Ed Bruce's 1976 self-titled album saw the debut of "Mamma Don't Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys (Ed-Bruce - Patsy Bruce). The single went to number fifteen on the country chart.

Buddy Holly band member Waylon Jennings and living legend Willie Nelson covered the song for their 1976 album Waylon & Willie". This version topped the country chart, reached the pop top forty and won a Grammy award. Outlaw country at it's finest.