Mike Pays Tribute to Gregg Allman
Yesterday the world learned that we'd lost another great artist. Gregg Allman, founder of southern rockers the Allman Brothers Band and the Gregg Allman Band, passed away at age 69. Born in Nashville, Tennessee, on December 8, 1947, and, according to his official website, "he passed away peacefully at his home in Savannah Georgia" yesterday. The family suggests that tributes to Gregg can be made to the Gregg Allman Scholarship Fund at The University of Georgia or the Allman/Lehman Endowed Scholarship at Syracuse University.
Sadly, Gregg has been plagued by tragedy throughout his life, losing his brother and co-founder of the Allman Brothers Band, Duane, in a motorcycle accident back in 1971. This happened shortly after they had reached commercial success with their live album At Fillmore East. In a weird turn of events, the band's bassist, Berry Oakley, would also be killed in a motorcycle accident the following year not far from the area where Duane had crashed.
The Allman Brothers' biggest hit album, Brothers and Sisters, was released in 1973, after which Gregg decided to begin a solo career, releasing his debut album, Laid Back, that same year. Over the years, there have been several Allman Brothers Band reunions. Gregg was briefly married to Cher. The marriage, which anyone could see was doomed to failure, lasted about three years and he fathered one son, Elijah Blue, with her during that time. He's also been plagued by various addictions and health issues throughout his life, but during that time he has also made some memorable music that has certainly influenced other artists over the past four decades. He will be sadly missed by his fans.
Here's a few of my favorite Allman Brothers Band songs I put together in memory of Gregg Allman:
- 1
Ain't Wastin' Time No More
From 1972's Eat a Peach, this single only made it to No. 77 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, but I like it because it's not overplayed on the radio.
- 2
One Way Out
This is a live track included on Eat a Peach. This blues rocker made it to No. 86 on the Hot 100.
- 3
Good Clean Fun
I've always loved this tune. It's just a fun, rockin' tune that Gregg Allman belts out with great gusto and their first single released since their breakup in 1982. It went to No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.
- 4
Seven Turns
The first time I heard this song, I liked it immediately. It's also the title track from their 1990 release, their first studio release since 1981's Brother's of the Road. When I die, I have a list of songs that I'd like played in the background during my wake and this song is on it.
- 5
No One to Run With
From Where It All Begins this single made it to No. 7 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.
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