The Allman Brothers Band co-founder died at age 69 over the Memoral Day weekend.
Gregg Allman, the legendary singer-songrwriter and co-founder of The Allman Brothers Band, passed away “peacefully” at his home in Savannah, Ga., over the weekend. He was 69.
“Gregg struggled with many health issues over the past several years,” read a statement on Allman’s official website Saturday. He was diagnosed with hepatitis C in 1999 and underwent a liver transplant in 2010. “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. Playing music lifted him up and kept him going during the toughest of times.”
The soulful singer-songwriter and rock ‘n’ blues pioneer composed such classics as “Midnight Rider,” “Melissa” and the epic concert jam “Whipping Post.” He fronted his band for 45 years, first alongside brother and co-founder Duane until the latter was killed in a motorcycle accident in November 1971.
“It is with deep sadness we announce that Gregg Allman, a founding member of The Allman Brothers Band, passed away peacefully at his home,” read a tweet from the official Allman Brothers Band Twitter account.
It is with deep sadness we announce that Gregg Allman, a founding member of The Allman Brothers Band, passed away peacefully at his home pic.twitter.com/8g0pAT3kky
— Allman Brothers Band (@allmanbrothers) May 27, 2017
The music world was quick to react with grief upon hearing the news. Allman’s third and ex-wife Cher shared a photo of the pair with the caption “never forget….gui.” Earlier she tweeted, “I’ve tried, words are impossible.” The pair were married from 1975 to 1979 and have a son, Elijah, together.
See the tributes, including from some Hollywood stars, as they pour in on social media below.
Very sorry to hear of the passing of Gregg Allman. He was a legend pic.twitter.com/v0CvuZfLYX
— Todd Dammit Kerns (@todddammitkerns) May 27, 2017
R.I.P Gregg Allman…December 18, 1947 – May 27, 2017
It is with deep sadness that we announce that Gregg Allman, passed away peacefully…— Karlson & McKenzie (@KarlsonMcKenzie) May 27, 2017
Just got the word
Greg Allman has passed away
Rest in peace brother
You were the best
Dixie had
You will be missed— Charlie Daniels (@CharlieDaniels) May 27, 2017
https://twitter.com/ringostarrmusic/status/868552277857976320
https://twitter.com/cher/status/868557237412810752
never forget….gui
❤️chooch pic.twitter.com/q3BWnnNohp— Cher (@cher) May 27, 2017
May the Midnight Rider finally cruise next to his big brother Duane on that heavenly road infinity. RIP Greg Allman.
— Tyson ritteR (@tysonritter) May 27, 2017
My southern-rock heart is breaking….#GreggAllman https://t.co/VkkzDYF1R0
— Melissa Etheridge (@metheridge) May 27, 2017
He showed me his tattoos… his voice…. his soul. #GreggAllman pic.twitter.com/pGhgyhjcMV
— Melissa Etheridge (@metheridge) May 27, 2017
https://twitter.com/michaelhsweet/status/868551937737850880
RIP Gregg Allman, what a voice… Listening to Allman Brothers "Live at Fillmore East," a record that never gets old.
— James Valentine (@jamesbvalentine) May 27, 2017
Gregg Allman, Classic Rock Legend Of The Allman Brothers Band, Dead RIP, Gregg…Our Prayers Are With You, Bro… https://t.co/RwURmekP89
— David Coverdale (@davidcoverdale) May 27, 2017
Also appreciated that Allman spoke out against display of Confederate flags. https://t.co/5pTnDV9Key
— Sherrilyn Ifill (@Sifill_LDF) May 27, 2017
Gregg Allman had a feeling for the blues very few ever have
hard to believe that magnificent voice is stilled forever pic.twitter.com/EPfE56fqCf— Charlie Daniels (@CharlieDaniels) May 27, 2017
My heart breaks today at the passing of soul brutha Gregg Allman. Blessings and peace to all the Allman family. – KU
— Keith Urban (@KeithUrban) May 27, 2017
I'm so very saddened to hear of the passing of rock & blues legend Gregg Allman. He was such a huge influence on me. https://t.co/rSbHdmj5yp
— Travis Tritt (@Travistritt) May 27, 2017
https://twitter.com/sebastianbach/status/868559103857016832
Thank you @GreggAllman… for the inspiration, and for those many holy nights on stage. pic.twitter.com/FV6Qn5zXeE
— Cameron Crowe (@CameronCrowe) May 27, 2017
So sad to hear Gregg Allman passed away I admire him so much & had the honour of jamming wth him recently. A gentle soul with so much soul.
— Peter Frampton (@peterframpton) May 27, 2017
This one's for you Chris.
Black Hole Sun.
Live from Slane, Ireland.#GNRinSlane— Guns N' Roses (@gunsnroses) May 27, 2017
Goodbye, Brother Gregg. When @amandashires was pregnant, @GreggAllman pointed at her belly and said "It's gonna be a girl. I'm never wrong."
— Jason Isbell (@JasonIsbell) May 27, 2017
https://twitter.com/JohnMayer/status/868562939598348288
It's all just too much. #GreggAllman Rest In Peace Midnight Rider pic.twitter.com/h3sWHTEXzN
— Nils Lofgren (@nilslofgren) May 27, 2017
Gregg Allman… very sad day for rock 'n' roll… a great singer and writer. He could flat out sing. His music will live on! – Huey
— Huey Lewis (@Huey_Lewis_News) May 27, 2017
Whipping Post on repeat all day today. RIP Gregg Allman. One of the greats.
— Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) May 27, 2017
https://twitter.com/remhq/status/868568025125015552
What a legacy @GreggAllman leaves behind. Jam on in the great hereafter.
— Brad Paisley (@BradPaisley) May 27, 2017
So sad to hear about Gregg Allman passing – a great musician. Love & Mercy, Brian
— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) May 27, 2017
Breaks my heart. Saw this man perform so many times. #RIP #greggallman
True musical genius. https://t.co/LFgLyoT7YM— Michael Kelly (@michaeljkellyjr) May 27, 2017
Thanks so much for the heartfelt prayers and good thoughts that you have sent our way…I can… https://t.co/mIPabRXa6y
— Gloria Estefan (@GloriaEstefan) May 27, 2017
https://twitter.com/LukeRussert/status/868569036195598336
https://twitter.com/SherylCrow/status/868583354026913792
We've lost another legend, but his legacy will live forever. Rest In Peace, Gregg Allman.
— Rascal Flatts (@rascalflatts) May 27, 2017
#GreggAllman. pic.twitter.com/SYCMF3Vlds
— Bob Seger (@BobSeger) May 27, 2017
This one hurts a lot. This was one of my heroes. RIP Gregg Allman… https://t.co/5GyM3N5pif #allmanbrothersband #greggallman pic.twitter.com/bhM6u76LwD
— Jason Aldean (@Jason_Aldean) May 27, 2017
RIP @GreggAllman another great voice gone.
— Bryan Adams (@bryanadams) May 28, 2017
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/gregg-allman-dead-music-world-reacts-1008295
On – 27 May, 2017 By Jackie Strause