By Martine Ehrenclou
Gregg Allman, who founded The Allman Brothers Band with his late brother Duane, has died.
Musician, singer, and songwriter, Gregg Allman fronted the Allman Brothers Band for 45 years and also enjoyed a solo career. As the lead singer and keyboardist for the Allman Brothers Band, he was considered one of the originators of Southern Rock and combined a fusion of blues, jazz, country and rock into their music. Perhaps their best known album is Live at Fillmore East. Allman composed the epic concert jam, “Whipping Post” and such classics as, “Ramblin’ Man,” “Melissa,” “Midnight Rider,” “Statesboro Blues,” and more.
Gregg Allman and the members of The Allman Brothers Band won a Grammy Award Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012 and were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1995.
Allman also had a noted solo career. Low Country Blues, Allman’s sixth studio album as a solo artist, was nominated for a Grammy Award for best blues in 2011.
Southern Blood, Gregg Allman’s last studio album, was produced by Don Was and will be released in 2017.
Allman struggled with health issues over the last few years. According to the Gregg Allman official website, www.greggallman.com, “He passed peacefully at his home in Savannah, Georgia.”
Gregg Allman will be deeply missed. Thank you for the many years of his great music.
I welcome your comments. Please post below.
The Allman Brothers are two of the best ever. Their band was always best heard live because that’s how real musicians are. They are best when they have an audience to play for. The Allman Brothers brought me many hours of pleasure, and thankfully, I have many vinyl records I can still play and enjoy. Their legacy will live forever.
Jeff,
Agree completely with what you wrote. Two of the best ever and best live because that’s how real musicians are. They brought me many hours of joy as well. Thanks for your comment.
RIP Gregg Allman.
I met Gregg and Duane in Mpls. At a house party.. a week before Duane passed away.
Thomas,
That’s amazing. What an experience. I bet you have an interesting story to tell. Thanks for your comment.
Saw the “real” ABB in Atlanta in 1971…..best live show I have ever seen.
Earl,
Wonderful that you saw them. I can imagine it was an incredible show. Thanks for your comment.
Nicely written Martine. I really loved his soulful voice and phrasing. I was lucky to see them live a couple of times. I enjoyed the new blood of Derick Trucks and Warren Haynes firing up the music in the brothers later years.
Jeff,
Thank you.
I loved the same thing about his voice. Yes, you really were lucky to seem a couple of times! I bet those were quite the shows.
I also really enjoy Derek Trucks and others.
Thanks for the comment.