Delmore Brothers: Freight Train Blues

 

The Delmore Brothers were one of the most important and influential acts from the early days of country music. The duo consisted of the brothers, Alton and Rabon Delmore, a pair of guitarists/vocalists who helped to pioneer the country music genre with their melding of gospel music, folk, and the blues. The brothers were born into poverty in Elkmont, Alabama.

The Delmore Brothers made their first recordings for Columbia Records in 1931 and produced “I’ve Got the Kansas City Blues” and “Alabama Lullaby.” The duo continued to record until 1952, when Rabon Delmore died of cancer.

During their run, the Delmore Brothers recorded some of the all-time classics of country music, including “Blow Yo Whistle, Freight Train,” “When It’s Time for the Whippoorwill to Sing,” “Freight Train Boogie,” and “Blues Stay Away from Me.” The latter tune would be covered by later rockabilly performers Gene Vincent and Johnny Burnette, while “Freight Train Boogie” has been called the first rock and roll recording by some pundits.

Essential Delmore Brothers albums include the compilation, "Classic Cuts."

Essential Retrospective Albums

Freight Train Boogie (1993)

Focusing on their high-voltage post-war King Records sessions, this compilation highlights their transition into western boogie with slapping bass, boogie-woogie piano, and electric guitar.

• Released: September 1993
• Label: King Records
• Producer: Syd Nathan
• Core Personnel: Alton Delmore (Vocals, Acoustic Guitar), Rabon Delmore (Vocals, Tenor Guitar), Wayne Raney (Harmonica), Jid Thompson (Fiddle)
• Key Tracks: Freight Train Boogie, Blues Stay Away from Me, Hillbilly Boogie

Classic Cuts (2007)

This retrospective captures their pre-war acoustic mastery, showcasing their pristine vocal blending and rapid-fire guitar counterplay from their Grand Ole Opry era.

• Released: March 2007
• Label: JSP Records
• Producer: John R.T. Davies
• Core Personnel: Alton Delmore (Vocals, Guitar), Rabon Delmore (Vocals, Tenor Guitar)
• Key Tracks: Brown's Ferry Blues, Alabama Lullaby, I've Got the Kansas City Blues

 

                               

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