Died On This Date (May 27, 2017) Gregg Allman / Southern Rock Pioneer

Gregg Allman
December 8, 1947 – May 27, 2017

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Gregg Allman was the lead singer, keyboardist and primary songwriter for the Allman Brothers Band, which he formed with his brother, Duane Allman, in 1969.  The Allman Brothrers went on to become one of the most influential rock bands America has ever produced.  Albums like The Allman Brothers Band, At Fillmore East, and Eat A Peach are considered landmark recordings of the ’70s. Their marriage of rock to country, blues and jazz – along with unmatched improvisational skills, laid the foundation of the Southern Rock scene which exploded in their wake. Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top, and the Marshall Tucker Band are just a handful of bands from the American South who built successful careers due in large part to the Allman Brothers’ direct influence. Between their formation in 1969, and ultimately calling it a day in 2014, the band released 11 studio albums and 16 official live albums while playing countless live shows during their on-again off-again run.  During one break during the ’80s, when most thought his career was over, Allman released a handful of solo albums including Laid Back and I’m No Angel, both of which went gold.  His most recent solo album, 2011’s Low Country Blues, was also his highest charting, debuting at #5 on the Billboard charts.  In recent years, Gregg Allman suffered from a series of health issues and ultimate lost his life to complications of liver cancer.  He was 69 years old when he passed on.

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Died On This Date (January 24, 2017) Butch Trucks / The Allman Brothers

Claude “Butch” Trucks
May 11, 1947 – January 25, 2017

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Butch Trucks was a founding drummer for legendary Southern rock band, the Allman Brothers Band.  Born in Jacksonville, Florida, Trucks first played in several local bands including the 31st of February before settling in with  Duane Allman, Gregg Allman, Berry OakleyDickey Betts, and Jamoie Johanson as the Allman Brothers Band in 1969.  They went on to become one of the most influential rock bands America has ever produced.  Albums like The Allman Brothers Band, At Fillmore East, and Eat A Peach are considered landmark recordings of the rock era.  Butch Trucks reportedly died from a gunshot to the head on January 24, 2017.  He was 69.

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Died On This Date (February 21, 2011) Joseph “Red Dog” Campbell / Legendary Roadie For The Allman Brothers

Joseph Campbell
March 27, 1942 – February 21, 2011

Joseph “Red Dog” Campbell was the beloved longtime roadie for the Allman Brothers Band.  While in college after returning for Vietnam, Campbell was so moved by the electrifying guitar work in Aretha Franklin’s recording of “The Weight,” that he sought out the young guitar player, Duane Allman. And after seeing the Allmans perform, he offered to go to work for them.   He even went as far as to help support the band with his monthly disability checks during their lean early years.  Over the next 30-odd years, Campbell was a loyal and hard-working member of their crew.  He later wrote of his exploits in his memoirs,  The Legendary Red Dog: A Book Of Tails.  In the 2000 film Almost Famous, the roadie for the film’s fictional band, Stillwater was named Red Dog in honor of Campbell.  Joseph “Red Dog” Campbell died of cancer on February 21, 2011.  He was 68.

Thanks to Craig Rosen at Number 1 Albums for the assist.



Died On This Date (October 29, 1971) Duane Allman / The Allman Brothers

Howard Duane Allman
November 26, 1946 – October 29, 1971

Before becoming a household name as founding lead guitarist for the Allman Brothers Band Duane Allman was an in-demand session guitarist who played on many classic records of the late ’60s.  His amazing guitar work was first heard on Wilson Picket’s superb 1968 recording of “Hey Jude.”  Eric Clapton was so impressed by Allman’s playing on that record, that he invited him down to the studio for the Derek & the Dominos sessions.  The two clicked and Allman joined on to add his signature guitar sound to most of the tracks on Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs.  It’s Allman’s guitar that is the most recognizable and most celebrated on the album.  Allman also played on hit recordings by the likes of Aretha Franklin, Percy Sledge, Clarence Carter and Boz Scaggs.  In 1969, he and his brother Gregg Allman, formed the Allman Brothers band, which went on to become one of the most influential rock bands America has ever produced.  Albums like The Allman Brothers Band, At Fillmore East, and Eat A Peach are considered landmark recordings of the rock era.  In Rolling Stone’s 2003 list of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time, Allman came in at #2, just behind Jimi Hendrix.  On October 29, 1971, just as the Allman Brothers were reaching new heights in their career, Allman was out riding his motorcycle while the band was taking a break from the road.  In what was ruled an accident, Allman lost control of his bike as he tried to avoid a large truck that was turning up ahead of him.  Duane Allman died of his injuries at a local hospital.  He was just 24.

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At Fillmore East (Live) - The Allman Brothers Band