I was saddened to hear that Brian Burns—a colleague and inspiration to me—unexpectedly passed away on July 4th. While many knew him as a Texas singer-songwriter, I came to know him later in life, after he had retired from touring and recording. We worked together in the Arlington Historical Society, where he was a former board member, a dedicated advocate for local history (especially Bird’s Fort), and served as our webmaster.
Brian was something of a guide to me, and his sudden passing left me feeling a bit lost. He was a true influence and an inspiration.
Brian Burns (1962–2026)
Though I only knew him for a few years, we shared a connection. We were both writers and historians; where he wrote songs, I write poems. Where he built websites, I have a blog. Brian was an engaging storyteller and a voracious reader—traits I have tried to emulate. His passion for local history was something I genuinely respected, and he is someone I will never forget.
He was also a source of encouragement for my own historical work, pushing me to write more articles for our society’s newsletter. In addition, when a vacancy recently opened up for Vice President within the historical society, Brian told me he thought I would be an excellent candidate for the position. That was quite an endorsement.
In a way, it felt like we were walking the same path, with him a few steps ahead of me. (Well, ok, maybe more than a few.) He took me under his wing, teaching me about website design and acting as an unofficial mentor. He always had an interesting story to tell. He felt like a beloved uncle. After I learned of his passing, I realized I still had some articles to send him for the website. Removing those tasks from my to-do list was a surreal moment.
Emailing back and forth, we would occasionally venture into music and books, exchanging recommendations. One that stands out with a bit of irony now is Ghost Rider: Travels on the Healing Road by Neil Peart, the late drummer of Rush—a band we both admired. Though I’ve had that book on my reading list for a while, upon hearing of his passing I ordered a copy and plan to read it soon. It seems like a fitting tribute.
I remember one time we went out for coffee and talked a bit. I had a strange vision during our conversation and later wrote a bizarre poem about it. I never mentioned it to him, but I think he would have liked it.
A Texas singer-songwriter
When I first met Brian, someone mentioned that he was a singer-songwriter. I thought, “Oh, that’s cool,” not realizing he was actually a talented, touring musician and a singer-songwriter who played and worked with artists I liked back then. While my musicals tastes have changed, I have always admired Texas singers-songwriters who wrote true, authentic music, especially bent towards an outlaw perspective. And that was Brian.
It turns out that Brian was a musician for over 40 years, picking up his first guitar in the 1970s. After touring in other bands, he released six solo albums, beginning with Highways, Heartaches, & Honky-Tonks in 1997, later becoming known for songs like his rapid-fire geography lesson “I’ve Been Everywhere (In Texas)” and the beautifully evocative “Thunderstorms & Tyler Roses.” Likened to a modern-day Marty Robbins—or Gary P. Nunn, with whom he worked—Burns had a devoted following in the burgeoning Texas/Red Dirt music scene.
In addition, Burns also created “Once Upon a Time in Texas,” a Texas history, music-education program he performed for thousands of students across the state. By his account, he traveled over 2 million miles as a musician and storyteller, sometimes playing 300 shows a year before retiring in 2017. Upon his passing, many expressed admiration for his music, and I was proud to know him.
Though I haven’t listened to all of his songs yet, he has a poetic rambler/outlaw style that I like. I’ve written a few poems similar to his style, and wonder if in some alternate reality we could have been songwriting partners.
The Music of Brian Burns
Brian Burns – I’ve Been Everywhere (In Texas)
An early show announcement for Brian Burns
at the Melody Ranch in Waco, where he was from
Note: April 12 happens to be my birthday
Waco Tribune-Herald – April 12, 1997
Brian Burns during his “Once Upon a Time in Texas” tour
Fort Worth Star-Telegram – June 12, 2002
An ad for one of Brian’s local shows
Fort Worth Star-Telegram – September 27, 2002
Texas tales spun from Burns’ guitar
Austin American-Statesman – January 23, 2003
Songs of the Texians
Hood County News – March 9, 2004
Blog post by Jason S. Sullivan, 07-10-26
Jason S. Sullivan 