Born in Nashville in 1947, Greg Allman (along with his slightly older brother, Duane) obviously didn’t enter the world with a knowledge of Nashville’s rich musical history. They would however one-day help mold the modern Nashville sound by actually pioneering “Southern Rock."
The brothers organically blended their love for rhythm and blues with rock, jazz, and country (while adding a highly soulful originality).
Gregg suffered the unimaginable loss of his brother Duane in 1971, but he somehow continued to push the band and his own personal projects forward for almost five more decades.
With a tumultuous personal life that blew through seven wives (including Cher), and overcoming drug and alcohol addictions, he accrued a remarkable list of honors, including a 1995 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and a 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards.
Today, we’re looking back on the personal and professional life of a true rock pioneer, Mr. Gregg Allman.
1
Greg Allman on his Chopper
In Macon, GA, 1975.
2
Gregg Allman posed with then-wife Stacey Fountain and daughter, Island.
During the 28th Annual Georgia Music Hall of Fame Awards in 2006.
3
The
In a photo shoot with Kirk West.
4
Gregg Allman with his son Devon Allman
Pictured at the New York premiere of the film "Black Rain" in 1989.
5
Former President Jimmy Carter and Gregg Allman
Carter presented him with an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree during Mercer University's commencement in 2016.
6
The Allman Joys
The Allman Brothers when they were known as the Allman Joys in 1966.
7
Gregg and Wife Shannon Williams
64 year-old Allman married 24 year-old Shannon Williams before his death in 2017.
8
Performing as "The Allman Joys"
Getting the kids dancing in Florida - 1965
9
Gregg and Duane Allman setting up before a show.
The Fillmore East concert in NYC - 1971
10
Chillin' on the tracks.
An Allman Brothers Band Photo
11
Gregg and Cher's Wedding in 1975
12
A young Gregg Allman on his motorcycle.
Nashville in the early 1960s.
13
Duane and Greg Allman in 1970 or '71.
Just before Duane's untimely passing
14
Famous Friends
Linda and Paul McCartney, Sara and Bob Dylan, Cher and Gregg Allman hanging out in 1976.
15
Singing and Playing Guitar
Still going strong in 2011
16
Gregg Allman playing the organ.
A concert in Macon, Georgia - 1978.
17
Greg and Duane Allman
Performing at the Fillmore East - 1971
18
Gregg and Ozzy (March 12, 1987)
19
The Beacon Theater in NYC
The band's 2009 residency at New York's Beacon Theatre was considered a career highlight.
20
The Allman Brothers in 1969
Duane and Gregg up top of course.
21
The Allman Brothers
During a photo shoot for their album cover in 1969.
22
Performing as "Hour Glass"
Unfortunately, Liberty Records did not appreciate the band’s new direction and Hour Glass split soon after.
23
The Hour Glass Album - 1967
Pre-Allman Brothers, Gregg & Duane formed the band "Hour Glass."
24
Family Portrait - 1976
Cher with 2nd husband Greg Allman, their newborn son Elijah Blue, and her daughter Chastity Bono.
25
Cher and Gregg singing live in 1977.
On a joint tour in England.
26
Gregg Allman at an event for Crazy Heart
27
Singing and Playing Keyboard - 2009
During the Allman Brothers Band's annual residency at the Beacon Theatre in New York.
28
Performing Live in 1975
