Country Singer and songwriter Ed Bruce, best known for writing the classic tune “Mama Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys,” died Friday from natural causes. He was 81.

Bruce co-wrote the tune, which was made famous in 1978 by Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennngs, with his then wife Patsy Bruce. He also wrote such hits as Tanya Tucker’s “The Man That Turned My Mama On” and “Texas (When I Die),” and Crystal Gayle’s “Restless.” He’s also known for his 1982 hit “You’re the Best Break This Old Heart Ever Had” and “My First Taste Of Texas,” among his 14 top 20 hits.

Bruce also had an acting career, and starred opposite James Garner in the TV series “Bret Maverick.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJC22eSXeXA