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‘Our Texan’ inducted into the SA Hall of Fame
DOUG BRUCE, increasingly known as ‘our Texan’ in Australian country music circles, is being inducted into the South Australian Country Music Hall of Fame on June 9, at the Riverland Country Music Festival.

Doug’s nomination is in recognition of his contribution to country music in his American homeland and, since 2005, in Australia where he has built a reputation as an accomplished musician, singer and songwriter, with a promising future as a producer.

Born in Denton Texas (just north of Dallas), Doug hails from a talented family of singers, songwriters and musicians. Doug began his career in country music as a drummer and backing vocalist with a handful of bands in the north Texas area in the late 80’s. Doug was recruited to the successful Dallas/Fort Worth band Cheyenne, performing in popular live venues, including Billy Bob’s Texas, and opening for national acts such as Travis Tritt, Jerry Jeff Walker and Rascal Flatts. Cheyenne was awarded vocal group of the year in 1999 and the People’s Choice award in 2000, at the prestigious Terry Awards in Dallas. Doug was nominated drummer of the year in 2000 and 2001.

At the end of 2001, Doug moved to Nashville along with the Cheyenne’s front man, singer/songwriter, Brit Stokes. Together they performed several showcases at industry venues in and around Nashville. Working primarily as a drummer for various bands, Doug also kept busy recording drum tracks in numerous demo sessions.

In 2003 friend and singer/songwriter Billy Yates asked Doug to join his band for a number of shows, including live broadcast performances on the Grand Ole Opry, on the Midnight Jamboree at the Texas Troubadour Theatre, and opening for the great George Jones in Joplin, Missouri.
Doug met his Australian wife Jodie in the historical Legends Corner on Broadway in Nashville. A story with the makings of a country song for sure. When their first baby came along the proud parents decided to relocate to Australia and now live in Bendigo, Victoria, with their two Tex-Aus sons, Riley and Jesse.

Since moving to Australia Doug has worked with several talented artists. He also had the honour of performing on Reg Poole’s very successful 2006 release; “For The Love of My Country”. Since late 2006 Doug has been the drummer for the popular Victoria based country/rock band Crakajak. Doug has co-written songs with Harry Jon Nanos for Crakajak’s eleventh album, which promises a distinctive country flavour, as Doug brings a touch of Nashville in the penning of the songs and throughout the production process.

Doug’s debut EP as a singer/songwriter was released in 2006. The CD; “Brand New Memory”, includes Doug’s own songs as well as selected tracks written by Billy Yates, Buddy Bruce and Brit Stokes. Tracks from the album have had good airplay nationally and feedback has been extremely positive. Doug is currently busy writing songs for a full album which he hopes to release early next year. Doug is keen to utilise his full blend of talents and to help others realise their own potential, with several projects in the pipeline for his production studio in Bendigo.

CONTACT Phone: 04 4847 4550 or 03 5447 4550 Email: doug@dougbruce.com.au 
Website: www.dougbruce.com.au
 
 
Website: www.dougbruce.com.au
email: doug@dougbruce.com.au  mob: 0448474550
Born and raised in Texas, USA, Doug Bruce is a singer/songwriter who has lived and breathed country music all his life. Doug was born into a very talented family of singers, songwriters and musicians, including a bass player father who toured with Texas legend, Red Steagall for many years, including a stint in Australia in the late 70’s. Doug began his career in country music as a drummer and backing vocalist with a handful of bands in the north Texas area. Later, Doug moved to Nashville, performing several showcases at industry venues and recording drum tracks in numerous demo sessions. Doug performed with various artists during this time, including Billy Yates, with live broadcast performances on the Grand Ole Opry, on the Midnight Jamboree at the Texas Troubadour Theatre, and opening for the great George Jones in Joplin, Missouri.

Doug moved to Bendigo, Victoria in 2005 with his Australian wife and their son. Doug has sung at several venues locally and after continuous urging from those who have heard him, Doug is set to “take the bull by the horns” and move from the back to front of stage. Doug’s debut album as a singer/songwriter, “Brand New Memory”, is due for release early October, 2006. The CD includes Doug’s own songs as well as selected tracks written by Billy Yates, Buddy Bruce and Brit Stokes. Doug brings to this album his experience of playing and absorbing from unique musicians who herald from the heart of country music. His rich voice compliments the respect and passion he has for the tradition of this genre of music.
 
 
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