There are great songwriters… and then there’s Bruce Robison.
I’ve always believed that if you’re talking about the greatest songwriters Texas music has ever produced, Bruce belongs right near the top of the list.
Bruce grew up in Bandera, Texas, alongside his brother, the late Charlie Robison, and sister Robyn Ludwick. He released his self-titled debut album in 1995, but as impressive as Bruce’s own recording career has been, it’s his songwriting that has made him such a massive part of the Texas music story.
And here’s the thing about Bruce: some of his biggest songs became even bigger when other artists got ahold of them.
The Chicks took his “Travelin’ Soldier” all the way to No. 1 on the country charts.
Tim McGraw and Faith Hill turned “Angry All the Time” into another No. 1 country hit.
George Strait recorded Bruce’s “Wrapped,” taking it to the Top 10 and making it one of those songs that feels like it was written specifically for George.
And that’s just the beginning.
Kelly Willis has recorded several Bruce Robison songs, including “Wrapped,” “Cheater’s Game” and “Long Way Home.” Cody Johnson has also kept “Travelin’ Soldier” alive for a whole new generation of Texas music fans.
But what I love about Bruce is that he never seemed interested in simply sitting back and admiring the hits.
In 2016, he launched The Next Waltz, creating a place where artists could come together, record, collaborate and keep the tradition of great songwriting alive. Out at his studio, The Bunker, Bruce has brought together an incredible collection of musicians and artists, recording everything in an organic, old-school way.
No chasing trends. No trying to make music fit a formula.
Just great songs, great musicians and a guy who clearly understands that a great song never goes out of style.
Bruce Robison has written songs that became No. 1 hits. He’s had songs recorded by some of the biggest names in country music. But more importantly, he has helped define what great Texas songwriting sounds like.
