Delbert McClinton

If you’ve ever attended a Delbert McClinton concert, you are more than likely a fan for life. His raspy voice blends like an orchestra with the sounds of blues, country, and soul from his well-seasoned band members.

Born in Lubbock, Texas in 1940, Delbert grew up singing…at the kitchen table, in his backyard, at family events…anywhere he had a captive audience. His family moved to Fort Worth when he was 11. He bought his first guitar that year and for the next ten years played and sang in local honky-tonks. Although he had cut several records, his first big break came in 1962 when he played harmonica on Bruce Lee’s national hit “Hey Baby.” Around that same time he opened for The Beatles in England and subsequently formed a friendship with John Lennon. Delbert’s influence could be heard on the Beatles’ hit “Love Me Do.”

In 1975, Delbert released his first solo album, “Victim of Life’s Circumstances.” At the prompting of John Belushi, Delbert gained national exposure on guest appearances on Saturday Night Live. It was a decade later that his popularity began to pay off financially.

1989 brought his first Grammy nomination in recognition of his “Live from Austin” album.

In 1991, Delbert won his first Grammy for “Good Man, Good Woman”, a duet with Bonnie Raitt. In a recent interview with Ray Scott on 94.9, Delbert said the real thrill was a few years later when he won another Grammy…this time for his own album “Nothing Personal.” The next year he was nominated for his “Room to Breathe” album. 2006 brought yet another Grammy nomination for his song “Midnight Communion” from the “Cost of Living” cd.

Credit for his soaring popularity should be given to Don Imus, a huge Delbert fan, who often had a guest spot for Delbert, either live or by telephone, on his televised radio show.

If you missed Ray’s interview with Delbert on the radio, you can click on BEACH MUSIC/ then BEACH MUSIC NEWS on the Surf’s website for a recording!

“Giving It Up For Your Love”… “Old Weakness”…”Leap of Faith”… “Livin It Down”…”When Rita Leaves”…”You Were Never Mine”…”Everything I Knew About The Blues (I learned from you)”   “Sandy Beaches”…it goes on and on and on!

ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY called Delbert “one of the planet’s greatest roadhouse rockers.” THE NEW YORK TIMES adds “ Delbert McClinton applies his well-traveled rasp to songs from the hard-loving intersections of blues, country, and soul.”

North Myrtle Beach is proud to have Delbert in concert for Fun Monday (September 17), a SOS tradition. Main Street will be rocking for sure!