Delaney Bramlett was born on 1 July 1939 in Pontotoc, Mississippi. After a stint in the U.S. Navy, he moved to Los Angeles where he established himself as a singer / songwriter. He wrote with fellow musicians Joey Cooper, Mac Davis and Jackie DeShannon. Delaney also 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, he also worked with J.J. Cale and Leon Russell and released some unsuccessful solo singles.
In 1967, he married Bonnie Lynn O’Farrell. 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 encouraged Eric 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 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 continues to work from his home studio outside of Los Angeles. In 1998, Delaney released a studio album entitled “Sounds From Home”.
Official Website: www.delaneybramlett.com
