Album Information:
Album ID: 9959
About The Allman Brothers Band:
The Allman Brothers Band was an American southern rock band formed in Jacksonville, Florida in 1969. The band consisted of a highly talented group of musicians who infused their music with elements of blues, jazz, and country to create a distinct sound that set them apart from other rock bands of the time.
The founding members of the Allman Brothers Band were Duane Allman (lead guitar), Gregg Allman (vocals, organ), Dickey Betts (guitar), Berry Oakley (bass), Jai Johanny Johanson (drums), and Butch Trucks (drums). Over the years, the band underwent many personnel changes, but the core sound remained consistent.
The Allman Brothers Band released their self-titled debut album in 1969, which received critical acclaim but little commercial success. Their second album, 'Idlewild South' (1970), fared better and contained the hit single 'Midnight Rider.' However, it was their third album, 'At Fillmore East' (1971), that cemented the band's place in rock history. It is widely considered one of the greatest live albums of all time and showcased the band's improvisational skills and musical virtuosity.
In 1971, tragedy struck when Duane Allman died in a motorcycle accident. The band soldiered on, releasing 'Eat a Peach' (1972), which contained some of Duane Allman's last recordings, and continued to tour and record throughout the 1970s.
However, internal strife and drug use plagued the band, and they went on hiatus in the late 1970s. They reformed in the 1980s, but with a different lineup that lacked the original band's chemistry and energy. Nonetheless, they continued to release albums and tour until the early 2000s.
The Allman Brothers Band's influence can be heard in the music of countless bands that followed in their wake, from Lynyrd Skynyrd to Gov't Mule to the Black Crowes. Their blend of southern rock, blues, and improvisation paved the way for the jam band scene that emerged in the 1990s and continues to thrive today.
Gregg Allman passed away in 2017, but the legacy of the Allman Brothers Band lives on. Their music continues to inspire new generations of musicians, and their live recordings remain a testament to the power of improvisation and musical camaraderie.
About the album The Allman Brothers Band:
The Allman Brothers Band's self-titled debut album is a quintessential piece of southern rock music that showcases the band's impressive musicianship and songwriting abilities. Released in 1969, the record features seven tracks that blend blues, rock, and country into a unique blend that would become the band's signature style.
The opening track, 'Don't Want You No More,' is a dynamic instrumental that sets the tone for the album with its driving rhythm and soaring guitar solos. It seamlessly transitions into 'It's Not My Cross to Bear,' a slow-burning blues tune that features Gregg Allman's soulful vocals and Duane Allman's emotive slide guitar work.
The album's standout track is undoubtedly 'Whipping Post,' a masterpiece of southern rock that clocks in at just under 5 minutes but packs a powerful punch. The song's slow build, heavy riffing, and emotional lyrics have made it a fan favorite and a staple of the band's live shows.
Other highlights include 'Black Hearted Woman,' a bluesy rocker with a catchy chorus and impressive instrumental breaks, and 'Every Hungry Woman,' a rollicking country-tinged song with harmonized vocals and a playful groove.
Overall, The Allman Brothers Band's debut album is a snapshot of a band at the beginning of their journey, exploring their musical influences and finding their voice. It's a raw, unpolished gem of an album that showcases the band's youthful energy and undeniable talent. It's no wonder that it still holds up as a classic piece of southern rock music over 50 years later.
Members:
The Allman Brothers Band was an American rock band formed in 1969 that played a significant role in the development of Southern rock. The band had several key members throughout its history, and below are their respective biographies:
1. Gregg Allman: Gregg Allman was the co-founder, lead vocalist, and keyboardist of The Allman Brothers Band. He was born in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1947. Allman started playing music at a young age and formed his first band, the Allman Joys, in the mid-1960s. In 1969, he co-founded The Allman Brothers Band, which quickly gained popularity with their fusion of rock, blues, and jazz. Allman was the band's principal songwriter and wrote many of their most famous songs, including 'Whipping Post,' 'Midnight Rider,' and 'Melissa.' Allman died in May 2017.
2. Duane Allman: Duane Allman was the co-founder and lead guitarist of The Allman Brothers Band. He was born in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1946 and began playing guitar at a young age. In the early 1960s, he played in various bands before forming The Allman Brothers Band in 1969 with his brother Gregg. Duane Allman was widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time and influenced countless musicians. He died tragically in a motorcycle accident in 1971 at the age of 24.
3. Dickey Betts: Dickey Betts was the lead guitarist and second vocalist of The Allman Brothers Band. He was born in West Palm Beach, Florida, in 1943 and began playing guitar in his teens. Betts joined The Allman Brothers Band in 1969, and his songwriting skills were instrumental in the band's success. He wrote many of their classic songs, including 'Ramblin' Man' and 'Blue Sky.' Betts left the band in 2000 but continued to perform as a solo artist.
4. Berry Oakley: Berry Oakley was the bassist of The Allman Brothers Band. He was born in Chicago in 1948 and began playing bass in the mid-1960s. Oakley joined The Allman Brothers Band in 1969 and was a key contributor to their sound. He died tragically in a motorcycle accident just a few months after Duane Allman.
5. Butch Trucks: Butch Trucks was the drummer and co-founder of The Allman Brothers Band. He was born in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1947 and began playing drums in his teens. Trucks co-founded The Allman Brothers Band with Duane and Gregg Allman in 1969 and played with the band until they disbanded in 2014. He died in January 2017.
6. Jai Johanny Johanson (Jaimoe): Jai Johanny Johanson, commonly known as Jaimoe, was the drummer of The Allman Brothers Band. He was born in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, in 1944 and began playing drums at a young age. Jaimoe joined The Allman Brothers Band in 1969 and played with the band until their disbandment in 2014.
Additional members of The Allman Brothers Band throughout their history include Chuck Leavell (keyboardist), Lamar Williams (bassist), Warren Haynes (guitarist and vocalist), and Derek Trucks (guitarist).
Track List for The Allman Brothers Band:
The Allman Brothers Band's self-titled album features 7 tracks that capture the band's unique blend of blues, rock, and Southern influences. Here are the tracks listed in order of appearance, along with a brief description and their playing time:
1. 'Don't Want You No More' (2:26) - A cover of a blues instrumental by Spencer Davis Group, this track sets a lively pace with its jazzy piano and guitar riffs.
2. 'It's Not My Cross to Bear' (4:57) - One of the album's standout tracks, this bluesy tune showcases lead vocalist Gregg Allman's soulful voice and the band's instrumental prowess.
3. 'Black Hearted Woman' (5:18) - Featuring a driving beat and powerful guitar solos, this track is a perfect display of the Allman Brothers' signature sound.
4. 'Trouble No More' (3:45) - Another blues cover, this time of a Muddy Waters song, 'Trouble No More' is a fast-paced track with upbeat guitar riffs and catchy lyrics.
5. 'Every Hungry Woman' (4:12) - This track slows things down a bit with its smooth grooves and poignant lyrics about love and heartbreak.
6. 'Dreams' (7:19) - The longest track on the album, 'Dreams' is a beautiful instrumental piece that showcases the band's exceptional musicianship.
7. 'Whipping Post' (5:17) - A fan favorite and one of the Allman Brothers' most popular songs, 'Whipping Post' closes out the album with its powerful vocals, tight rhythm section, and blistering guitar solos.
Discography for The Allman Brothers Band:
Here is the complete discography for The Allman Brothers Band in chronological order, including all albums, all singles, and all other releases with their respective release dates:
Albums:
1. The Allman Brothers Band – November 4, 1969
2. Idlewild South – September 23, 1970
3. At Fillmore East – July 1971
4. Eat a Peach – February 12, 1972
5. Brothers and Sisters – August 1, 1973
6. Win, Lose or Draw – August 1975
7. Wipe the Windows, Check the Oil, Dollar Gas – November 1976
8. Enlightened Rogues – February 1979
9. Reach for the Sky – August 1980
10. Brothers of the Road – August 1981
11. Seven Turns – July 1990
12. Shades of Two Worlds – July 2, 1991
13. Where It All Begins – May 3, 1994
14. An Evening with the Allman Brothers Band: First Set – January 28, 1997
15. An Evening with the Allman Brothers Band: 2nd Set – February 1995
16. Peakin' at the Beacon – March 9, 2000
17. Hittin' the Note – March 18, 2003
Singles:
1. 'Black Hearted Woman' / 'Every Hungry Woman' – Atco Records – 1969
2. 'Revival' / 'Don't Keep Me Wonderin' – Capricorn Records – 1971
3. 'Ain't Wastin' Time No More' / 'Melissa' – Capricorn Records – 1972
4. 'Ramblin' Man' / 'Pony Boy' – Capricorn Records – 1973
5. 'Can't Lose What You Never Had' / 'Win, Lose or Draw' – Capricorn Records – 1975
6. 'Crazy Love' / 'Can't Take It with You' – Arista Records – 1979
7. 'Straight from the Heart' / 'Leavin' – Arista Records – 1981
8. 'Jessica' / 'Pegasus' – Capricorn Records – 1973
Other Releases:
1. Duane Allman Anthology - August 1972
2. Beginnings - January 1973
3. The Road Goes On Forever - September 1975
4. Dreams - September 1989
5. 2nd Set Box: Live from the Fox - December 3, 2004
Note: The Allman Brothers Band's discography includes various live recordings and compilations, some of which were previously unreleased.