Allman Brothers Band Great Gregg Allman Dead at 69
Savannah GA, (May 27, 2017) — There’s sad news to report
as Gregg Allman, longtime vocalist, keyboardist and a founding member of the
Allman Brothers Band, has passed away at the age of 69.
A statement on his website and social media (LINK) reveals that
Allman passed away peacefully at his home in Savannah, Ga., on Saturday (May
27). The singer had struggled with several health issues in recent years. An
official cause of death was not revealed.
According to the statement, “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 Allman in his younger days
Gregg’s longtime 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.”
The musician 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 an additional
statement soon, but for now ask for privacy during this very difficult time.
Allman founded the Allman Brothers band with his older
brother, guitarist Duane Allman. The group also featured guitarist Dickey
Betts, bassist Berry Oakley, and drummers Butch Trucks and Jai Johanny “Jaimoe”
Johanson. They were known for their blues and country-infused improvisational
jam style and their band became one of the leaders in what many coined
“Southern Rock.”
The Allman Brothers Band in 1969
With the Allman Brothers Band, Allman and his bandmates
churned out such classic songs as “Ramblin’ Man,” “Melissa,” “Whipping Post”
and “Midnight Rider.” The group entered the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995.
And as a solo artist, Allman went on to release multiple albums, with the songs
“I’m No Angel” and “Anything Goes” achieving his biggest successes.
Our condolences to the extended Allman family, his
friends and peers.
