"Bruce on Bennett"

From singing to television and radio, Eddie Bruce is the consummate entertainer who grabs audiences with his warm, engaging style and his great vocal talent. He loves singing and bringing music to life, whether it’s a song made popular by such composers as Sammy Cahn or Johnny Mercer or by such legendary singers as Tony Bennett or Anthony Newley. In 2009, Eddie was honored to break the box office record at Morgan’s Cabaret in Philadelphia’s famed Prince Music Theater with his tribute show to Tony Bennett, where he was part of the subscription series with such nationally recognized artists as Andrea Marcovicci, Christine Andreas, Steve Ross and Barbara Brussell. He has followed that with more cheers from fans at the Metropolitan Room in New York City that booked him immediately for a summer 2009 appearance.

Bruce’s recording, "Bruce on Bennett," was released in early 2009. Mark Fox, the president of the International Tony Bennett Appreciation Society reviewed it with great respect. He said, “Everything … vocals, accompaniment, song choices – is just right! Loved ‘Old Devil Moon’, with a nod to Tony's lung bursting '....looooooove...' which I think he held even longer!” Philadelphia’s most respected pop music critic, Jonathan Takiff of the Philadelphia Daily News, said, “Eddie Bruce calls his new CD and cabaret show ‘Bruce on Bennett.’ But having heard the disc, ‘Bruce IS Bennett’ might be more appropriate.” He added,” Bruce has the T.B. warble down perfectly … he adds an aura of emotion and vulnerability ...” And, in the Philadelphia City Paper, they said, "Simply superb. He held the audience in the palm of his hand."

Performing cabaret for the past ten years, Eddie Bruce has appeared at Bally's in Atlantic City, Odette’s in New Hope and in New York at 88’s, The Supper Club and Danny's. Another cabaret show he is proud to present is "Newley Discovered," his tribute to the legendary composer, singer Anthony Newley. Re-inventing this show, when he performed it earlier in 2000, it was called "A winner on all counts" by Backstage. His first CD "We'll Never Say Goodbye" is another favorite of his fans.

Being on television frequently as a young performer, Eddie has always been comfortable in broadcast media. He is very proud that fans still stop him to talk about “Dancin’ on Air”, the 1980’s hit television show where he served as the original host. For eight years, he was a talk show host on Philadelphia's radio station, WWDB-FM.

With a heart as big as the sounds that emanate from his band, Eddie Bruce has always been involved in community efforts, lending his talent and compassion to enhance many charitable events. He has worked with many charities including The Eagles Fly For Leukemia, Golden Slipper, The Breast Health Institute and The Chef Aid Gala for Manna among others. In February 2009, he was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award from Variety – The Children’s Charity for his years of dedication and commitment to the children they serve. For the past three years, he has produced and hosted Variety’s Kids with Heart Talent Show giving these disabled children a chance to perform on the main stage at the Prince Music Theater. In April 2009, he was recognized for this work and named a 2009 “Super Hero” from the Camden Riversharks, where he sang “God Bless America.”

A Phillies baseball fan throughout his life, Eddie Bruce was proud to be a close friend of legendary Phillies’ (and Eagles) broadcaster Harry Kalas. At his sudden passing in April, 2009 Eddie was honored by Harry’s family when he was asked to sing Harry’s favorite song “High Hopes” at Harry’s memorial service at Citizen’s Bank Park. A tearful moment for everyone there, it was an emotional performance that Eddie will always remember. Eddie has sung the national anthem at several Phillies baseball games.

For more than 25 years, Eddie Bruce has been performing his unique repertoire of music that ranges from Top 40, R & B, Disco and house music to Swing and Sinatra. His interest in music began when he was a child, and he has never wavered from this passion. He has blended his natural entrepreneurial skills with his love of music and created one of the most successful orchestras in the region and one of the best reputations as a much sought-after performer. Whether he’s entertaining a group of 50 or 500, there’s no one better as the leader of an orchestra that entertains at social and corporate events. A regular at Caesar’s in Atlantic City, the Eddie Bruce Orchestra has also performed at Bally’s Park Place, the Etess Arena of Trump Taj Mahal as well as such major events as the prestigious Grand Gala Opening of the Kimmel Center for The Performing Arts in Philadelphia.

Born in Philadelphia, Eddie Bruce began his professional career as a child performing on television talent shows, in local theater, and events throughout the city. He remembers fondly his many appearances on the “Al Albert's Showcase,” appearing on the first show broadcast from WKBS-TV, Channel 48 and then continuing as a regular when it moved to the ABC affiliate, WPVI-TV, Channel 6. As a member of the Al Alberts’ Showstoppers, a regularly appearing group of local teens, Bruce made frequent appearances on the show and sang many duets with the host Al Alberts, an original member of The Four Aces. He also sang on The Ted Mack Original Amateur Hour at the Ed Sullivan Studio in New York.

After attending Temple University's Radio, Television, and Film program, he formed his own band, “Compass," performing up and down the east coast from New York to Florida and west to Ohio and Michigan. With “Compass,” he made his first recording "Spring of My Life.” Following this, he came back to Philly and began what he thought was a short stint singing with a friend’s wedding band. Thirty two years later, he’s still doing it but now with the Eddie Bruce Orchestra. Throughout this time period, he had a major impact on the art of making music at weddings and parties that is still felt by the industry today.