Delaney And Bonnie And Friends On Tour With Eric Clapton
Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett were a musical duo from the United States who had significant influence on the rock, folk, and soul music scenes in the late 1960s and early 1970s. They were married at the time and their performance and recordings together were regarded as a unique blend of blues, rock, and gospel music.
In 1969, Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett formed a touring band known as "Delaney & Bonnie and Friends." Some of the members who played with the duo included Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Leon Russell, and Dave Mason. This group was one of the most sought after backing bands of the early 1970s, and their tours with Eric Clapton are considered legendary.
The Formation of Delaney and Bonnie And Friends
Delaney Bramlett was born in Mississippi and raised in southern California. He began playing guitar and singing in local bands in his teens. Bonnie Bramlett was born in Illinois and raised in Memphis, Tennessee. She began singing in gospel choirs and later moved to Los Angeles and began working as a backup singer.
Delaney and Bonnie met in 1967 while working on a recording session. They soon formed a musical partnership and were signed to Stax Records. Their first album, "Home", was released in 1969 and featured contributions from Booker T. Jones, Isaac Hayes, and other members of the Stax house band.
Their second album, "Accept No Substitute", featured the song "Comin' Home" which was covered by several artists including The Beatles.
Delaney And Bonnie And Friends With Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton was already a successful musician when he began playing with Delaney and Bonnie and Friends. He had played with The Yardbirds, Cream, and had started a solo career. Clapton was drawn to the Bramletts' music and wanted to play with them.
In 1969, Clapton played on Delaney and Bonnie's third album, "On Tour with Eric Clapton." The album was recorded live in various locations during their tour of England and the United States. The album featured a mix of Delaney and Bonnie's songs as well as covers of songs by other artists such as Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, and Bob Dylan.
Clapton went on to play with Delaney and Bonnie and Friends on their subsequent tours. Their 1970 tour of Europe featured George Harrison and Dave Mason as members of the group. These tours were highly regarded and saw the band playing to sold-out crowds.
The Legacy of Delaney And Bonnie And Friends
Delaney and Bonnie and Friends were never as commercially successful as some of their contemporaries, but their influence can be heard in the music of artists who followed them. Their blend of blues, rock, and gospel music was an inspiration to many musicians who went on to become successful in their own right.
Eric Clapton has spoken highly of his time playing with Delaney and Bonnie and Friends. In an interview with Rolling Stone, he said, "I learned everything I know about singing and playing from them."
Delaney Bramlett passed away in 2008, but his legacy as a songwriter and musician lives on. Bonnie Bramlett continues to perform and record music, and remains a respected figure in the music industry.
Conclusion
The tours by Delaney and Bonnie and Friends with Eric Clapton are still regarded as some of the most exciting and influential performances in the history of rock and roll. Their unique blend of blues, rock, and gospel music was a major inspiration to the music world, and their legacy continues to be celebrated today.