Bramlett, Delaney

Bramlett, Delaney

Delaney Bramlett was born on 1 July 1939 in Pontotoc, Mississippi. He died in Los Angeles, at age 69 on 27 December 2008 following complications from gall bladder surgery. Not only an accomplished singer and musician, he was also a successful songwriter working with Eric Clapton, George Harrison, J.J. Cale, Leon Russell, and more.

After a stint in the U.S. Navy, he moved to Los Angeles where he established himself as a singer / songwriter. Delaney Bramlett wrote with fellow musicians Joey Cooper, Mac Davis and Jackie DeShannon and became a regular on the US TV Show, “Shindig” as member of the show’s houseband, The Shindogs. Another member of The Shindogs was Billy Preston. During this time, Bramlett also worked with J.J. Cale and Leon Russell and released some unsuccessful solo singles.

In 1967, he married Bonnie Lynn O’Farrell after knowing each other for only 7 days. They were first signed as a duo to Stax Records, but they expanded the lineup and became known as Delaney & Bonnie & Friends. It was the strength of their second album, “Accept No Substitute” (produced by Leon Russell and Duck Dunn) that landed them the support act gig for Blind Faith’s US Tour. It was during this time that the Bramletts became friends and mentors to Eric Clapton.

Delaney Bramlett encouraged Eric Clapton to develop his singing voice. Delaney also produced and co-wrote songs for Eric’s self-titled debut album in 1970. Due to contractual issues, he relinquished the writing credit to his wife, Bonnie, but this move kept the royalties from the “Eric Clapton” album within the family.

In the ensuing years, he has written and produced tracks for artists as diverse as Etta James, Elvin Bishop, the Staple Singers, J.J. Cale, John Hammond, Leon Russell and others. He also worked with John Lennon, George Harrison, Duane Allman, David Mason, Jerry Lee Lewis and Billy Preston.

Delaney continued to work from his home studio outside of Los Angeles until his death in 2008. In 1998, Delaney released a studio album entitled “Sounds From Home” and followed it up with “A New Kind of Blues” released shortly before his death.

Official Website: www.delaneybramlett.com