Chronological lists of all the original US 78 rpm and 45 rpm
where Alton and/or Rabon appear

DISCOGRAPHY PART 1

Columbia Bluebird M.W. Decca King London Acme Linco

US 78 RPM AND 45 RPM

The titles are spelled as on the records.
The right column gives the 1st date of appearance in the press of the 78 or 45 rpm,
or better when known, the date of publication from the company files.
means that “A” & “B” sides are not specified.
When the Delmore Brothers are not singing the leading part, the title is in small capital letters.

Licensed from Western Electric, Columbia began recording with a new process of electrical recording on February 25, 1925. The new "Viva-tonal" records become the benchmark for sound and clarity unparalleled of the 78 rpm era.

Good friend of the Delmores, 1950s disc jockey and personality in Alabama, Bob McKinnon stated then that Alton played
guitar and Wayne Raney harmonica on the 1951 and 1952 Columbia sessions of the Mercer Brothers.

Bluebird Records was created as a cheap sub-label of RCA Victor. It was originally an 8" record alongside an 8" Electradisk label. Neither were a success. In 1933, RCA reintroduced Bluebird and Electradisk as a standard 10" record. Another cheap label, Sunrise, was produced. The same tracks couplings were issued on all three labels. RCA also produced records for Montgomery Ward during the 1930s.

The series numbers of original Bluebird “Buff” label started at 5000

The second label with bird (known as the “staff” label) started around 7100

Third label, the “dog” label started around 8250

This label was started by Victor at the same time as Bluebird. Unlike Montgomery Ward, it was sold in regular stores but probably through a different distribution network than Bluebird. The series ran from S-3100 to S-3467. They were always the same as Bluebird couplings and even had the Bluebird numbers in small print on the labels.
The Sunrise 78 rpm were issued with the same dates as the Bluebirds. This label is extremely rare.

This label was also made by Victor between 1932 and 1934 for Woolworth's, chain of stores which sold discounted general merchandise at fixed prices. Very scarce too.

Only one 78 rpm issued on Victor label.

Many of the Bluebird sides were also issued by the Montgomery Ward mail-order house under agreement with Victor. The dates of publication cannot be estimated with enough precision. It is possible that some Montgomery Ward issues have preceded some Bluebird issues (notably the first one: MW M-4060). It is not possible that Bluebird and Montgomery Ward 78 rpm with the same selection were issued at the same time. For instance: Bb B-6322 got the same titles as MW M-4822 and Bb B-6349 the same titles as MW M-4754. This last one cannot be issued after MW M-4822.
“Lonesome Rambler’s Blues” was only issued on Montgomery Ward.
Several issues of the Arthur Smith Trio were credited to the Delmore Brothers with no mention of Arthur Smith.

Due to the number of sides reissued later speeded up, speeded low or short cut, the playing time is noted in brackets. When the 78 rpm seems speeded up, the LP or CD playing time is mentioned.
According to early King catalogs, the following numbers were available on 45 rpm: 530, 570, 577, 593, 700, 732, 791, 803 and most releases after 900. The 5000 serie only include 45 rpm. Three 45 rpm were available on red plastic: 989, 1023 and 1050.

King records was acquired by Starday in 1968 and the label was relaunched as Starday-King Records. The label was sold to Gusto in 1975.

The 30000 serie only include 45 rpm.

Any addition or correction welcome. Your name quoted.

DISCOGRAPHY PART 2