Gregg Allman

Gregg Allman and his brother Duane defined the genre which is now referred to as southern rock. The two brothers created an unmistakable sound and style which is epitomised by boogie rhythms, accomplished guitar playing and strong melodies loosely bound in a freewheeling, sometimes loosely-structured, format encouraging improvisation and jamming. The two brothers formed the The Allman Brothers Band in 1969 and signed to Capricorn Records. The initial reaction to the band's early records was lukewarm until the release of 'At Filmore East' in 1972. The album was an instant success but sadly Duane Allman was killed in a motorcycle crash shortly after its release. The death of his brother deeply affected Gregg Allman and he made frequent references to it in his music.

During this period the band purchased a 432-acre plot in Georgia which became known as 'the farm' forming the band's creative headquarters. In 1973 they started work on what was to become their seminal album, 'Brothers and Sisters', launching the band into the big leagues. Allman and the band subsequently went through a troubled period (most of it related to drugs), and this led to numerous break-ups and reunions, prompting the formation of the Gregg Allman Band. His well publicised marriage to singer Cher ensured Allman was rarely out of the public eye and he remained an important and influential force in the US rock scene. After suffering from health problems for a number of years he died of cancer in May 2017. Later that year, his final studio album, titled 'Southern Blood', was released posthumously by Rounder Records.