Gregg Allman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gregg Allman
|
|
|---|---|
Allman performing in 1975
|
|
| Born |
Gregory LeNoir Allman
December 8, 1947 Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.
|
| Died | May 27, 2017 (aged 69) Richmond Hill, Georgia, U.S.
|
| Resting place | Rose Hill Cemetery |
| Occupation |
|
| Years active | 1960–2017 |
| Spouse(s) |
|
| Children | 5, including Devon and Elijah Blue |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | |
| Instruments |
|
| Labels |
|
Gregory LeNoir Allman (December 8, 1947 – May 27, 2017) was an American musician, singer, and songwriter. He was best known for being a member of the Allman Brothers Band. Gregg Allman loved rhythm and blues music from a young age. The Allman Brothers Band blended rhythm and blues with rock music, jazz, and country sounds.
Gregg wrote many of the band's most famous songs. These include "Whipping Post", "Melissa", and "Midnight Rider". He also had a successful solo career, releasing seven studio albums. Gregg was born in Nashville, Tennessee, and spent much of his childhood there. Later, he moved to Daytona Beach, Florida and then to Macon, Georgia.
In 1969, Gregg and his brother, Duane Allman, formed the Allman Brothers Band. They became very successful with their 1971 live album, At Fillmore East. Soon after, Duane died in a motorcycle accident. The band continued, and their 1973 album, Brothers and Sisters, became their most popular. Gregg started his solo career with Laid Back in the same year. He was also well-known for his marriage to pop star Cher during the 1970s.
In 1987, Gregg had an unexpected hit with his cover of "I'm No Angel". His seventh solo album, Low Country Blues (2011), reached the highest chart positions of his career. His last album, Southern Blood, was released after he passed away on September 8, 2017.
Gregg Allman played the Hammond organ and guitar. He was famous for his powerful, soulful voice. People called him a pioneer of Southern rock. He received many awards, including a Grammy Award. He was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Georgia Music Hall of Fame. His unique voice placed him 70th on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the "100 Greatest Singers of All Time".
Contents
Early Life and Musical Start
Gregory LeNoir Allman was born on December 8, 1947, in Nashville, Tennessee. His parents were Geraldine and Willis Allman. His older brother, Duane Allman, was born in 1946. In 1949, their father was shot and killed. After this, Geraldine moved to Nashville with her sons. She went to college to become an accountant because she needed to support her children.
Because of her studies, Gregg and Duane were sent to Castle Heights Military Academy in Lebanon. Gregg felt sad at the school, but he studied hard. He even thought about becoming a dentist if he didn't go into music. His brother Duane often protected him from trouble.
In 1959, the family moved to Daytona Beach, Florida. Gregg remembered two important moments that sparked his interest in music. In 1960, he and Duane saw a concert in Nashville with famous artists like Jackie Wilson and Otis Redding. Gregg also learned about guitar from a neighbor named Jimmy Banes.
Gregg worked as a paper boy to save money for a Silvertone guitar. He bought it at a Sears store. Even though he was left-handed, he learned to play the guitar right-handed. Music brought the brothers closer together. In Daytona, they joined a group called the Y Teens, which was their first time playing music with others. They later formed a band called the Misfits. Gregg felt lonely at the academy and eventually left. He returned to Daytona Beach and formed another band, the Shufflers, in 1963. He graduated from Seabreeze High School in 1965.
First Bands and Early Music Career
Forming Early Bands (1960–1968)
The Allman brothers met other musicians in Daytona Beach. They played with a band called the Houserockers, led by Floyd Miles. Gregg learned a lot about singing and performing from Floyd. Later, they formed their first "real" band, the Escorts. This band played popular songs and R&B music in clubs. Duane encouraged Gregg to sing more. The brothers spent all their money on records to learn new songs. Music became their main focus, and Gregg even missed his high school graduation because he was performing. Gregg also listened to R&B radio at night, discovering artists like Muddy Waters, who greatly influenced his music.
The Escorts eventually became the Allman Joys, which was the brothers' first successful band. They toured around the Southeast. Gregg later said that playing in Pensacola, Florida, was a "real turning point" for him. It was there that he learned how to connect with audiences. He also got his first Vox keyboard and learned to play it. By the next summer, they recorded some songs in a Nashville studio. Gregg soon wanted to write his own music instead of just playing covers.
They moved to St. Louis, Missouri, and played with other musicians under different names. A manager named Bill McEuen helped them move to Los Angeles. In 1967, they signed a record deal with Liberty Records and became the Hour Glass. Recording their first album was difficult, and Gregg felt the music lacked energy. They felt like they were selling out, but they needed money. At concerts, they preferred to play blues music.
After some changes, they recorded their second album, Power of Love, in 1968. It had more of Gregg's original songs. The band broke up when Duane had disagreements with the record label. Gregg stayed to finish his contract, which included recording a solo album. Meanwhile, Duane started putting together a new band in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. He called Gregg and asked him to join. In March 1969, Gregg drove to Jacksonville, Florida, to play with the new band. He felt like he finally belonged to something again.
The Allman Brothers Band: Rise to Fame
Starting the Band and Early Success (1969–1971)
The Allman Brothers Band moved to Macon, Georgia. They became very close, spending hours practicing and writing songs. The band included Gregg, Duane, Dickey Betts on guitar, Berry Oakley on bass, and Jaimoe and Butch Trucks on drums. They played blues songs and created their own long, improvised jams. Gregg became the band's main songwriter, writing songs like "Whipping Post" and "Midnight Rider".
Their first album, The Allman Brothers Band, came out in 1969 but didn't sell well. The band toured constantly in 1970, playing over 300 shows. This helped them gain more fans. Their second album, Idlewild South, released in 1970, also had slow sales.
Things started to change in 1971. The band realized their live performances were special and couldn't be captured in a studio. So, they decided to record a live album. At Fillmore East, recorded in New York, was released in July 1971. It became a huge success, reaching number thirteen on the Billboard charts. It was certified gold, meaning it sold many copies.
On October 29, 1971, Duane Allman died in a motorcycle accident in Macon. At his funeral, Gregg sang "Melissa," which was his brother's favorite song. Gregg wondered if he would ever find his passion for music again. As the band grieved, At Fillmore East became even more popular. Gregg remembered, "What we had been trying to do for all those years finally happened, and he was gone."
Continuing On and More Success (1972–1976)
After Duane's death, the band decided to keep playing. They finished their third studio album, Eat a Peach, which helped lift their spirits. Gregg said, "The music brought life back to us all." Eat a Peach was released in February 1972 and became another hit, reaching number four on the Billboard album chart.
Sadly, in November 1972, Berry Oakley also died in a motorcycle crash. The band decided to continue again. They brought in Lamar Williams on bass and Chuck Leavell on piano. The band started recording Brothers and Sisters, their next album. During this time, Gregg also began recording his first solo album, Laid Back. The recording of both albums sometimes caused tension within the band.
Both albums were released in late 1973. Brothers and Sisters made the Allman Brothers one of the biggest rock bands of the 1970s. Gregg recalled, "Everything that we'd done before... culminated in that one album." The song "Ramblin' Man" became their biggest hit, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100. The band started playing in large arenas and stadiums.
In 1975, Gregg began a relationship with pop star Cher. They became a very famous couple. The band's 1975 album, Win, Lose or Draw, was not as successful. The band members later said they were "embarrassed" by it. Even though their relationships were difficult, the Allman Brothers Band played for some of their largest crowds ever. Gregg remembered a concert for presidential candidate Jimmy Carter as a highlight of a challenging tour. The band eventually broke up. Leavell, Williams, and Jaimoe formed Sea Level, Betts formed Great Southern, and Allman started the Gregg Allman Band.
Later Career and Challenges
Marriages and Music (1975–1981)
Gregg Allman married Cher in June 1975. They lived in Hollywood and were a very famous couple. They had a son, Elijah Blue Allman, born in 1976. Gregg recorded his second solo album, Playin' Up a Storm, in 1977. He also worked on an album with Cher called Two the Hard Way, which was not successful. They toured Europe, but the concerts were difficult, and Cher canceled the tour. Their relationship became difficult, and they divorced in 1978. Gregg returned to Daytona Beach and spent time touring with the Nighthawks, a blues band.
The Allman Brothers Band reunited in 1978. Gregg felt they reunited because they missed each other and needed money. Their reunion album, Enlightened Rogues, released in 1979, was a moderate success. The band signed with Arista, who wanted them to update their sound. The band members started having disagreements again. They replaced Jaimoe with Frankie Toler, the brother of guitarist Dan Toler. The band considered their later albums, Reach for the Sky (1980) and Brothers of the Road (1981), not very good. The band broke up again in 1982.
A Surprise Hit and Another Reunion (1982–1990)
Gregg Allman spent much of the 1980s living in Sarasota, Florida. He worried that people might forget about him. Southern rock music was less popular then, and electronic music was common. Gregg recalled that few people were playing live music, and those who did were playing for small crowds. Still, he reformed the Gregg Allman Band and toured across the country.
In 1986, Gregg teamed up with Dickey Betts for a tour. After recording some songs, Gregg signed a record deal with Epic Records. His third solo album, I'm No Angel (1987), sold very well. The title track became a surprise hit on the radio. Gregg released another solo album, Just Before the Bullets Fly, in 1988, but it didn't sell as well. In the late 1980s, he moved to Los Angeles. He also tried acting, appearing in the films Rush Week (1989) and Rush (1991). Gregg enjoyed acting, seeing it as a new part of the entertainment world.
In 1989, the Allman Brothers Band celebrated its twentieth anniversary and reunited for a summer tour. Jaimoe returned on drums. They added guitarist Warren Haynes and pianist Johnny Neel, and bassist Allen Woody. The band recorded Seven Turns in 1990, which was seen as a return to their classic sound. Songs like "Good Clean Fun" and "Seven Turns" became hits on the rock charts. The new members brought new energy to the band.
Reforming and Hall of Fame (1991–2000)
The reunited Allman Brothers Band toured a lot, which helped them gain new fans. Gregg said, "We had to build a fan base all over again." Johnny Neel left the group, and percussionist Marc Quiñones joined the next year. They recorded two more studio albums: Shades of Two Worlds (1992) and Where It All Begins. In 1993, his youngest daughter, Layla Brooklyn Allman, was born. Gregg's older daughter, Island, came to live with him, and they became very close. In January 1995, the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
During the 1990s, Gregg lived in Marin County, California. He spent time with friends and rode his motorcycle. He released his fifth solo album, Searching for Simplicity, in 1997. The album's title showed his desire for a simpler life. However, disagreements started to happen within the band again. Warren Haynes and Allen Woody left to focus on their band, Gov't Mule. The group brought in Oteil Burbridge on bass and Jack Pearson on guitar. There were concerns about how loud the Allman Brothers shows were becoming, especially around Dickey Betts' playing. Jack Pearson left due to tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Butch Trucks asked his nephew, Derek Trucks, to join the band for their thirtieth anniversary tour.
Strong disagreements arose with Betts, and the original members decided to tour without him. This led to Betts hiring a lawyer and leaving the band permanently. In August, Allen Woody passed away, which deeply affected Gregg. In 2001, Warren Haynes rejoined the band, bringing stability for over ten years.
Later Life and Legacy
Touring and Health Challenges (2000–2011)
Gregg Allman moved to Richmond Hill, Georgia, in 2000. The last version of the Allman Brothers Band was very popular with fans. They released their final studio album, Hittin' the Note (2003), which received great reviews. Gregg co-wrote many songs on this album with Warren Haynes. He considered it his favorite album by the band since their early days. The band continued to tour throughout the 2000s, often playing for more than 20,000 fans. They celebrated their fortieth anniversary at the Beacon Theatre in New York, where they often played special shows. In 2014, the Allman Brothers Band played their final concerts because Haynes and Derek Trucks wanted to leave the group.
Gregg Allman faced health problems in his later years. He was diagnosed with hepatitis C in 2007. The next year, doctors found three tumors in his liver. He went on a waiting list and had a successful liver transplant in 2010.
In 2011, Gregg spoke publicly about his battle with hepatitis C. He helped lead a campaign to raise awareness and encourage people to get tested. The Allman Brothers Band played a concert to raise money for hepatitis C education. In 2017, an award was created in his honor, called the Gregg Allman Hepatitis C Leadership Award.
Gregg's seventh album, Low Country Blues, was released in January 2011. It reached number five in the U.S. charts, which was his highest chart position ever. He promoted the album in Europe but had to cancel his trip due to a upper respiratory infection. This led to lung surgery later in 2011. In 2012, Gregg released his memoir, My Cross to Bear. In 2014, a tribute concert was held to celebrate his career.
Final Years and Passing (2012–2017)
.jpg)
After the Allman Brothers Band ended, Gregg continued to perform with his solo band. He released the live album Gregg Allman Live: Back to Macon, GA in 2015. In 2016, he received an honorary doctorate from Mercer University in Macon, presented by former President Jimmy Carter.
However, his health problems continued. He had atrial fibrillation, and his liver cancer had returned, though he kept it private. His manager said Gregg wanted to keep playing music until he couldn't. Doctors advised him to keep a light schedule. His last concert was in Atlanta on October 29, 2016. He continued to cancel concerts due to serious health issues.
Gregg Allman passed away at his home in Richmond Hill, Georgia, on May 27, 2017. He was 69 years old, and his death was due to complications from liver cancer. His funeral was held in Macon on June 3. His former bandmate Dickey Betts, his ex-wife Cher, and former President Carter attended. According to Rolling Stone, mourners wore casual clothes like jeans, as Gregg had wished. Hundreds of fans lined the route of the funeral procession. He was buried at Rose Hill Cemetery in Macon, next to his brother Duane and band member Berry Oakley.
Before he passed away, Gregg recorded his last album, Southern Blood. It was released on September 8, 2017, and received excellent reviews.
Musical Style and Songwriting
Gregg Allman's music style was based in rhythm and blues. He described his work with the Allman Brothers Band as "playing some blues with some jazz mixed in." He learned about blues music from his childhood friend, Floyd Miles, who also taught him how to sing powerfully. Gregg was inspired by "Little Milton" Campbell, who taught him to sing clearly and confidently. Many people called Allman one of the greatest blues vocalists of his time.
As a songwriter, Gregg Allman wrote many famous songs, including "Whipping Post," "Melissa," and "Midnight Rider." He said "Midnight Rider" was the song he was most proud of. He wrote songs slowly, waiting for inspiration to strike. In his 2012 memoir, My Cross to Bear, he explained his songwriting method: the first verse introduces a story, the second adds details, and the third might be an ending. Gregg credited singer-songwriter John D. Loudermilk for influencing his writing. Loudermilk taught him to let the song come naturally from his heart. In his last year, Gregg received the Songwriter Award from the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.
In 2021, Sony Music Publishing announced a deal with Gregg Allman's estate. This agreement helps manage his catalog of songs, including those he wrote for the Allman Brothers Band and his solo career.
Personal Life
Gregg Allman was married seven times:
- He married Shelley Kay Jefts in 1971; they divorced in 1972. They had a son, Devon.
- He married Janice Blair in 1973; they divorced in 1974.
- His most famous marriage was to Cher, whom he married in 1975. They had a son, Elijah Blue, and divorced in 1978.
- He married Julie Bindas in 1979; they had a daughter, Delilah Island, and divorced in 1981.
- He married Danielle Galliano in 1989; they divorced in 1994.
- His longest marriage was to Stacey Fountain, from 2001 to 2008.
- In 2012, he announced his engagement to Shannon Williams. They were married in February 2017.
Gregg Allman had five children:
- son Michael Allman (born 1966) from his relationship with Mary Lynn Sutton.
- son Devon Allman (born 1972), a lead singer for bands like Honeytribe, from his marriage to Shelley Kay Jefts.
- son Elijah Blue Allman (born 1976), lead singer of Deadsy, from his marriage to Cher.
- daughter Delilah Island Allman (born 1980) from his marriage to Julie Bindas.
- daughter Layla Brooklyn Allman (born 1993), lead singer of Picture Me Broken, from a relationship with Shelby Blackburn.
Gregg Allman found his own kind of Christianity later in his life, especially after his health challenges. He started wearing a cross necklace. In his memoir, he wrote that having spirituality meant he was never alone. He felt that people should take what they want from faith and leave the rest. He credited his sixth wife, Stacey Fountain, with helping him grow his faith.
Discography
Studio Albums
- Laid Back (1973)
- Playin' Up a Storm (1977)
- Two the Hard Way (1977) (with Cher)
- I'm No Angel (1987)
- Just Before the Bullets Fly (1988)
- Searching for Simplicity (1997)
- Low Country Blues (2011)
- Southern Blood (2017)
Live Albums
- The Gregg Allman Tour (1974)
- Gregg Allman Live: Back to Macon, GA (2015)
Film and Television Appearances
Film
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Rush Week | Cosmo Kincald |
| 1991 | Rush | Will Gaines |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 | Cher | Himself | |
| 1990 | Superboy | Samuels | Episode: "Carnival" |
| 1992 | Tales from the Crypt | Toland | Episode: "On a Deadman's Chest" |
| 2000 | Family Guy | Himself | Episode: "Let's Go to the Hop" |
Images for kids
-
Gregg's older brother, Duane Allman, who passed away in 1971.
See also
In Spanish: Gregg Allman para niños
- List of Hammond organ players
- Midnight Rider (film)
