Delaney Bramlett was a legendary singer, guitarist, and songwriter who influenced and collaborated with some of the biggest names in rock and blues history. He was best known for his musical partnership with his wife Bonnie Bramlett in the band Delaney & Bonnie and Friends, which featured a rotating cast of musicians such as Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Leon Russell, Duane Allman, and many others. He also produced and co-wrote songs for Clapton’s debut solo album, taught Harrison how to play slide guitar, and wrote or recorded with artists like Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, John Lennon, and Joe Cocker. He was widely respected and admired by his peers and fans for his soulful voice, his versatile guitar skills, and his passion for music.
The Cause of His Death
Unfortunately, Bramlett’s life was cut short by complications from gallbladder surgery. He died on December 27, 2008, at the age of 69, in a Los Angeles hospital. His wife Susan Lanier-Bramlett announced his death in a statement, saying that he had “seven hard months” of ill health and that she held him until his last breath
According to Lanier-Bramlett, Bramlett had been suffering from chronic pain for years due to a motorcycle accident in 1975 that left him with a broken neck and back. He also had diabetes and hepatitis C. He underwent gallbladder surgery in July 2008, but developed an infection that spread to his lungs and kidneys. He was hospitalized several times and underwent multiple surgeries and treatments. He was in a coma for 11 days before he passed away
The Impact of His Death
Bramlett’s death was mourned by many of his friends and colleagues in the music industry, who paid tribute to his legacy and expressed their condolences to his family. Clapton said that Bramlett was “like a brother” to him and that he owed him a lot for teaching him how to sing Harrison’s widow Olivia said that Bramlett was “a beautiful soul” who brought joy to everyone who knew him Russell said that Bramlett was “one of the most talented people” he ever worked with and that he was “a great friend”
Bramlett’s fans also honored his memory by sharing their favorite songs and memories of him online and by attending memorial services and concerts in his honor. His music was played on radio stations across the country and around the world. His albums were reissued and rediscovered by new generations of listeners. His influence was recognized by various publications and organizations, such as Rolling Stone magazine, which ranked him among the 100 greatest singers of all time in 2010
Bramlett’s death also inspired some of his fellow musicians to create new music in tribute to him. For example, Clapton dedicated his 2010 album Clapton to Bramlett and included a cover of Bramlett’s song “I’ve Got News for You”. Bonnie Bramlett released an album called Beautiful in 2014, which featured songs written or co-written by Delaney Bramlett. Billy Burnette , who played guitar with Delaney & Bonnie and Friends in the early 1970s, released an album called Crazy Like Me in 2017, which included a song called “Tear It Up”, written by Delaney Bramlett.
The Legacy of His Life
Delaney Bramlett may be gone, but his music lives on. He left behind a rich and diverse catalog of songs that spanned genres such as blues, rock, country, gospel, and soul. He also left behind a legacy of inspiration and innovation that influenced countless musicians who followed in his footsteps. He was a pioneer of the roots rock movement that blended traditional American music forms with contemporary rock sensibilities. He was a master of collaboration who brought together some of the most talented musicians of his era in a spirit of camaraderie and creativity. He was a mentor who shared his knowledge and skills with younger artists who looked up to him. He was a star who shone brightly on stage and in the studio.
Delaney Bramlett was more than just a singer, guitarist, and songwriter. He was a musical legend who touched the lives of millions with his voice, his guitar, and his heart.
