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October 22, 2004

Calhoun Community College to House
Early Country Music Archive

On Friday, October 29, 2004 , Calhoun Community College will receive a collection of early country music memorabilia from the family of Alton and Rabon Delmore (The Delmore Brothers), country music's first recording duet. The ceremony begins at 10:30 a.m. in the Chasteen Student Center Lobby on the Decatur campus. Featured speaker will be nationally renowned musicologist/folklorist Dr. Charles Wolfe, editor of Truth is Stranger Than Publicity , Alton Delmore's autobiography.

Born in Elkmont , Alabama , the Delmore Brothers began playing guitar and performing their close, intricate harmonies for family and friends. With the encouragement of family and friends, they began to compete in fiddler's concerts that were prevalent in North Alabama . In 1931, made their first recording, "I've Got the Kansas City Blues." Also in 1931, the Delmore Brothers joined the Grand Ole Opry. Among the most popular Delmore songs still being performed today are "Brown's Ferry Blues" (which the Delmore's introduced in the early 1930's at the Fiddler's Contest at Athens State ,) "Gonna Lay Down My Ole Guitar," "Midnight Special," and "Freight Train Boogie." The Delmore Brothers have been honored by posthumous induction into three halls of fame: Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame; Alabama Country Music Hall of Fame; and the Alabama Music Hall of Fame.

During the archive dedication, Delmore Brothers music will be performed live, and Dr. Wolfe and Delmore Family will be available to sign books.

For more information, contact Dr. Shelia Byrd at 256-306-2720.

Coverage of this release:

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Janet Kincherlow-Martin
Director of Public Relations
(256) 306-2561

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