Paul and Pap’s repertoire included many songs written by the The Delmore Brothers. The talented brothers were among Pap’s all time favorite groups. He enjoyed their playing and thier harmony singing, but as a songwriter himself he was totally blown away by their song writing skills.
The Delmore Brothers were farm boys from Alabama. Their heyday was in the 1930s and 40s but their songs are still popular today, especially in bluegrass/old time circles.
The brothers played radio shows, were members of the Grand Ole Opry, and were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Even though I’ve been familiar with The Delmore Brothers my entire life as I began to research their songs I was amazed at how many famous standards they wrote.
A few I have on the radio player; Blow Your Whistle, When It’s Time For The Whipporwill, Southern Moon Shine Down Again, Weary Lonesome Blues, Gonna Lay Down My Old Guitar.
Others that come to mind include: Browns Ferry Blues, Midnight Special, I Won’t Be Worried Long, Sandmountain Blues, She Left Me Standing On The Mountain, Happy On The Mississippi Shore, Put Me On The Trail To Carolina, I’ve Got The Big River Blues, and tons more!
Paul and Pap’s harmony on The Delmore Brothers song Southern Moon Shine Down Again is outstanding.
Southern Moon written by Alton Delmore
Blue and lonesome
Lonesome and sad
Longing for that south land
And the best times I have had
Oh when I see that southern moon
I want to croon a lonely tune
I want to meet my sweetheart there in the lane
Hear those fellows lonely refrain
Oh southern moon shine down again
There I was happy
Nothing worried me
Southern moon was shining
Shining down on me
Oh when I see that southern moon
I want to croon a lonely tune
I want to meet my sweetheart there in the lane
Hear those fellows lonely refrain
Oh southern moon shine down again
Steamboat move me down the river
Stop and wait for me
I will help you load your cargo
If you’ll ride me free
Oh when I see that southern moon
I want to croon a lonely tune
I want to meet my sweetheart there in the lane
Hear those fellows lonely refrain
Oh southern moon shine down again
I hope you enjoyed the video! Jump over to The Delmore Brother’s website to read more about the song.
Tipper
Tipper, you must love to watch the videos and see Pap again. I wish I had recordings of my mother and father. I do have recordings of my brothers and Barry singing and playing guitar. I love this song.
You know, I’ve never seen anything other than a Southern moon. I have never been farther North than New Market, Virginia. I’ve never been farther West than Fort Campbell, KY. I’ve never even seen the Mississippi. The River or the State. Folks might think I’ve been shut in down here in the lower right hand corner of the map but I have seen much much more right here than my little brain could possibly process. I’ve seen an ocean, a gulf, many rivers and the prettiest mountains in the world. And I have seen the moon. The same moon that everybody on earth can see if they can see. What more does a man need?
Tipper,
I don’t know much about guitar picking, but when Pap smiles and nods to Ben, you can tell how proud he is. I Miss Pap so much too, but he left us with that Signature Sound of the Gang and I appreciate that. Sometimes I like to just take off 3 or 4 hours and listen to all the Blind Pig Gang’s music. Ain’t no better, anywhere! …Ken
That’s one of my favorites, too. Great rendition! Tipper, have you read Alton Delmore’s autobiography, “Truth is Stranger than Publicity” ? I have a copy and would be happy to lend it to you.
Good Music!
do any of the youngest men sing with Paul or each other while they play? I don’t think I’ve ever seen/heard them singing. I’m glad to hear Chitter and Chatter continuing the musical tradition but thought it would be nice to hear the tradition expanded throughout the family.
. . . just thinkin’