Brian Burns

















Brian Burns
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Brian Burns has, for many years, been regarded as one of Texas’ top performing songwriters, his work having been covered by a number of legendary artists. But in recent years Brian has emerged as one of his state's most powerful and engaging performers. His songs explore both the poignant and the humorous sides of humanity, drawing out the things we’ve all felt and wish we could have said. The warmth, wit, and eclecticism of his performances captivate audiences night after night. Brian grew up in Central Texas listening to the western ballads of Marty Robbins and the progressive country music of Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings. Early on, he developed an appreciation for musical depth, along with a knack for the story. As his passion for music grew, he began to explore a variety of styles ranging from pop to reggae. At age 16, Brian hit the road on a musical journey that would eventually find him sharing stages with some of America’s top performers. Brian’s Texas roots remained an integral force in his life and work. After his first million-or-so miles of rough road and half-a-lifetime of impressive musical accomplishments - yet not much to show for it, Brian planted those roots firmly back in Lone Star soil. “Music’s not a choice I made, I believe the choice made me,” declared Brian in the title cut of his debut solo album, Highways, Heartaches, and Honky-Tonks, a 1997 work which summarized his musical mission up to that point. His second album, 1999’s Angels & Outlaws, produced the venomous, yet humorous Texan anthem, Welcome To Texas (Now Don’t Forget To Go Back Home) which dominated FM heavy rotation lists in the nation’s largest country music markets for many months. But Angels & Outlaws also met critical acclaim and enlightened a discriminating listening audience to a more intellectual and introspective side of Brian Burns. Brian's 2001 release, The Eagle & The Snake: Songs Of The Texians, presented an epic collection of classic, contemporary, and original ballads based on the history, folklore, and culture of Texas. The Eagle & The Snake was heralded by reviewers as a masterpiece shortly after its release, then went on to become an established Texas classic. The album’s first single, I’ve Been Everywhere (In Texas) became one of the only singles in the history of recorded music that was produced in an artist's home project studio, yet went on to chart nationally on the Radio & Records country chart. The Eagle & The Snake would also lead Brian's development of Once Upon A Time In Texas, the state's premier educational presentation for K-12 Social Studies curriculum enhancement. Once Upon A Time has taken Brian's musical and storytelling talents into thousands of elementary and intermediate schools and remains Texas' #1 school assembly program to date. In 2004, Brian released Heavy Weather, continuing to mine a rich balladeering vein with songs like Indianola, The Train Wreck At Kiowa Creek, and his remake of Gordon Lightfoot's Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald, which stayed on the top of the XM Satellite Radio playlists for several years. Heavy Weather also produced the "sleeper" hit Thunderstorms & Tyler Roses, which remains a popular play in radio markets nationwide. Brian's 2006 release, Border Radio, introduced a collection of poetic romps through west Texas and Mexico - although the recording was done in a stationary setting, virtually all of the songwriting and production decisions were made where Brian listens to music the most – out on the highway. Border Radio won XM Satellite Radio's "Best In Texas" award in 2006. This year, Brian releases his sixth, and perhaps strongest, studio work to date: American Junkyard. This collection of songs looks at our nation through the eyes of an aging patriot who sees us at our best and our worst all at once - a keen observer indeed. One song might have you laughing out loud while the next will make you bite down and swallow hard. Noted Texas music critic Dave Pilot writes: "We’ve followed Brian down lost highways, shared a listen to both haunted jukeboxes and border radio. We’ve heard him sing of storms and urban legends, of epic train wrecks, distant memories, and even fire ants. Texian soldiers, lovers, rogues, old Pullman porters and the wisdom of the sagest of drunks have populated the landscape of Brian Burns records since his first album hit the airwaves. But here, in the American Junkyard, Burns tells the story of us. Perhaps more importantly, the story of what we’ve lost. In that way, he’s taken his place as one of those rare generational singers or songwriters with the ability to transform and inspire. Croce, Lightfoot, Clark. Hank, Waylon, Lefty. Dylan and The Boss. All different and unique, but all with the ability to strike at the very core of each of us." Brian is a stellar singer/songwriter and guitarist, yet a decidedly down-to-earth performer. Remaining friendly and accessible to supporters, fans, and radio, he performs an average of 300 shows a year including solo performances and songwriter shows with some of the nation's top artists. In an industry that has always followed formulas, business models, and demographics, Brian Burns has created his own music industry, on his own terms, based upon honesty and steadfast commitment to his work and the people who enjoy it. Just one man and his guitar - drawing clarity out of the white noise of modern Texan and American culture, then turning it into a good time to be had by all - ages 9 to 90.
Date Venue City State Note
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03/09/2010 - Brian Burns to perform at Words & Voices - Read More
09/13/2008 - Arlington honky-tonk stars test the waters outside of Texas - Read More
03/01/2007 - A Texas-sized celebration--State's 171st birthday will be celebrated at Washingt - Read More
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Average Rating : 0              Total Reviews: 98


Brian Burns  09/09/2007            
Dayvid Cole
As a fifth generation Texan living on the real Llano Estacado, I believe that this album epitomizes the Spirit of all that is great in Texas. This collection of Texas music is a must for any real Texan to have in their collection. The recitation of Travis's letter will bring tears to the eyes of ALL real Texans. Thank you Brian Burns for making my life just a little better through the music on this album.
Brian Burns  07/28/2007            
J.D.
I learned about Brian Burns from a fishing guide I met named Marc Thompson. I absolutely love the music and have introduced his music to my kids in Oklahoma and now to friends and co-workers in Alabama! Too bad Brian doesn't tour much outside the Lone Star State! Thanks for the music!
Brian Burns  07/14/2007            
RT
Just bought three of BBs albums. I know the music is great when I get goose bumps. Reminds me of my idol, Marty Robins. I will now buy the other albums. I'm a new big fan of BB. Hope to see him perform my next trip to Texas.
Brian Burns  07/07/2007            
Blake Kearney
I attended the Texas Independence Day celebration at Washington-On-The-Brazos this year where Brian Burns was the featured musical performer. Brian's set was preceded by speeches by a number of Texan dignitaries; senators, historians, educators, etc. When Sam Houston IV, whose family has done more for Texas than just about any other family, got up to speak -- he spent almost his entire speech talking about what Brian Burns' music has done for Texas and Texas history students. I, too, hold tremendous admiration for Brian Burns and his work, and I anxiously await each new CD release.
Brian Burns  06/28/2007            
R. Sawyer
Dear Anonymous (WhoAreWho), Not worthy in what way? Because he plays more gigs and sells more CDs than you? Because he writes songs with multi-syllable words and more than three chords? Because he wins awards you don't think he deserves? Because he doesn't play at your event? Because he uses his music to help tens of thousands of kids learn about history? At least have the balls to identify yourself and explain your definition of unworthiness.
Brian Burns  06/27/2007            
WhoAreWho
Not worthy.
Brian Burns  06/26/2007            
David
Most new country music has become poor rock and roll. Brian Burns keeps it country and does it well.
Brian Burns  06/12/2007            
Brian Burns
Your Eagle and Snake is a great presentation of Texas History. My students have loved each of your performances and hopefully there will be many more. You are such a wonderful and fun song writer.Thanks joe hazlewood alamo heights
Brian Burns  04/25/2007            
StuckInDetroit
One of my favorite artists. Makes me so homesick for Texas everytime I hear him on the XM radio. Can't get enough of his music and haven't found a song I don't like. I prefer his version of The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald to Lightfoots.
Brian Burns  04/18/2007            
Brian's biggest fan!
I LOVE YOUR SONGS!!!! You rock, man! Keep on singing and never stop!!!
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