I, like so many others, am bereft at the passing of Gregg Allman. My sister Laurie said it well on social media two days ago, “Sweet Melissa, Midnight Rider. The sounds of my youth. Allman Brothers -best ever.”
Forty three years ago today, on May 31, 1974, my high school husband and I drove in a green Pinto from Mobile to Atlanta to see The Allman Brothers Band play. The epic event the next day on June 1 at Atlanta’s Fulton County Stadium, dubbed the Georgia Jam, was headlined by the Allmans and featured Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Marshall Tucker Band and Grinderswitch. (From Billboard.com)
Yes, I had to look that up because the memories are fuzzy…
But I do remember that it POURED rain and the crowd and the bands just kept getting more wild and rocking. It was one of those wonderful, fun, youthful nights of 70’s Southern rock and roll dancing and decadence.
I have remained a fan of Gregg Allman through the years. A few weeks ago when I was a guest DJ on Radio Margaritaville, I featured one of his songs, Queen of Hearts. I’m going to listen to that set again to celebrate the Spirits and their songs!
There was never ever a tighter more beautiful band sound than The Allmans. I am so blessed to have cut my teeth on their Southern sound. Best music ever! God speed Gregg. Thank you for the music and the memories – they endure! Heaven just got a whole lot sweeter and cooler with your arrival. #GodBlessRocknRoll #GumboLove
Radio Margaritaville Playlist
- Jimmy Buffett – I Will Play for Gumbo
- Don Henley – Sunset Grill
- Neville Brothers – Yellow Moon
- James Taylor – Sweet Potato Pie
- Sara Bareilles – Brave
- The Beatles – Lucy In the Sky with Diamonds
- Frank Sinatra with Jimmy – Mack the Knife
- Patsy Cline – Crazy
- Paul Thorn – What Have You Done To Help Somebody Today
- Joni Mitchell – Carey
- Hank Williams – Jambalaya (or George Jones’ version)
- Greg Allman – Queen of Hearts
- Mac McAnally – Loser Gumbo
- Oh Susanna! – Carly Simon
- Bama Breeze – Jimmy Buffett
