Gordon Edwards Burns, commonly known as Country Boy Eddie Burns, a well-known television personality, died on January 13 at the age of 92. Gordon’s family did not reveal the reason for his death but said that he died at his home in Warrior, Alabama. According to their statement:
“He was a pioneer for both the Alabama music and television sectors, and his achievements will continue to live on. The Burns family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to the viewers, admirers, musicians, and everyone else that helped make his life so memorable.”
Eddie Burns leaves behind his son Doyle and three grandkids.
Tributes to Country Boy Eddie Burns, who died at the age of 92.
Gordon Edwards Burns rose to prominence as the presenter of the Country Boy Eddie Show on WBRC-TV. TJ Armstrong, a radio personality, shared his sorrow on Facebook, noting that he has interviewed many celebrities, but Gordon was his favorite. Armstrong also said that Burns always championed local talent, and he went on to say:
“Eddie and I had already formed a connection when I began my career as the presenter of the “Dixie Gospel Caravan,” warming the seat formerly held by the renowned Wayne Wallace. Wayne was excited to appear on my program multiple times since he and Eddie were buddies.”
TJ said that Eddie had questioned him in one of his interviews about whether he had gotten any sleep after being so busy all day. TJ responded that he was only live for a few hours and that the rest was pre-recorded. TJ also said that he edited his interview and was pleased with how it came out. He also said that his listeners informed him that portions of his broadcast were pre-recorded, and he mentioned:
“I contacted Eddie, who had heard the same story, and he laughed as I’d never heard someone laugh before.”
When word of his death spread, Twitter was inundated with tributes:
When I was a kid, Country Boy Eddie was a staple on morning TV. His sidekick, Happy Hal Burns, was my grandparent’s neighbor in Vestavia Hills. He kept a cowboy ventriloquist puppet in his dining room window. Great memories. RIP, CBE. https://t.co/oJqbOq87p7
— U.S. Secretary of Common Sense (@ScottButtram) January 13, 2023
We didn’t have four-hour morning newscasts repeating news ad nauseam. Instead, we had The Country Boy Eddie Show, a 37-year morning staple in B’ham. I hate to sound archaic, but even a progressive such as myself miss the old days at times. Rest easy, sir.https://t.co/MYltCboXMI
— Mike Walker SBC (@MykeGT) January 13, 2023
Eddie Burns, a country boy, was well-known for his performances on numerous television series.
Eddie Burns, who was born on December 13, 1930, became interested in radio broadcasts when he was 10 years old. When he was 13, he bought a violin and taught himself to play it. He appeared on the Crossroads Variety Show on WBRC-AM with the band Happy Hal Burns and subsequently toured with them. During the Korean War, he served with a psychological warfare team and performed on the Armed Forces Studio Network in Korea, Japan, and Hawaii.
Gordon later worked as a disc jockey for WILD-AM program director Warren Musgrove. He then worked for WLBS-AM, WLPH-AM, and Waterfalls USA, a water park. He played at about 500 live engagements before forming his own band, which debuted on WBRC-Tom TV’s York Morning Show.
Gordon was best known as the presenter of the Country Boy Eddie Show, which aired on around 100 radio stations. Burns announced his retirement in December 1993 and received the 2001 Media Award from the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. He lived in Blount County with his wife Edwina and their son Doyle. In 2016, Edwina died away.