December 29, 2008 13:29

Clapton collaborator Delaney Bramlett dies aged 69

Guitarist and singer co-fronted Delaney And Bonnie

Delaney And Bonnie frontman Delaney Bramlett has died aged 69.

The guitarist, singer and songwriter, who collaborated with Eric Clapton in the late 60s and early 70s, passed away on December 27 in the US, reportedly due to complications after gall bladder surgery.

Bramlett formed Delaney And Bonnie with his wife in 1967, signing to first Elektra and then The Beatles' own label Apple in their early years.

They were joined by Clapton live and on record many times - most notably on 1970's 'On Tour With Eric Clapton' - with the legendary guitarist even claiming that Bramlett gave him the confidence to sing.

Bramlett continued to release solo albums after Delaney And Bonnie's personal and professional break-up, most recently putting out 'A New Kind Of Blues' in 2008.