Gregg Allman, the pathfinder of Southern Rock, dead at 69

Los Angeles: Gregg Allman, best known for co-founding the celebrated The Allman Brothers Band, died at his home in Savannah, Georgia on Saturday. He was 69. A statement that was posted on Allman's website read, “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.” The cause of death was not immediately revealed, but the legendary singer was diagnosed with hepatitis C in 1999 and underwent a liver transplant in 2010. The Allmans were known for fusing elements of southern rock, blues, jazz and country music with their own sound. Born in Nashville, Tennessee, Gregg, who co-founded the Allman Brothers at the age of 22, fronted it for 45 years alongside his brother Duane Allman, who is considered as one of the most influential guitarist in the history of rock music. One of their early bands The Escorts evolved into the moderately successful Allman Joys in the mid1960s. In 1969, they were signed as The Allman Brothers Band by Macon. The rockers rose to prominence after the release of their third album “At Fillmore East”. The same year, Duane, then 24, was killed in a motorcycle accident. Shortly thereafter, Gregg recorded his debut studio solo album “Laid Back” in 1973. He married singer-actress Cher in 1975 and had a son Elijah Blue Allman, who is also a musician. She filed for divorce nine days after the wedding because of Gregg’s heroin and liquor problems, reconciled within a month, and separated later. Gregg’s drug problem also led to the Allman Brothers’ split after the recording of their unimpressive 1975 release Win, Lose or Draw. He, however, continued to release solo albums till the '80s. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 1995 and also received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2012 Grammys. He is survived by his wife, Shannon Allman, children and three grandkids.