Celebrating The 50th Anniversary of The Allman Brothers Band

I have been a fan since I first heard them and being from the south got to see them a lot as they were getting their roots and getting established, they were the best of the best. If you are a fan as well run don’t walk to get the never released on vinyl until recently, Johnny Jenkins/Ton Ton Macoute! This was an album intended for Greg Allman, he bailed on it just before recording it and that set up Johnny Jenkins to do the vocal with basically the core of the Allman Brothers Band and this thing is a gold mine, you can tell they knew exactly what they wanted to do and it was all in place even then. Looking back at this Album I bet Greg regretted bailing on it, he had to of, these songs and style had his name all over them. Check it out. Johnny Jenkins is one he’ll of a singer in his own wright, he and Greg were at least kindered spirits.

I remember reading the review in the old "Stereo Review" magazine (could have been "Audio"). The reviewer summarized by saying: "The Allman Brothers may not play traditional blues but they play blues the way I like it". Intrigued me enough to buy the record. The rest is history.

I saw them at Roosevelt University’s "Auditorium Theater" in Chicago on their first tour (around 1970). All band members were present and gave one heck of a show.

I remember being disappointed that Greg was seated behind his Hammond as my imagination pictured him standing at the mike writhing with tortured emotion (ala Joe Cocker-ish). Duane was playing the efficient front-man (when not shredding) and bass player Barry Oakley looked totally paranoid for some reason (like he’d never played in front of people).

Some neighborhood boys who were along were lucky enough to score front row center seats but I was happy with my 20 something row as I was sitting next to the girl of my dreams. Yes, quite a night...

…….for that short period of time when that Band had all of their original members, and it would be of my opinion that The Allman Brothers were probably the best band the US ever had. Their potential was endless and God only knows where it would have gone musically. The Rose Hill Cemetery curse …..????    

yes a great band with a real legacy of great work and influence
RIP