Rabon Delmore

In the rich tapestry of early American country music, few performers left as profound a mark as Rabon Delmore, one half of the legendary Delmore Brothers. His innovative musical approach and distinctive harmonies helped shape the sound of country music in the early 20th century, bridging traditional folk styles with emerging commercial country music.

Roots of Musical Inspiration

Born on December 3, 1916, in Elkmont, Alabama, Rabon Delmore emerged from a deeply musical family steeped in Appalachian folk traditions. Growing up alongside his brother Alton, Rabon was immersed in a rich musical environment where their mother, Mollie Delmore, wrote and sang gospel songs for their local church. This early exposure to music would profoundly influence the brothers' future musical style, which blended gospel-style harmonies with traditional guitar work. The Delmore Brothers developed a unique sound that was revolutionary for their time. They combined intricate vocal harmonies with sophisticated guitar techniques, helping to create the emerging genre of country music. Their musical approach was particularly notable for incorporating elements from gospel, traditional folk, and emerging commercial music styles.

Rise to Musical Prominence

In 1930, the brothers' musical journey took a significant turn when they won a local contest in Athens, Alabama, showcasing their emerging talent. Their first recording session with Columbia in 1931 marked the beginning of their professional career, recording songs like "Got The Kansas City Blues" and "Alabama Lullaby". The duo quickly became regulars on the Grand Ole Opry, becoming one of the most popular acts on the show within just three years. Their partnership with Arthur Smith, a renowned old-time fiddler, further expanded their musical repertoire, and they recorded over 52 sides together between 1935 and 1937.

Innovative Musical Contributions

Rabon and Alton were pioneers in establishing the guitar as a central instrument in country music. Their guitar-based recordings were instrumental in developing the sound that would later influence rockabilly and rock and roll. They wrote an astonishing number of songs - over one thousand throughout their career - with popular tracks like "Brown's Ferry Blues" and "Gonna Lay Down My Old Guitar" becoming classics. Their song "Blues Stay Away From Me" became particularly notable, being covered by numerous artists and cementing their place in music history. The brothers were also among the first to experiment with electric guitars and boogie beats, a style that would later be recognized in Rolling Stone's History of Rock n' Roll.

Tragic End and Lasting Legacy

Tragically, Rabon's life was cut short when he died of cancer on December 4, 1952, just a day after his 36th birthday. Despite his brief life, his musical impact was immense. The Delmore Brothers were inducted into multiple halls of fame, including the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1971 and the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001. Their influence extended far beyond their own era, with many subsequent musicians citing them as a profound inspiration. Their innovative approach to harmony and instrumentation helped shape the sound of American popular music for generations to come.

Works and Appearances

Radio

• Grand Ole Opry (1933-1938)
• Arthur Smith Trio (1935-1937)

Recordings

• Got The Kansas City Blues (Columbia, 1931)
• Brown's Ferry Blues (Bluebird, 1934)
• Blues Stay Away From Me (King, 1949)

Albums

• Sacred Songs (King, 1957)
• In Memory (King, 1964)
• Wonderful Sacred Songs (King, 1966)