Artist Guide » Country » Traditional Country » BRUCE CURTIS FALLGREN: Something Was Missing In My Life
:Something Was Missing In My Life" brings out some of the pain, blessings, and experiences that can be found in life.Bruce Curtis retired from the military in 1991 after 22 years of service. He served as a combat engineer, production controller, and a soldier in the 67th Army Band.
BRUCE SHOWCASED HIS MATERIAL IN THE USA SONGWRITING SHOWCASE @ BORDERS BOOKS & MUSIC @ 10225 Research Blvd, Austin, TX. Borders is stocking his CD's for distribution.In 2005 Bruce Curtis Fallgren took second in the Nations National Veterans Arts & Crafts Festival in the Country Western Division. The Marty Robbins song: "Don't Worry About Me" Bruce wqs dissappointed in 2006 as he did not place in the Creative Arts National festival, being held in Rapid City South Dakota this October.
Bruce has been dealing with prostate cancer for the last two years. In 2004 he had his prostate removed, but the cancer came back after six months and Bruce had to undergo radiation therapy. He is maintaining a positive attitude and has continued playing his music; entertaining veterans, assisted lliving, amd nursing homes. He is now able to perform a couple hours at a time and his endurance is slowly coming back. In July of 2006 Bruce has been told that his cancer is in remision. He is very excoted about the news.
Bruce was born in Dickinson, North Dakota. His father Curtis Fallgren was born in Almont, North Dakota. Bruce's Grandfather, Carl Fallgren, occasionally played guitar and fiddle with Lawrence Welk, in barn dances in North and South Dakota. Bruce always had a love for music and was greatly influenced by singers Jim Reeves, Marty Robbins, Eddy Arnold, Merle Haggard, Everly Brothers, Elvis Presley, Johnny Horton, Johnny Cash, Hank Williams Sr., Sonny James, Kenny Rogers, Conway Twitty, Roger Miller, Peter Paul & Mary, Bob Dylan, and many other singers he admired.
Bruce moved to Oregon in 1956 at ten years of age. His family bought a twenty acre irrigated farm where they raised five thousand chickens, two cows, two pigs, one hundred head of sheep, and a horse. Bruce practiced his singing to the radio, while working in the chicken barns. He was encouraged to pick up a guitar, while in the second grade, by his teacher. She recognized his natural talent to sing. Dollars were tight with 8 children in the family so Bruce sang without a guitar until he graduated from high school. While in grade school and high school, Bruce accelerated in basketball, football, track, and wrestling lettering in all four sports. Upon graduation from high school, he went to Valdez, Alaska accepting a job with the Army Corps of Engineers. It was while he was in Alaska at the age of nineteen that Bruce picked up a guitar for the first time in his life! He was too young to go to the bars with the other workers, so he stayed home while the others went out. It was during that "alone" time that Bruce wrote his first song "Destiny". The inspiration came from the songs, "Jesse James" and "The Shifting, Whispering Sands." The only problem with learning to play the guitar, was that Bruce is left handed, and the guitar was strung for a right handler, so Bruce learned to play right handed.
When Bruce got back from Alaska, he enlisted in the Army Reserve as a Combat Engineer. He continued his service, while working as a mechanic for his Grandfather in Dickinson, North Dakota. He went to a mechanical trade college in Fargo, North Dakota. He finished his schooling there and went to his basic training course in Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo. He completed his basic training course, and finished his advanced training course simultaneously. His Combat Engineer course was completed within six months. He advanced rapidly and soon became a Specialist, then a Staff Sergeant. Bruce stayed in the combat engineers for over ten years, and then transferred into an Army Band Unit, where he became one of three lead vocalists,in the country group. The Country Band, in the beginning, consisted of Mark Stafford, vocalist, lead guitarist, flute, and saxophone player. Chuck Riker, bass player, and Kathy Sabo, vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and drummer. Mark Stafford greatly influenced Bruce's life. He's an inspiration that Bruce will never forget. To this day, they are the best of friends. Mark is so talented, and he does a splendid job, backing Bruce, himself, and Kathy, with his great musical talents. As time progressed, the band was varied with other members: Gill Prato(drummer), Carol Jones (keyboards and trumpet), and Ed Fowler(drummer). (AN INTERESTING FACT;) Bruce was told that his job in the country group was to sing.(ONLY) Bruce was told that "HIS INSTRUMWENT" was his great voice. This was hard for Bruce to accept. He would often play, with his guitar unplugged, or the volume all the way off. Elvis Presley had been treated in the same way. Elvis was told that his guitar playing lacked a certain quality, but that his voice was exceptional. Bruce got into his niche, and sang his heart out. Bruce also played tuba in the marching and concert band. He now amazes some of his old army buddies, with his advanced guitar playing skills.
It was during this time that Bruce went on active duty for two years in an aviation unit in Cheyenne Wyoming. He worked as a Production Controller, and T-42 Crew Chief. This was a two-year tour, and after that was completed, Bruce re-enlisted with the 67th Army Band. While in the 67th Army Band, Bruce wrote four more songs; "Whiskey Horses and Games", "Marjorie", "My Dearest Love",and "Something was missing in My life" (The Saviours always There}. This was,inspired by his divorce in 1980. This was a very tough time for Bruce. Pain, loss of family, love, and sorrow, inspired all three of these songs.
Bruce has worked as a soldier, mechanic, roofer, welder, plumber, fabricator, entertainer, and farm hand. He has done a little of everything. He has five sisters, and two brothers. He is kindhearted, loving, and honest. He loves the people in his life very much. Bruce has traveled across the United States, playing and performing his music in various clubs and towns. He has performed before very small, and very large crowds, including, Mt Rushmore, Louisville, Denver, Portland, Austin, and many clubs throughout the U.S. The "gig" he enjoys the most is the Labor Day Parade, he performs in Louisville, Colorado. He has performed the Labor Day event there for over fifteen years with crowds exceeding ten thousand. Bruce delivers his music with feeling, expression and power. He learned a lot of the dynamics while working in the 67th Army band.
Bruce is now residing in Kyle, Texas. He is playing music, and promoting his CD. He has been supporting various groups, and foundations, performing many times for free. He enjoys bringing cheer and happiness into the lives of the people he touches. Feel free to contact Bruce via his e-mail link. He is open to helping people, and promoting events that help people.
This CD was recorded in G-Com Studio, in Gulfport Mississippi. The lead guitarist and fiddle player, is a Colorado Country "Hall of Fame" Recipient, JERRY LADNER. He is one of Bruce's closest friends. Jerry's abilities have contributed greatly to the success of this album. LEO LADNER, the mixing engineer, previously played bass guitar for JERRY LEE LEWIS.
When these three musicians got together, they CREATED a great product. Thanks, Jerry & Leo!!!!!!!!!!!!
LISTEN TO THIS CD....YOU WILL NEVER REGRET IT!!
Track List:
1. There Will Be Peace in the Valley
2. I'll Fly Away
3. The Old Rugged Cross
4. Just a Closer Walk With Thee
5. Amazing Grace
6. Danny Boy
7. How Great Thou Art
8. There Will Never Be Another You
9. On the Wings of a Dove
10. The Rose
11. My Way
12. Why Me Lord
13. Something Was Missing in My Life
Other Genres: