Stephen Bruton, who had been battling with throat cancer for the last two years died in Los Angeles today at the age of 60. Bruton was a multi-faceted artist combining many faculties. He was a recording artist, a guitarist, a lyricist, and also a producer. He spent many years as “the baby” of Kris Kristofferson’s touring band.

Kristofferson, Bonnie Raitt, Willie Nelson, Martina McBride, Patty Loveless,Jimmy Buffett and numerous others recorded Bruton’s songs. Brunet produced music albums for Alejandro Escovedo, Hal Ketchum, Chris Smither,Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Storyville,and Marcia Ball. He also released five solo albums which got great public acclaim. Brunet was also noted for his performances as a session musician and he performed on the works of many people such as Delbert McClinton, Elvis Costello,Raitt, The Wallflowers, Carly Simon, and others.

Even during his last battle with cancer Bruton played on the forthcoming albums Starlight and Stone by Kristofferson.’s forthcoming Starlight and Stone album while struggling with his tenuous health.

He loved his work and the Los Angeles Times reported his conversation with Kristofferson at the recording session, “What are you going to do, just sit around and wait till they throw dirt on you?”

Bruton grew up in Fort Worth, Texas. His teenage years were spent creating music with his friend T-Bone, who later went to become a great musician and also music producer. In 1970

Brunet moved to New York,and that is when his association with Kristofferson started. at that time he wwas only 20 and in 1972 Kristofferson said that Bryton’s youth and good looks added “a little sex and mystery to the group.”

Bruton made several film, appearances, notable among which are A Star Is Born, Songwriter, Convoy and Heaven’s Gate.