The Allman Brothers Band

One of the progenitors of Southern Rock, The Allman Brothers Band was originally comprised of the brothers Duane and Gregg Allman, guitarist Dickey Betts, bassist Berry Oakley and drummers Butch Trucks and 'Jaimoe' Johanson. Founded in Jacksonville in 1969, they went two years in their original incarnation until Duane Allman was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident on October 29, 1971. Dickey Betts filled in for guitarist Duane and the group remained together, eventually adding pianist Chick Leavell. About a year later, they lost another member, Berry Oakley, also to a motorcycle accident.

The band limped through a few years fueled by drug scandals (including the arrest of Gregg Allman, though he avoided trial by testifying against some of his friends and colleagues). Afterward, the band broke up for a short time, only to reform in 1978 with a new album and a few new members.

Though the faces in the band changed over the years, The Allman Brothers always delivered strong southern rock, heavily influenced by the blues. The band recently celebrated its 40th anniversery and is still active and touring today. Their notable songs include "Ramblin' Man" and "Midnight Rider," among others.


 * Badass Mustache - Duane Allman's mustache was so awesome it needed the support of muttonchops to contain its mighty power.
 * The Band Minus the Face - After Duane died, there was some speculation that the band would break up or suffer, but they've continued on just as strong.
 * Downer Ending - A common trope amongst many a Southern Rock band. Sadly, The Allman Brothers Band was no exception. Although that said, it wasn't an ending for the band.
 * Epic Rocking - The 23-minute version of Whipping Post off of At Fillmore East.
 * The 33-minute version of Mountain Jam (based on Donovan's There Is A Mountain) from Eat A Peach surely qualifies, powering through There Is A Mountain, Third Stone From The Sun, and May The Circle Be Unbroken.
 * Fan Nickname: Duane is 'Skydog', named for his Badass Mustache and soaring solos when he was a session musician at FAME studios.
 * Greatest Hits Album
 * Repurposed Pop Song - "Jessica" is now the theme for Top Gear
 * Sex, Drugs and Rock and Roll - Gregg Allman had several very public scandals involving drugs, and even flipped on his friends, bodyguards, and a manager to avoid jailtime.
 * Shout-Out: "Freebird" by Lynyrd Skynyrd was one for Duane. "In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed" (allegedly) was written after Dickey Betts noticed a headstone at a cemetery the band used as a rehearsal spot. Duane Allman and Berry Oakley would later be buried in the same cemetery grounds.
 * Suspiciously Similar Substitute - Averted; though Dickey Betts filled in for Duane after his death, he never occupied the same prominence and didn't take over all his duties.
 * Warren Haynes took the Duane role in The Eighties. Slide guitar prodigy Derek Trucks (drummer Butch Trucks' son) replaced Warren, then Warren later on returned and replaced Betts!