[1] Bourke moved to Nashville in 1964 and worked for a period in the promotional department of Mercury Records.
[2] His songwriting career took off in the early 1970s and he soon racked up tracks recorded by Charlie Rich, Elvis Presley, Lynn Anderson, Billy Crash Craddock, Olivia Newton-John, and many others.
He co-wrote "Patch It Up" with Eddie Rabbitt and wrote "Your Love's Been A Long Time Coming," both of which were recorded by Elvis Presley.
Charlie Black is a frequent writing partner and he has also written hits with Oslin, Mike Reid, Eddie Rabbitt, Deborah Allen, and a number of others.
His awards include three times as ASCAP's "Writer of the Year" (1975, 1979, 1983) and three Grammy nominations for Best Country Song.