OREGON—(ENEWSPF)—May 27, 2017. Gregg Allman, a founding member of the Allman Brothers Band died from complications due to liver cancer. He was 69 years old. Allman, who overcame family tragedy, drug addiction and health problems became the elder statesman for the blues music he loved. A statement issued by his family says:
It is with deep sadness that we announce that Gregg Allman, a founding member of The Allman Brothers Band, passed away peacefully at his home in Savannah, Georgia.
Gregg struggled with many health issues over the past several years. During that time, Gregg considered being on the road playing music with his brothers and solo band for his beloved fans, essential medicine for his soul. Playing music lifted him up and kept him going during the toughest of times.
Gregg’s long time manager and close friend, Michael Lehman said, “I have lost a dear friend and the world has lost a brilliant pioneer in music. He was a kind and gentle soul with the best laugh I ever heard. His love for his family and bandmates was passionate as was the love he had for his extraordinary fans. Gregg was an incredible partner and an even better friend. We will all miss him.”
Gregg is survived by his wife, Shannon Allman, his children, Devon, Elijah Blue, Delilah Island Kurtom and Layla Brooklyn Allman; 3 grandchildren, his niece, Galadrielle Allman, lifelong friend Chank Middleton, and a large extended family. The family will release a statement soon, but for now ask for privacy during this very difficult time.
Gregg Allman, along with older brother Duane and a handful of other musicians including guitarist Dickey Betts and drummer Butch Trucks helped form the Southern band whose blend of rock, blues, country and jazz made them one of the most influential touring acts of the 1970s.
Gregg Allman sang lead vocals and wrote some of the band’s signature songs, including “Midnight Rider” and “Wasted Words,” “Melissa,” and the blues epic “Whipping Post.” He and Betts took over leadership of the band after Duane was killed in a motorcycle accident in 1971. The band broke up for the first time in the late ’70s.
Allman continued recording and touring, both with reunited versions of the Allman Brothers Band and with his own bands, for some 40 years. The Allman Brothers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995. He and the band performed an unprecedented string of 238 sold-out concerts at New York’s Beacon Theater.
Allman will be buried at Rose Hill cemetery in Macon, Georgia. A funeral date has not yet been set. Rose Hill cemetery is also the resting place of two other founding members of the Allman Brothers — guitarist Duane Allman and bassist Berry Oakley.
I was fortunate to have heard Gregg play on a number of occasions over the years. Despite his health issues, Gregg’s performances always seemed to improve over time. I’m certain he’s with the other members of the band that proceeded him in death tonight playing one hell of a concert.
Source: www.greggallman.com