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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZDELMORE BROTHERSAlton (b 25 Dec. '08, Elkmont AL; d 8 June '64, Huntsville) and Rabon Delmore (b 3 Dec. '16, Elkmont; d 4 Jun. '52, Athens AL) Country blues and boogie duo popular '30s--40s. Local fiddle champions in their teens, signed with Columbia '31, joined Grand Ole Opry '32, on various radio stations throughout the South, Alton a prolific songwriter with more than 1,000 to his credit incl. 'Blues Stay Away From Me', 'Beautiful Brown Eyes', 'Freight Train Boogie', 'Brown's Ferry Blues' etc. Recorded for Victor, Bluebird, Decca, but biggest success on King '40--51. Moved to Houston TX late '40s, but Rabon returned home '51, died of lung cancer. Alton moved to Huntsville, retired from music, worked on radio, teaching guitar, as door-to-door salesman; son Lionel successful songwriter in Nashville (hits by John Anderson). The Delmores infl. the Burnettes, Elvis Presley, Everly Bros etc; they also worked with Arthur Smith, Uncle Dave Macon, Brown's Ferry Four (gospel quartet at various times incl. Merle Travis, Red Foley, Grandpa Jones). CD compilations on Ace and County. |