Duane Allman was one of the most influential and talented guitarists of his generation. He was the founder and leader of the Allman Brothers Band, a pioneering group that blended blues, rock, jazz, and country music into a unique and powerful sound. He was also a sought-after session musician who played with legends like Aretha Franklin, Eric Clapton, and Wilson Pickett. He died tragically at the age of 24 in a motorcycle accident in Macon, Georgia, on October 29, 1971. This article will explore the details and circumstances of his death, as well as his legacy and impact on music history.
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The Early Years of Duane Allman
Duane Allman was born on November 20, 1946, in Nashville, Tennessee. He was the elder son of Willis Allman, a World War II veteran who was murdered when Duane was only three years old, and Geraldine Allman, who raised him and his younger brother Gregg in Daytona Beach, Florida. Duane developed an interest in music at an early age, and learned to play the guitar by imitating his favorite artists like Chuck Berry, B.B. King, and Elmore James. He also became fascinated by the slide guitar technique, which he mastered by using a glass Coricidin bottle as a slide.
Duane and Gregg formed their first band, The Kings, when they were teenagers, and played at local dances and parties. They later moved to Los Angeles with their band The Allman Joys, but failed to achieve commercial success. They returned to the South and joined forces with other musicians to form The Hour Glass, which recorded two albums for Liberty Records. However, Duane was dissatisfied with the pop-oriented direction of the band, and left to pursue his own musical vision.
The Rise of the Allman Brothers Band
In 1969, Duane Allman received an offer from Jerry Wexler, the vice-president of Atlantic Records, to become a solo artist. Instead of accepting it, he decided to form his own band with his brother Gregg and four other musicians: Dickey Betts on guitar, Berry Oakley on bass, and Jai Johanny Johanson and Butch Trucks on drums. The band settled in Macon, Georgia, where they signed with Capricorn Records, a label that gave them artistic freedom and supported their vision.
The Allman Brothers Band soon became one of the most popular live acts in the country, thanks to their virtuosic musicianship, improvisational skills, and energetic performances. They released their self-titled debut album in 1969, followed by Idlewild South in 1970. Their breakthrough came with the live album At Fillmore East in 1971, which captured their legendary concerts at the New York venue and showcased their blend of blues, rock, jazz, and country music. The album reached the top ten on the Billboard charts and received critical acclaim.
Duane Allman also established himself as a session musician who played with some of the biggest names in music. He recorded with Aretha Franklin on songs like “The Weight” and “Spirit in the Dark”, with King Curtis on his live album Live at Fillmore West , and with Wilson Pickett on his cover of “Hey Jude”. He also befriended Eric Clapton , who invited him to join his new band Derek and the Dominos . Duane played on their album Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs , which featured the classic song “Layla”, inspired by Clapton’s love for Pattie Boyd , the wife of George Harrison . Duane’s slide guitar playing added a distinctive touch to the song and the album.
The Tragic Death of Duane Allman
On October 29, 1971, Duane Allman was riding his Harley-Davidson Sportster motorcycle at a high speed on Hillcrest Avenue in Macon. He slowed down to let a flatbed truck carrying a crane boom make a left turn in front of him. However, as he tried to pass the truck on its right side, the truck suddenly stopped. Duane swerved to avoid hitting it, but lost control of his bike and crashed into the side of the truck. The crane’s weight ball hit him off his bike, which bounced up in the air and landed on his chest before skidding along the curb.
Duane was alive when he was taken to a hospital , but he had suffered severe internal injuries. He died several hours later during surgery . He was only 24 years old. His death shocked and saddened his family , friends , fans , and fellow musicians . His funeral was held on November 2 , 1971 , at Snow’s Memorial Chapel in Macon . The Allman Brothers Band played at his funeral , along with other musicians who had worked with him. He was buried at Rose Hill Cemetery in Macon , where his brother Gregg later joined him in 2017.
The Legacy and Impact of Duane Allman
Duane Allman’s death was a huge loss for the music world , but his legacy and impact live on. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time , and one of the pioneers of Southern rock music . He influenced generations of musicians with his style , technique , and passion . He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995 as a member of the Allman Brothers Band , and ranked number 2 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time in 2003 , behind only Jimi Hendrix . His guitar tone , achieved with a Gibson Les Paul and two 50-watt bass Marshall amplifiers , was named one of the greatest of all time by Guitar Player .
The Allman Brothers Band continued to tour and record after Duane’s death , but they faced more tragedies and challenges. In 1972 , their bassist Berry Oakley died in a similar motorcycle accident , just three blocks away from where Duane had crashed. The band went through several lineup changes and periods of hiatus , but they always kept Duane’s spirit alive in their music. They released several albums that featured Duane’s recordings , such as Eat a Peach , Brothers and Sisters , and An Anthology . They also performed at many tribute concerts and events that honored Duane’s memory , such as the annual Wanee Music Festival in Florida . The band finally retired in 2014 , after 45 years of making music.
Duane Allman’s cause of death was a tragic accident that cut short his brilliant career and life. However, he left behind a rich musical legacy that continues to inspire and delight millions of fans around the world. He was a guitar hero who played with his heart and soul, and created some of the most memorable and beautiful music ever made. He was, as his brother Gregg said, “the best damn slide man ever to walk this planet”.
