Okay, sad news for southern rock fans... · 3:39pm May 28th, 2017

Yeah, you read right. Only a few weeks after a passing of one trailblazer for one genre in Chris Cornell, we lose yet another in Gregg Allman of the Allman Brothers. Born in the December of 1947, he first started out in the Allman Joys with his brother Duane after developing an interest in music at a early age. They relocated to Los Angeles and preformed under the name The Hourglass and released two albums under Liberty Records. However, it wasn't until they released Live at the Filmore East, widely considered to be one of the two best live blues albums with the other being Cream's Wheels of Fire, did they hit the big time. Sadly, Duane was killed in a motorcycle crash in 1971 and immortalized in the famous Lynyrd Skynyrd song Free Bird.

However, the band continued on, releasing hits such as "Brothers and Sisters" which became their biggest hit thanks to songs such as "Ramblin' Man." Afterwards, Gregg pursued a solo career releasing his debut album "Laid Back" the same year. However, in 1975 internal tormuil lead to the group's demise in 1975 with Gregg even being married to Cher during this decade. That's not the end of things however, as The Allman Brothers Band regrouped several times over the years, the most recent regrouping being in 1989 to 2014, while Gregg all the while still releasing solo albums and scoring hits such as "I'm no Angel" in 1987, a unexpected peak for him.

For his work in music, Allman was referred to as a Southern rock pioneer and received numerous awards, including several Grammys; he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Georgia Music Hall of Fame. His distinctive voice placed him in 70th place in the Rolling Stone list of the "100 Greatest Singers of All Time". Allman released an autobiography, My Cross to Bear, in 2012.

Sadly, due to failing health problems, including a bout with hepatitis C and a liver transplant in 2010, Gregg died peacefully in his home yesterday afternoon due to complications from liver cancer at the age of 69. However, he is survived by his five children Michael, Devon, Elijah, Deiliah, and Layla Allman. Now, I will give you some of the many selections from his solo career and the Allman Brothers catalogue so you can hear that soulful voice. Rest easy Gregg, and climb high on that mountain. Your brother awaits.