# Stephen Bruton: Texas Guitar Legend

> Texas-born guitarist Stephen Bruton, who worked with Kris Kristofferson and Elvis Costello, died at 60 after battling throat cancer.
- Title: Stephen Bruton: Texas Guitar Legend · American Songwriter
- Summary: Texas-born guitarist Stephen Bruton, who worked with Kris Kristofferson and Elvis Costello, died at 60 after battling throat cancer.
- Keywords: stephen bruton, kris kristofferson, elvis costello, classic rock, guitarists, throat cancer, music, American Songwriter
- Source: American Songwriter — https://americansongwriter.com/born-78-years-ago-today-the-texas-raised-guitar-hero-who-worked-with-kris-kristofferson-bonnie-raitt-and-elvis-costello
- Author: Em Casalena
- Published: 2026-11-08T02:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: stephen bruton, kris kristofferson, elvis costello, classic rock, guitarists, throat cancer, music, culture
## Stephen Bruton's Birth and Early Life
Stephen Bruton was born on November 7, 1948, in Wilmington, Delaware, and moved to Texas as a child.
## Collaborations with Kris Kristofferson
Bruton joined Kris Kristofferson's band as it rose to fame, working with him for over forty years.
## Other Notable Collaborations
Bruton also worked with T Bone Burnett, Rita Coolidge, Elvis Costello, and Carly Simon.
## Stephen Bruton's Death and Legacy
Bruton died on May 9, 2009, at age sixty after a throat cancer battle in Los Angeles.

> This album is dedicated to the spirit of my soul-brother Stephen Bruton and his unique legacy of music and laughter that has enriched our lives.
## Key takeaway

Stephen Bruton, a Texas-raised guitarist who collaborated with Kris Kristofferson and Elvis Costello, died on May 9, 2009, at age 60 after a throat cancer battle.