Gregg Allman Remembered

Gregg Allman performing at
Doheny Blues Festival in Dana Point
on May 17, 2014.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

I am very sad to learn that musical great Gregg Allman has died. He was only 69.

“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,” according to a statement posted on Allman's official website.

The Allman Brothers Band also confirmed the sad news via Twitter: “It is with deep sadness we announce that Gregg Allman … passed away peacefully at his home.”

The Recording Academy™ issued the following statement regarding Gregg Allman on

May 27, 2017:

"As a founding member of the Allman Brothers Band, Gregg Allman helped give birth to Southern rock, blazing a trail for a generation of musicians who were equally influenced by the blues, Southern soul, and rock. His earthy vocals graced songs that have become rock standards, including "Midnight Rider" and "Whipping Post”, in addition to his own solo records. The band won a GRAMMY^® Award in 1995 for Best Rock Instrumental Performance for "Jessica," a Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012, and their groundbreaking album At Fillmore East was inducted into the GRAMMY Hall Of Fame^® in 1999. We have lost a pioneering force in American music, and our condolences go out to Gregg's family, friends, colleagues, and music fans everywhere." 

Neil Portnow
President/CEO
Recording Academy

Gregg Allman, left, with Billy F Gibbons.

ZZ Top singer-guitarist Billy F Gibbons was among Allman's many friends from the music community who issued statements about Allman's passing:

“The sudden passing of Gregg Allman leaves us at a loss yet, at the same time, we stand alongside the millions thankful that Gregg was in our lives.  Gregg was, of course, a brilliant and intuitive player with a depth of soul reflected in his works in a truly moving manner.  Brother Gregg was generous with his talent, his spirit and, of course, his great voice.  We were fortunate enough to have been touched by him and those moments remain treasured encounters.  Some truly positive, uplifting experiences.  Gregg will be remembered as someone who made a big difference in the lives of many and whose sonic legacy continues that memorable course.”

You can learn more about Allman's long legacy and death via a story on CNN here:

I most recently got to see Allman when he performed a memorable set at the Doheny Blues Festival in Dana Point in May 2014.

See my album review of a tribute collection titled All My Friends: Celebrating the Songs & Voice of Gregg Allman released in 2014 here.

Robert Kinsler