A highly influential hillbilly duo, the Delmore Brothers' distinctive harmonies and guitar duets are among the most memorable in early country music. Alton Delmore was born December 25th, 1908-.-brother Rabon December 3rd, 1910 (both in Elkmont, Alabama). Brought up on a farm, they were taught fiddle by their mother and in 1930 won a old time fiddle contest in Athens, Alabama. Equally skilled on guitar, the brothers began recording for Columbia in 1931 and the following year appeared on WSM Grand Ole Opry. Their popularity ensured them a six year tenure on the show. Throughout the 1940s, they appeared on dozens of radio stations and began recording for King Records in 1944. Freight Train Boogie assembles the duo's classic King sides, recorded between 1946 and '51, on one brilliant CD. Blues Stay Away From Me became a top five hit in 1949, enjoying a chart run of 23 weeks (years later it was covered by Gene Vincent). Many of the songs also feature the bonus of Wayne Raney's harmonica and on Pan-American Boogie the twin harmonicas of both Raney and Lonnie Glosson. Soon after, The Delmores relocated to Houston and Alton began drinking heavily after the death of his daughter Rabon contracted lung cancer, returned to Athens and died there on December 4th, 1952. Following Rabon's death, Alton moved away to Huntsville, where he became a door-to-door salesman and part-time guitar teacher, passing away himself on June 9th, 1964. Their music continued to inspire both country and folk musicians - Doc Watson was particularly influenced by The Delmores, covering many of their songs - Brown's Ferry Blues and Nashville Blues to name but two. Of added interest for rock'n'roll fans is the rockabilly guitar-before-it's-time (played by Jethro Burns) on 1946s Freight Train Boogie and the relaxed Western Swing feel to what many consider (this writer included) one of the duo's finest moments - Hillbilly Boogie.