Gregg Allman RIP
It is with great sadness that we’ve heard of the passing of Gregg Allman, a founding member of the Allman Brothers Band. He passed away Saturday (27 May) at his home in Savannah, Georgia, at the age of 69. His death was announced in a statement on his official website; no direct cause was given, but the statement said he had “struggled with many health issues over the past several years.”
He was the Allman Brothers’ lead singer and keyboard player, and in addition helped create their fusion of blues, jazz, country and rock that inspired countless other Southern Rock bands. Gregg and his brilliant guitar playing older brother, Duane, cut their teeth in Florida and in Macon, Georgia, performing lengthy jam-based rock for biker-orientated crowds who saw themselves mirrored by the group’s anti-style image and rebellious sounds.
After making their debut with a self-titled album in 1969, the Allmans hit paydirt with the monumental live double At Fillmore East (1971), and then faced tragedy when Duane was killed in a motorcycle accident that year. Bassist Berry Oakley perished in similar circumstances a year later.
Undaunted, this toughest of American bands survived to find commercial success away from the bars and halls with the splendid Eat A Peach and the groundbreaking Brothers and Sisters, which included the perennial favourite ‘Ramblin’ Man.’ Gregg kept the flame burning throughout the ensuing decades, which saw them inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995. The Allman Brothers notched up eleven gold and five platinum albums from 1971 to 2005 and retained a fanatical live following of old and young followers. Like the Grateful Dead, they are viewed as national treasures in the USA and their European fan base is equally loyal.
Gregg Allman’s Hammond B-3 organ playing anchored the Allman Brothers’ rhythm section and was the perfect counterpoint to the twin lead guitar playing that made the group loved by everyone. His vocals were inspired by the blues singers he loved, especially Elmore James and Little Milton.
Gregg contributed some classic compositions to the band’s early repertoire, including ‘Dreams,’ ‘Midnight Rider,’ ‘Melissa’ and ‘Whipping Post.’ His love and understanding of the blues helped make their blues covers, such as ‘Statesboro’ Blues,’ so memorable.
Aside from his commitment to the band he recorded numerous solo albums; his solo work was much more soulful than the Southern Rock vibe of the band’s oeuvre. Low Country Blues, his sixth solo studio recording, was nominated for a Grammy Award for best blues album in 2011. It consisted largely of blues standards made popular by Junior Wells, Muddy Waters and other luminaries. Allman’s final studio album, Southern Blood, produced by Don Was, is scheduled to be released in 2017.
In addition to their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, the Allman Brothers received a Grammy Award for lifetime achievement in 2012.
Gregg Allman RIP
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Linda Joubert
May 27, 2017 at 10:26 pm
RIP, you will be greatly missed. Thanks for blessing us with some amazing music. My condolences to your family and friends.
linda foster
May 27, 2017 at 11:04 pm
I am so saddened by his passing. I was fortunate enough to see them when Duane was still living. Thank God we still have his wonderful music. RIP dear Gregg.
Jose
May 28, 2017 at 12:20 am
Gran vocalista.grandiosa banda.llevo escuchando a la banda mas de 30 años.nos quedan sus grandiosos discos
Richard
May 28, 2017 at 12:21 am
Lucky enough to see the band once, what a concert. Another legend that will be missed.
Railrat
May 28, 2017 at 12:31 am
” Dreams ” on !!!
Roy Angus
May 28, 2017 at 1:32 am
Gonna really miss you. See you later. R.I.P.
Kathy guffey
May 28, 2017 at 2:54 am
Lucky enough to have seen him in Knoxville tn. GREAT show RIP. Prayers for all.
Sherri
May 28, 2017 at 3:50 am
Truly a “great”
Len Vieira
May 28, 2017 at 4:37 am
It saddens me more than words can describe. Gregg was a big part of my youth, brought great joy and was playing in the background of many of my activities. I will especially miss that organ that give the brothers that special sound. Thank you Gregg for being a big part of my life. Go with God.
Mark
May 28, 2017 at 7:39 am
Jamming with Duanne… R.I.P.
Burkhard
May 28, 2017 at 1:39 pm
This is so sad. RIP, Gregg! I am only glad having had the opportunity to seeing you many times at The Beacon´s. We made the long way from Germany to NYC just to watch you performing w/ the Allman Brothers Band. I ´ll never forget … Soulshine …
Teresa
May 29, 2017 at 9:20 am
Best band ever! They well deserved to get inducted into the rock N roll Hall of Fame….right on Greg! May u rest rip…
Barb
May 29, 2017 at 11:02 am
Your an angel now playing with all the other rockers in heaven
J Calhoun Jr
May 29, 2017 at 6:00 pm
Saw The Gregg Allman Band in Utica, NY in ’75 or ’76. Though they were no substitute for the Allman Bros., they were excellent.
roby roby rich
June 4, 2017 at 6:56 pm
majic roby nome tx papa mama are from there, i just came from youall looking for papas home but my buddies girl friends house got hit by the killer twister , wentby my house i saw the path of destruction its not nice to mess with georgia ! i asked for rain on face? a week ago 40 days and 40nights. careful what you ask for. when your first album ,i lived in holewe had your record in the swamp people would come over and trip ,then we got 13 floor elevators album,the first acid band in the world out of austin tx. kids the correct dosage! or you might never see the majic in your heart! never a dull moment in heaven! gregg…..!!!! my best friend owns the second biggest ranch in tx. he told me go to hell forever, i said open the bible and read he open the bible house lights went he said hes a christiannow iam dying too. later brothers & sisters gregg you were the best southern rock band and i wished i could sing a