RIP: Gregg Allman, Voice of the Allman Brothers Band

The music world has lost another pioneering talent with the passing of Gregg Allman—singer, organist, and co-founder of the world’s greatest southern rock/blues/jam bands, the Allman Brothers.

Allman’s throaty growl and signature Hammond B-3 organ defined the blues-infused freeform jam style of a band revered for its driving rhythm section and the gritty, melodic guitar exchanges of Duane Allman and Dickey Betts in the early days and Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks in later years.

Allman died yesterday at his home in Savannah, Georgia from complications of liver cancer. He was 69.

Allman’s death comes just four months after the tragic suicide of original Allman Brothers drummer Butch Trucks and nearly 50 years after his brother Duane died in a motorcycle accident in 1971. Little more than a year after Duane’s death, original bassist Berry Oakley was killed in a Motorcycle accident. Although both were only 24 years old when they died, they had already established their place in Allman Brothers history.

Word of Allman’s death was announced on his Facebook page:

It is with deep sadness that we announce that Gregg Allman, a founding member of The Allman Brothers Band, passed away peacefully at his home in Savannah, Georgia.

Gregg struggled with many health issues over the past several years. During that time, Gregg considered being on the road playing music with his brothers and solo band for his beloved fans, essential medicine for his soul. Playing music lifted him up and kept him going during the toughest of times.

Gregg’s long time manager and close friend, Michael Lehman said, “I have lost a dear friend and the world has lost a brilliant pioneer in music. He was a kind and gentle soul with the best laugh I ever heard. His love for his family and bandmates was passionate as was the love he had for his extraordinary fans. Gregg was an incredible partner and an even better friend. We will all miss him.”

Gregg is survived by his wife, Shannon Allman, his children, Devon, Elijah Blue, Delilah Island Kurtom and Layla Brooklyn Allman; 3 grandchildren, his niece, Galadrielle Allman, lifelong friend Chank Middleton, and a large extended family. The family will release a statement soon, but for now ask for privacy during this very difficult time.

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.

Read more about the remarkable legacy of Gregg Allman at GreggAllman.com.

See Rolling Stone’s list of 20 Essential Gregg Allman songs before you start the jam on this Memorial Day weekend.

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