Delbert McClinton: One of the Fortunate Few

John and Robin Dickson Series in Texas Music

by Diana Finlay Hendricks, Don Imus (Foreword)

Influenced at a young age by classic country, Tejano, western swing, and the popular music of wartime America, blues musician Delbert McClinton grew up with a backstage pass to some of the most significant moments in American cultural and music history. From his birth on the high plains of West Texas during World War II to headlining sold-out cruises on chartered luxury ships well into his seventies, McClinton admits he has been “One of the Fortunate Few.”

This book chronicles McClinton’s path through a free-range childhood in Lubbock and Fort Worth; an early career in the desegregated roadhouses along Fort Worth’s Jacksboro Highway, where he led the house bands for Jimmy Reed, Muddy Waters, Bo Diddley, and others while making a name for himself as a regional player in the birth of rock and roll; headlining shows in England with a little-known Liverpool quartet called The Beatles; and heading back to Texas in time for the progressive movement, kicking off Austin’s burgeoning role in American music history.

Today, more than sixty years after he first stepped onto a stage, Delbert McClinton shows no signs of slowing down. He continues to play sold-out concert and dance halls, theaters, and festival events across the nation. An annual highlight for his fans is the Delbert McClinton Sandy Beaches Cruise, the longest-running music-themed luxury cruise in history at more than twenty-five years of operation. More than the story of a rags-to-riches musician, Delbert One of the Fortunate Few offers readers a soundtrack to some of the most pivotal moments in the history of American popular music—all backed by a cooking rhythm section and featuring a hot harmonica lead.

Genres: Biography

232 pages, Hardcover

Published December 11, 2017

Reviews

[ROBERT · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed it. Texas Americana music. Reminded me a lot of John Hiatt because: (1) mostly known for his songwriting; (2) Bonnie Raitt sang his songs; and (3)- he never really broke into the big time but he made a living.

200 pages that moved really well. He was one of the guys that started the music cruises. Sounded like a great vacation with a week of a lot of music.

Delbert played mostly the harmonica and sang. Lots of raves about his voice in the book. Easy to find his music on spotify. Giving It Up For Your Love and Jealous Kind were the two most recognizable songs for me.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been a fan of Delbert McClinton's since about 1990 after a friend from my online reading group recommended him to me. After reading this book, I realize that I came late to the game. He's been out there performing since the 60's. I've seen him live twice and there is nothing better. Every time someone asks me to describe his style, I'm stuck. It's rock, blues, country all rolled into a unique Delbert style. And, there is no one who plays harmonica like him. One interesting little detail from this book, he did the opening harmonica on "Hey Baby" by Bruce Channel. You need to be old to remember that one, but it's unforgettable.
The writing in this book isn't outstanding but Hendricks manages to convey a lot of information about Delbert and about the music that was going on in Texas and the rest of the U.S. while he's been growing up and performing. She also gets quotes from some major people in the business who admire him.
The best part of the book for me is that I bought it from Delbert recently when I saw him perform and he autographed it for me. By the way, if you get a chance to see him live, don't miss it. He's still great and, as usual, he has an outstanding band.

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Texas musical legend that I've loved and followed for over 30 years, it's great to read about the years before I had heard of Delbert and what was happening in his personal life even while he was at the top of his game professionally. It wasn't all roses, that's for sure. It's a cautionary tale and I'm glad he has survived and flourished into his 70s. I'll have a whole new perspective on him when I see him live in 2018.

[G R Henry Boynton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is just great.

I think this book is exceptionally well written. It comes across to me as a labor of love. And as a very long time Delbert can and fellow musician, I just couldn't get enough. I hated to see it end.

[Karl · Rating 3 out of 5]

All the information about this under-appreciated singer, songwriter and bandleader, but kind of jumps around with untrustworthy reminiscences, and TMI on family pathos. But that's what the subject obviously wanted, and the author complies.

[Dione Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed learning about Delbert and his life but did not enjoy how it was written.

[Eb Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating! It truly reads like a Forest Gump of music. A must for Delbert fans; recommended for anyone interested in contemporary popular music history.