Comin’ Home

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Comin’ Home" by Delaney & Bonnie from their 1972 album D&B Together, a track that’s a fiery blend of blues, rock, and soul, perfect for the Zoo Freaks tuning in. This song, co-written by Bonnie Bramlett and Eric Clapton, is a standout with its churning guitars and raw energy. Trivia about "Comin’ Home" reveals its deep roots in rock history. Recorded in November 1969, it features an all-star lineup, with Clapton and Dave Mason on guitars, though some debate persists about whether Duane Allman contributed slide guitar, as noted in liner notes from the 1990 CD The Best of Delaney & Bonnie and contradicted by Bonnie Bramlett in a 2017 conversation with Scott Cantor. The song peaked at #84 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1970, spending three weeks on the chart, and its B-side, "Groupie (Superstar)," later became a hit for The Carpenters as "Superstar" in 1971, showcasing the songwriting prowess of Bonnie and Leon Russell. The studio version, while not as scorching as the live rendition from On Tour with Eric Clapton, is praised as an excellent driving tune, with its infectious rhythm and soulful delivery, as highlighted in a 2011 review on The Falcon’s Nest.

Another layer of intrigue comes from the song’s context within D&B Together, the duo’s final album before their divorce. Originally titled Country Life and rejected by Atco for poor quality, the album was reworked and released by Columbia after the label acquired the master tapes. The sessions for "Comin’ Home" were part of a vibrant period when Delaney & Bonnie were surrounded by their "Friends," a rotating cast of legends like Clapton, Russell, and Tina Turner. A 2003 review in PopMatters notes the song’s hard-rock edge, with Delaney pushing his guitar into a fuzzed-out funk, while Bonnie’s vocals hold their own against the star-studded backing. Fans on Rate Your Music have called it a highlight of the album, though some feel the songwriting on D&B Together doesn’t always match the stellar performances. The track’s legacy is tied to its influence on Southern rock and its role in Clapton’s early solo career, as he credits Delaney & Bonnie for shaping his sound, a sentiment echoed in his interviews and the 1988 Eric Clapton: Crossroads box set liner notes.

Delaney & Bonnie’s journey began with their individual paths converging in Los Angeles. Delaney Bramlett, born July 1, 1939, in Pontotoc, Mississippi, taught himself guitar as a child and joined the Navy before moving to L.A. in 1959. There, he became a session musician and joined the house band for Shindig!, a 1960s TV show, alongside Leon Russell. Bonnie Lynn O’Farrell, born November 8, 1944, in Alton, Illinois, grew up in St. Louis, honing her voice in the jazz and blues scene with artists like Albert King. She made history as the first white Ikette in the Ike & Tina Turner Revue. The two met at a bowling alley gig in L.A., married within a week, and formed Delaney & Bonnie and Friends. Their debut album, Home, recorded in 1968 for Stax Records, featured Stax legends like Steve Cropper and Donald "Duck" Dunn but didn’t gain traction due to poor promotion. Their second album, Accept No Substitute, caught the ear of Gram Parsons, who introduced them to George Harrison, leading to Clapton’s involvement and a tour with Blind Faith. This launched their rise, with their 1970 live album On Tour with Eric Clapton hitting #29 on the Billboard 200 and earning gold status.

Delaney & Bonnie’s music, blending rock, soul, gospel, and blues, was ahead of its time, though their commercial success was limited. They recorded six albums between 1969 and 1972, with D&B Together as their swan song. Their influence touched artists like Joe Cocker, whose Mad Dogs & Englishmen tour drew inspiration from their communal style, as noted in a 2003 Austin Chronicle review. After their 1972 divorce, both pursued solo careers, with Bonnie later joining Roseanne Barr’s TV show as a musical director and Delaney releasing several albums before his passing in 2008. Fans can explore their legacy on Bonnie Bramlett’s official website, bonniebramlett.com, and her social media accounts: Facebook, Instagram, and X. Delaney & Bonnie fan communities thrive online, including the Delaney & Bonnie and Friends Fan Group on Facebook, where enthusiasts share memories and rare recordings. Other fan sites, like duaneallman.info, delve into the duo’s sessions with Allman and others, offering a treasure trove for Zoo Freaks digging into their history.