I learned today of the passing of the great Delaney Bramlett. This guy was one of the greats. I recorded with him just last spring for a recently released CD, A New Kind of Blues. In addition to this early video, there are many youtubes with his former wife and partner Bonnie, and this link points to a video that summarizes his importance to so many iconic musicians.

There's a recent interview with Delaney about his long and amazing career here. He'll be sadly missed.

Susie Madrak adds:

"Lord, Lord, what a welcome they must have planned tonight for that man. Imagine the reunion with his old friends Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Gram Parsons, Duane Allman and George Harrison. (I'm sure Jerry Wexler is recording tonight's jam. I hope someday I get to hear it.)

I got to see Delaney, Bonnie & Friends when I was 15, at Philadelphia's original Electric Factory, and it was a musical peak I've never quite experienced with any other band. They were gospel, roots and rock - truly a religious experience. I still listen to their music just about every day; "Motel Shot" is one of my top five favorite albums of all time.

When I read the Clapton autobiography, I was surprised but not shocked to read that after Delaney and Bonnie was the opening act on a Blind Faith tour, Clapton actually wanted to quit the supergroup and tour with them instead.

Their music just had that kind of effect on people.

Delaney worked with anybody you'd care to think of. He was a major influence; when you listen to Americana roots music, you're listening to him and Bonnie.

He was a producer as well, having worked with people like Etta James, Elvin Bishop, John Hammond, Dorothy Morrison (of "Oh Happy Day" fame), and The Staple Singers.

I always thought he sang like an angel. Now it's true.