Delaney Bramlett left his small hometown of Pontotoc, Mississippi and in the early 60s found his way to Los Angeles where we worked as a singer/songwriter. He eventually became a regular in the house-band of 60s TV show “Shindig” playing rhythm guitar and occasionally singing. For more see my post about Leon Russell
His wife, Bonnie Bramlett, was born with a powerful set of pipes and an incredibly soulful voice. Even as a teenager she was already working as a backup singer with Ike & Tina Turner, and Albert King.
As recording artists they were moderately successful, but their lasting claim to fame was the impact they had on Eric Clapton, and to a lesser degree George Harrison. After hearing a pre-release copy of an album Delaney had recorded for Stax Records, George Harrison signed him to the Beatles Apple Records. That contract was eventually voided due to previous contractual obligations, but George talked his friend Eric Clapton into taking Delaney & Bonnie and Friends out on tour with Clapton's latest band Blind Faith.
Delaney & Bonnie with Eric Clapton & Dave Mason (of the band Traffic) on a National Steel guitar.
It turned out that their approach, and their real-deal Americana roots appealed to Clapton much more than the music of Blind Faith. During the tour he performed with them on stage, as did George Harrison. Delaney is purported to have shown George Harrison slide guitar technique, and given Eric Clapton some vocal coaching.
When Delaney and Bonnie's next album appeared Eric Clapton's name was also featured on the cover. George Harrison also played on the album, but couldn't appear under his own name for contractual reasons, but it was common knowledge that the guitarist L'Angelo Misterioso was George Harrison.
Delaney & Bonnie and Friends with Clapton and Harrrison
Not long after this Eric Clapton released his first solo album. To give you an idea of Delaney Bramlett's influence , check out the number of songs he wrote for that album. Equally important, Delaney also produced this album.
A little bit of trivia, Bonnie also has a Hollywood connection. She played Roseanne's friend and coworker on the TV sitcom “Roseanne.”
Here's a clip from Roseanne with Bonnie stunning the cast with her vocal prowess (at about the 25 second mark.)
Credits
Photo of Delaney and Bonnie is a YouTube screen capture with effects by @roused
Wiki screen grab of album credits
Delaney & Bonnie album cover
That girl can sing!
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Her daughter is also a real powerhouse :-)
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Ah... Fleetwood Mac
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I will have to check her out then.
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