Biography

Doug Bruce grew up in Aubrey, Texas , horse country U.S.A (picture circa 1972). At the time, it was a typical American small town - a tight knit rural community where everyone knew everyone and neighbours looked after each other.

Throughout childhood, music was part of being a Bruce, a very talented family of singers, songwriters and musicians. Doug's father, Dale Bruce (left of picture), is a bass player who toured with Texas legend, Red Steagall for many years, including a stint in Australia in the late 70's, and briefly with another Texas icon, Johnny Duncan. His uncle, Buddy Bruce (right of picture), penned songs for Red Sovine and Minnie Pearl in the glory days of country music and continued his writing until his untimely passing a few years ago. Buddy will always remain one of Doug's greatest musical influences. Doug's cousin, Kelli Workman, is a singer/songwriter in Nashville who has worked with some of the greatest talents of our time from Chet Atkins to Elton John.

In the mid 1980's, Doug began his career in country music as a drummer and backing vocalist with a handful of bands in the north Texas area. Later, Doug was recruited to the successful Dallas/Fort Worth band Cheyenne, performing in popular live venues, including Billy Bob's Texas (pictured left), and opening for national acts such as Travis Tritt, Jerry Jeff Walker and Rascal Flatts. Cheyenne was awarded vocal group of the year in 1999 and the People's Choice award in 2000, at the prestigious Terry Awards in Dallas. Doug was nominated drummer of the year in 2000 and 2001.

At the end of 2001, Cheyenne disbanded. Doug moved to Nashville along with the band's front man, singer/songwriter, Brit Stokes (pictured right). Together they performed several showcases at Douglas Corner, The French Quarter and other industry venues in and around Nashville. Working primarily as a drummer for various bands, Doug also kept busy recording drum tracks in numerous demo sessions. Nashville is also where the writing bug bit harder for Doug and he became more serious about his passion for song writing.


In 2003, friend and singer/songwriter Billy Yates (pictured left) asked Doug to join his band for a number of shows, including live broadcast performances on the Grand Ole Opry, on the Midnight Jamboree at the Texas Troubadour Theatre, and opening for the great George Jones in Joplin, Missouri.

Doug met his Aussie wife in Nashville. She was visiting the U.S. when their paths crossed. After nearly a year of expensive, late night calls and a few trips back and forth from Nashville to Australia they made it official in a small ceremony with Doug’s family in Texas.

Seven months later they flew to Australia for a renewal ceremony with Jodie’s family and friends (pictured right). With each visit, Doug fell more in love with the country and the Aussie people. When their first baby came along the proud parents decided to relocate and now happily reside in Bendigo, Victoria. [Doug is now the proud parent of two rowdy boys].

Since moving to Australia Doug has devoted himself fulltime to the business of making music, delighting many an unsuspecting audience with his vocal talents front of stage as well as behind the drums. He has been enjoying the country music festival and club scene and has attracted a loyal and appreciative fan base since hitting the circuit as a singer.

Doug’s debut EP as a singer/songwriter, Brand New Memory, was released in October 2006. The CD includes Doug’s own songs as well as selected tracks written by Billy Yates, Buddy Bruce and Brit Stokes. Despite the lack of a full promotional campaign, many of these songs have enjoyed steady radio play.

Doug joined the country rock band, Crakajak, as their resident drummer in late 2006.

In 2007, Doug started writing with frontman, Harry Jon Nanos, on the new Crakajak album - for release in 2008. The first single from the album, Somewhere Between the Truth and Goodbye, co-written by Doug, Harry and Donna Fisk, took out several awards at the 2008 Victorian and National Country Musicc Awards.

2008 sees Doug writing and producing his next album, which will offer a more contemporary mix of self-penned tracks, showcasing an evolving sound and style.