Alton Delmore was born on December 25, 1908, in Elkmont, Alabama, into a family steeped in gospel music and Appalachian folk traditions. Alongside his younger brother Rabon, Alton formed The Delmore Brothers, a pioneering country music duo known for their harmonies and innovative blend of gospel, folk, and blues. The brothers began performing together in their youth and gained early recognition by winning a music contest in Athens, Alabama, in 1930.

In 1931, they recorded their first session with Columbia Records, which included the song "Alabama Lullaby." By 1933, they had become regular performers on the Grand Ole Opry, where they quickly rose to fame. The Delmore Brothers were known for their unique musical style, which included the use of the rare tenor guitar and a mix of high and low harmony parts. Their music, characterized by soft harmonies and bluesy influences, set a foundation for future genres like rockabilly and early rock 'n' roll.

Throughout the 1930s, the Delmores collaborated with fiddler Arthur Smith, recording over 52 sides together. Despite leaving the Grand Ole Opry in 1938 due to management disagreements, they continued to perform and record, signing with King Records in the 1940s. Their innovative approach included incorporating bluesy riffs and boogie-woogie beats into their music, leading to hits like "Hillbilly Boogie" and "Blues, Stay Away from Me."

Alton Delmore continued to influence the music scene even after Rabon's death in 1952. He pursued a solo career in gospel and rockabilly music before eventually working for the post office in Huntsville. Alton Delmore passed away on June 8, 1964, leaving behind a legacy as a key figure in the evolution of country music.