From Gregg to Devon Allman: The Story of their Music, their Lives and their Losses
The Allman Brothers Band, established in 1969 in Macon, Georgia, stands as a cornerstone of Southern rock and American music history. Founded by brothers Duane and Gregg Allman, along with Dickey Betts, Butch Trucks, Berry Oakley, and Jai Johanny "Jaimoe" Johanson, the band was instrumental in blending rock, blues, jazz, and country music into a genre-defining sound. Their innovative use of dual lead guitars and extended improvisational jams set them apart, creating a live experience that was both powerful and deeply emotional.
Throughout the 1970s, the Allman Brothers Band produced a series of critically acclaimed albums, including Brothers and Sisters (1973), which spawned the hit "Ramblin’ Man." The band’s ability to mix heartfelt lyrics with complex, intertwining guitar lines earned them a massive following. However, the late 1970s brought internal tensions, substance abuse issues, and the death of bassist Berry Oakley, leading to several breakups and reunions.
The band experienced a resurgence in the late 1980s and 1990s, with new members like Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks, Butch Trucks’ nephew, joining the fold. This new lineup revitalized the band, leading to critically acclaimed albums like Shades of Two Worlds (1991) and Where It All Begins (1994). Their live performances remained legendary, with extended jams and technical mastery captivating audiences. In 1995, the Allman Brothers Band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, cementing their Legacy as one of the most influential bands in rock history. The band officially disbanded in 2014 after a final series of shows at New York’s Beacon Theatre, but their impact on music remains indelible, influencing generations of musicians and fans alike.
The band’s 1971 live album, At Fillmore East, is often hailed as one of the greatest live albums ever recorded, capturing the raw energy and virtuosity that characterized their performances. Tragically, Duane Allman’s death in a motorcycle accident later that year was a devastating blow, but the band soldiered on, with guitarist Dickey Betts stepping up as a leading creative force. The subsequent album, Eat a Peach (1972), featured both live and studio tracks, serving as a tribute to Duane while solidifying the band’s place in rock history.
Gregg Allman and Devon Allman Relationship
Gregg Allman, the iconic frontman of the Allman Brothers Band, shared a complex and evolving relationship with his son, Devon Allman. Born in 1972 to Gregg Allman and Shelley Kay Jefts, Devon grew up largely separated from his famous father due to Gregg’s demanding career and personal struggles, including his battle with substance abuse. Despite this distance, Devon was profoundly influenced by his father’s music and the legacy of the Allman Brothers Band.
As Devon grew older, he pursued his own path in music, forming the band Honeytribe and later joining the Royal Southern Brotherhood. His guitar playing and soulful vocals echoed the deep blues roots that were a hallmark of his father’s work. Despite their time apart, music became a bridge between father and son. Gregg and Devon reconnected, both personally and musically, sharing the stage at various points throughout their careers. These performances were emotionally charged, as they represented not just a musical collaboration but also a reconciliation of sorts.
Devon has spoken openly about the challenges and joys of being Gregg Allman’s son, acknowledging the pressure but also the inspiration that came from his father’s legacy. He has worked to carve out his own identity while honoring the Allman name. Following Gregg’s death in 2017, Devon continued to carry the torch of Southern rock through The Allman Betts Band, a group he formed with Duane Betts, son of Allman Brothers guitarist Dickey Betts. The Allman Betts Band’s music draws heavily on the rich history of the Allman Brothers, blending it with modern rock influences to create a sound that is both a tribute to and an evolution of the music his father helped pioneer.
The relationship between Gregg and Devon Allman is a testament to the enduring power of music to heal and connect, transcending the challenges of personal struggles and the passage of time. Through Devon, the Allman family legacy lives on, continuing to inspire new generations of musicians and fans.
Devon Allman joins us here today to share his story.
