Gordon Burns, Alabama TV and Radio Star Nicknamed ‘Country Boy Eddie,’ Dies at 92

Gordon Edwards Burns, a legendary Alabama television personality nicknamed ‘Country Boy Eddie’ who gave future superstars Dolly Parton and Tammy Wynette a platform early in their careers, has died at the age of 92.

His family announced his death in a statement obtained by WBRC on Friday, revealing that the star died “peacefully at home.”

Singer Burns achieved success as the longtime host of The Country Boy Eddie Show with Country Boy Eddie, where he hosted a host of artists including Emmy Lou Harris, Parton and Wynette.

He began hosting the show in 1957 before finally quitting to retire in 1993.

“This morning, Country Boy Eddy passed away peacefully at his home in Warrior,” his family said in their statement.

‘He was a pioneer in both the Alabama music and television scene, and his contributions will live on.

“The Burns family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the viewers, fans, musicians and everyone else who made his life so special.

Burns achieved success as the long-time host of The Country Boy Eddie Show with Country Boy Eddie, where he hosted a host of artists, including Parton and Wynette.

Burns began hosting the show when he was 27 years old.

“That show was the best part of my life,” he told the Times a day in 2012. ‘I wish I could do it again.’

He allowed almost any musician to perform on his show and embraced those who hadn’t found their big break yet.

Burns began hosting the show when she was 27 years old, and referred to the show as the “best part” of her life.

“That helped my show,” he said. “I love people, and I love people who didn’t get the chance.”

Parton and Wynette, the future First Lady of Country Music, were among the strangers who appeared on her show.

In addition to musical performances, the show featured comedy, interviews, funeral announcements, commercials and general talk, according to al.com.

Future superstars: Burns gave country icons Tammy Wynette (L) and Dolly Parton (R) a platform early in their careers.

Preachers, politicians, and professional wrestlers were among those who appeared on the show.

The show aired in the mornings on WBRC and on 100 other television stations across the South, according to Al.com.

Finally, after 36 years on the air, Burns decided to retire.

“I had always said that one day I was going to take a year off,” he said. “It was hard for me to make the decision to quit, but once I did, I really bought into it.”

In addition to his TV hosting skills, Burns sang, played bass, banjo, accordion, guitar, violin and mouth harp, according to Al.com.