Howard and David Bellamy have enjoyed a remarkable career spanning over four decades, marked by their unique blend of pop and country music. Their journey began in the 1970s on the pop charts and later transitioned to country music in the 1980s, influencing future duos like Brooks & Dunn and Montgomery Gentry. However, the roots of their success trace back to their home state of Florida, where their musical passion first ignited.
Their official debut came in 1968 when they played a free show with their father at the Rattlesnake Roundup in San Antonio, Florida. They honed their skills in the southern black clubs, providing backup for legends like Percy Sledge and Eddie Floyd. Soon after, the Bellamys moved to Atlanta, where they immersed themselves in the rock/country scene dominated by the Allman Brothers.
The tumultuous era of the late 1960s and early 1970s deeply influenced their music, adding a hard-driving edge that resonated with the times. David Bellamy's songwriting flourished during their long road gigs, eventually leading to their big break with the hit ""Spiders & Snakes,"" written by David and recorded by Jim Stafford. This success catapulted the Bellamy Brothers onto the Los Angeles music scene, where they mingled with icons like Bob Dylan and James Taylor.
In 1976, the Bellamys achieved international fame with their single ""Let Your Love Flow,"" which became a smash hit in both the U.S. and Europe. The song’s success built a loyal global fanbase, particularly in Germany, where it topped the charts for over two months. The Bellamy Brothers were soon sharing stages with acts like Loggins & Messina and the Doobie Brothers, solidifying their place in the music world.
By the late 1970s, their sound was shifting more towards country music, leading to their first country hit, ""If I Said You Had A Beautiful Body (Would You Hold It Against Me),"" which topped the country charts. This marked the beginning of a series of 14 number-one singles in the U.S., including ""Redneck Girl,"" ""Old Hippie,"" and ""Kids of the Baby Boom.""
The Bellamy Brothers' success was not limited to the U.S.; they released over two dozen hit songs internationally that were never released domestically. They attributed their international success to their ability to craft strong melodies that resonated with audiences worldwide, even when language barriers existed. Their efforts earned them numerous accolades, including record-setting nominations for the most duo awards in both the Academy of Country Music (ACM) and the Country Music Association (CMA) Awards, along with multiple Grammy nods.
Despite their busy touring schedule, with over 200 concert dates a year, the Bellamy Brothers remain deeply connected to their roots. They spend their rare off days at their 150-acre family ranch in Darby, Florida, where they raise Purebred Charolais cattle and quarter horses. The ranch is home to three generations of the Bellamy family, led by their mother, Frances.