The Allman Brothers Band

The primary flag holder of Southern rock, the band played a mix of hard rock, jazz, country, blues, and classical music and had gained large following – first in the south, and then everywhere.

Founded by brothers Duane(guitar) and Gregg Allman(keyboards/lead vocals) together with Dickey Betts(guitar/vocals), Berry Oakley(bass), Jai Johanny “Jaimoe” Johanson(percussion), and Butch Trucks(drums) in 1969, it quickly found success with the earlier albums The Allman Brothers Band and Idlewild South, and a string of hits, the best known of which were “Rambling Man” and the instrumental masterpiece “Jessica”.

They were just as well known for the tragedies they suffered. Both Duane Allman and Berry Oakley died at the age of 24 in motorcycle accidents.

The group has disbanded and reformed a few times throughout the years, and they announced they were breaking up for good in 2014. It’s final lineup included three of the original members – Gregg Allman, Jaimoe, and Butch Trucks.

In 1995, they were inducted into the Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame.