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End of an Era - Goodbye to Sumter Bruton III

End of an Era - Goodbye to Sumter Bruton III

Sumter Bruton III passed early morning Sept. 30, 2022

Sumter Bruton III was a multi-talented man, musical corner stone and the last member of the Bruton family who founded Record Town in 1957.  He touched the lives of many.  His passing marks the end of an era.

Sumter III performing
Record Town Archives​​

Sumter III on guitar

Sumter Bruton III, like his father, gave us a musical education and a love for music that will never be replaced. It was so cool that Sumter kept his guitar behind the counter at Record Town to show us how a particular lick or riff was played. He would always play the typical T-Bone Walker intro before astounding us with his skills.


Sumter’s musical knowledge was extremely deep and crossed every musical boundary. The blues, jazz, country, and early rock n roll were his specialties. He knew every player on every song. He introduced us to obscure players and bands that we would have never found on our own. He shared his knowledge and love of music with anyone who came through the doors at Record Town.


Record Town is honored to carry on the traditions of Sumter Bruton III and the Bruton Family.


By Bill Mecke

Sumter III playing guitar behind the counter at Record Town on University Drive
Record Town ​​Archives

Sumter III playing guitar behind the counter at Record Town on University Drive.

Sumter III and The Juke Jumpers
Record Town ​​Archives

Sumter III and The Juke Jumpers at The Bluebird Niteclub in Fort Worth. Picture taken 1979

Sumter III with Five Careless Lovers
Record Town Archives​​

Sumter III in The Five Careless Lovers

Sumter II, Sumter III and Stephen Bruton in front of Record Town on University Drive across from TCU
Record Town archives​​

Sumter III, Sumter III and Stephen Bruton in front of Record Town on University Drive

Sumter III with Katleen Bruton at Record Town on University Drive
Record Town Archives​​

Sumter III and his mother, Kathleen Bruton at Record Town on University Drive