Just the name The Bellamy Brothers can trigger a sweet trip down memory lane. Who can forget those wonderful songs, “Do You Love As Good As You Look”, “Lovers Live Longer”, “Redneck Girl” and of course “Let Your Love Flow”. Behind all of that great music is the story of two Florida cowboys who rose from country poverty to worldwide musical fame.
Let Your Love Flow: Life and Times of the Bellamy Brothers was written by David Bellamy and Howard Bellamy with Michael Kosser. It’s an intriguing, comical life story of two young men, growing up through tough times and yet always believing in each other. They have always been close and didn’t let the highs and lows of fame change their relationship. Howard was the oldest by four years, but it was David who felt strongly that they could have a music career because in David’s words: “I couldn’t do anything else.”
Growing up on a ranch in rural Florida taught them about hard work. This foundation is one that would help them withstand the highs and lows of the music profession. They learned not to give up but rather to take a step back a form a new strategy and that sometimes it’s okay to do your own thing if it works. They learned they had a family that believed in them whether they were soaring on a musical high or returning home, bewildered by the life of an artist.
The Bellamy’s began playing early in life. Though neither one of them had formal music training, both brothers learned how to play guitar, mandolin and banjo. In addition, David learned accordion, fiddle, organ, and piano. They started performing with their father in 1968 at the Rattlesnake Roundup in San Antonio, FL. Soon after they began playing fraternity parties at The University of Florida. This gave them enough money to move to Atlanta where they formed a band called Jericho. But playing in a formal band, going from club to club was too much for the young brothers and they returned home to Florida.
Not long after the boys career began, so did its roller coaster highs and lows. They learned life lessons, business lessons and trust lessons, all which lead to some great music and hilarious stories. You’ll find everyone in this book from Neil Diamond to Blake Shelton and world travels performing for their fans from Germany to Switzerland. But in the end they are still just David and Howard Bellamy, two cowboy brothers who, through their love of music and talent for performing, gave the world some of the best country music around.
The Bellamy Brothers: Let Your Love Flow: Life and Times of the Bellamy Brothers will make you laugh, cry and laugh some more. You’ll see how one brother’s steadying influence, coupled with a slight penchant for getting into trouble flowed right into the strong desire to write and perform music with his younger brother. They are true icons of the music world.
Learn more about their music and get your own copy of this wonderful book on their website, www.bellamybrothers.com. While you’re there check out the tour schedule. It’s a show you can’t miss.