| Husband-and-wife duo Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett were among the foremost proponents of blue-eyed soul in the 1960s and '70s. They're famous for luring Eric Clapton into their midst and influencing the direction of his solo work, but their own legacy stands up well beyond that. Delaney & Bonnie operated in a time when the boundaries of music were bursting open, and their sound is an organic mix of rock, blues, soul, gospel, and country which made for timeless songs and memorable performances. Accounts of the origin of "Groupie (Superstar)" vary somewhat, but the song grew out of the late 1969/early 1970 nexus of English and American musicians known as Delaney, Bonnie, & Friends that involved Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett, Leon Russell, Eric Clapton, Duane Allman, Rita Coolidge, and various others. The song's working title during portions of its development was "Groupie Song". In its first recorded incarnation, the song was called "Groupie (Superstar)", and was recorded and released as the B-Side to the Delaney & Bonnie single "Comin' Home" in December 1969. Released by Atlantic Records,, the full credit on the single was to Delaney & Bonnie and Friends Featuring Eric Clapton. Sung by Bonnie, the arrangement featured slow guitar and bass parts building up to an almost gospelish chorus using horns. The song featured Leon Russell on keyboards, Eric Clapton on guitar and Rita Coolidge doing background vocals. Some accounts have Coolidge suggesting or inspiring the song's ... |
