Gregg Allman passed away in Savannah, GA a few days ago, battling liver cancer. There may have been bigger names that influenced a generation, were admitted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, or sold more records, but we think Gregg was truly one of the best ever, and here is why…
Gregg was a survivor; he was raised by a single mom after his paternal father was shot to death in a bar. Gregg was the watchful eye for his family, in particular his older brother Duane.
Gregg was passionate – how so? How about shooting yourself in foot at the height of the Vietnam War, just to avoid being drafted!
Gregg was a strong political activist, although he shunned the spotlight. Gregg single handled helped fellow Georgia resident Jimmy Carter get elected in 1976.
Greg wrote “Whipping Post” and “Midnight Rider,” two signature songs from the band.
Finally, Gregg was the driving force behind the Southern Rock sound, and the glue that kept things together in the early days within the Allman Brothers Band, given the tragic deaths of Duane and Berry, loss of record deals, addiction, and more. There would be no Allman Brothers Band of the long list of songs if it weren’t for Gregg Allman. Period…
—
Photo credit: Benoit Daoust / Shutterstock.com