Dalton Brothers

According to legend, the Dalton Brothers were descended from the infamous Dalton Brothers Gang, who specialized in bank and train robberies during the late-nineteenth century. Rather than turning to crime, the group had used music to establish their reputation. The group, which supposedly featured brothers Luke, Duke and Alton Dalton and their sister, Betty, lived up to its claim of being able to "play two kinds of music -- country and western." Reportedly formed at the Dalton family ranch, in Galveston, Texas, the Dalton Brothers were initially led by Dallas Schoo Dalton, sound and equipment manager for U2. The Dalton Brothersactually consisted of the members of U2 dressed in western outfits. The alter-ego group opened three shows during U2's Joshua Tree tour in November 1987. While the Dalton Brothers were reportedly inspired by such country artists as Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn and Willie Nelson, their greatest influence came from the songs of Hank Williams, Senior. They recorded an updated version of Williams's 1949 tune, "Lost Highway". The Dalton Brothers reached their apex, in 1989, when they received a Grammy award as "best new music act." ~ Craig Harris, All Music Guide