Chank Middleton was more than just a friend to the late Gregg Allman. He was a confidant, a companion, and a brother. The two men shared a bond that spanned over five decades, from the early days of the Allman Brothers Band to the final moments of Allman’s life. But how did Chank Middleton die? What was the cause of his death? Here is what we know so far.
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The Friendship That Began With a Pair of Shades
Chank Middleton met the members of the Allman Brothers Band in 1969, when they moved to Macon, Georgia, to pursue their musical career. Middleton was a young man who worked as a shoeshine concessionaire at a barbershop next to the studio where the band rehearsed. He struck up a conversation with the musicians, who often dropped by to grab a soda or join a dice game. He was especially drawn to Gregg Allman, who had a pair of shades that Middleton admired. One day, Allman gave him the shades as a tip, and that was the beginning of their friendship.
According to Live For Live Music, Middleton described himself as “the first Allman Brothers fan”. He became a regular at their shows and hung out with them backstage. He also developed a close relationship with Duane Allman, Gregg’s older brother and the band’s leader. When Duane died in a motorcycle accident in 1971, Middleton was there to comfort Gregg and help him cope with the loss. That was the night their true friendship formed, as Middleton recalled in a promotional interview for Gregg’s final album, Southern Blood, in 2017.
The Role of a Personal Assistant, Facilitator, and Confidant
Over the years, Middleton worked for Gregg and the Allman Brothers Band in various capacities, such as a personal assistant, a facilitator, and a confidant. He was always by Gregg’s side, whether it was on the road, in the studio, or at home. He helped Gregg with his personal and professional affairs, and also offered him emotional support and advice. He was a loyal and trusted friend, who never betrayed Gregg’s secrets or took advantage of his fame.
Middleton was also involved in Gregg’s musical projects, especially his last one, Southern Blood. He suggested Gregg to record a song by Jackson Browne called “Song for Adam”, which Gregg had been singing since the early 70s. The song was about a friend of Browne’s who died, and Gregg felt it resonated with his own feelings about Duane. Middleton convinced Gregg to include the song on the album, and even arranged for Browne to join him in the studio. The song became the closing track of Southern Blood, and a poignant farewell from Gregg to his brother and his fans.
The Death of a Beloved Brother
Chank Middleton passed away on Sunday, July 17, 2022, less than a month before his 72nd birthday. The cause of his death has not been officially announced, but some sources have reported that he was diagnosed with cancer and had been battling the disease for some time. He died peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family and friends.
The news of his death was confirmed by Gregg Allman’s official social media accounts, which posted a tribute to Middleton, calling him “a brother, a friend, and a confidant”. The Allman Brothers Band also posted a statement on their website, expressing their sadness and gratitude for Middleton’s friendship. They wrote, “The Allman Brothers Band family is deeply saddened by the loss of their brother, Chank Middleton, as he joins Duane, Berry, Butch, Gregg, and the rest of the ‘crew.’ Let them know we will all be coming – won’t be long before we are there.”
Many fans and colleagues of Middleton and the Allman Brothers Band also shared their condolences and memories on social media, remembering Middleton as a kind, generous, and fun-loving person, who had a great sense of humor and a big heart. He was loved and respected by everyone who knew him, and he will be greatly missed.
