alabama, U.S. |
| Occupations | TV and radio host, musician |
| Spouse | Edwina Burns |
| Relatives | Doyle Edward Burns (son) |
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]