Turning Up the Volume: Happy Birthday to You...

This blog, but mainly tonight's post (though a little bit late), is dedicated to the one person whose persistent guitar playing got me tuned into the acoustic guitar, bluegrass, folk, but utmost music at an incredibly early age--my Dad. Happy Birthday Dad.

When I was growing up I was taught that music wasn't just listened to, rather it was felt, created, and lively. My brothers, sister, and I were avidly encouraged to embrace music as a form of artist expression--among other things. Prior to 1999, 90 to 95 percent of the music that was heard in my house was played by one of us--but mainly by my Dad. And at all hours of the night.

I knew of one band who trampled over any other band's attempt at talent in my dad's eyes: The Allman Brothers Band, who remain a very prominent and influential band to this day, nearly 40 years after they founded.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In 1969 a band formed from the efforts of the two leading brothers: Duane Allman and Gregg Allman, who had been in three previous band before. First, the Escortts, which turned into the Allman Joys (Does anyone want an Almond Joy?), and finally the Hour Glass. The Hour Glass released two albums under Liberty Records, both of which failed. Finally, on March 26, 1969 Duane Allman (slide guitar and lead guitar), Gregg Allman (vocals, organ), Dickey Betts (lead guitar, rhythm guitar, vocals), Berry Oakley (bass guitar), Butch Trucks (drums) and Jai Johanny "Jaimoe" Johanson (drums) and called themselves "The Allman Brothers Band."

By 1971, just two years after they founded, the Allman Brothers had already been described as "the best damn rock and roll group this country has produced in the past five years," by Rolling Stone. Their legendary album Live at Fillmore East was released in July of '71, spiraling the band's popularity to it's highest point. Live at Fillmore East remains one of the most highly regarded albums to this day.

Barely three months later the band's high wound down an incredible low,

Duane Allman, one of the founding members and guitarist, died in a motorcycle accident on October 29, 1971. Fans and fellow musicians mourned his death, many songs were dedicated in his honor (Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Free Bird," though it was written before he died.) and one fan even carved his name in sand stone (which remained there for over 10 years). The band's following album, Eat a Peach, was named in honor of Duane's often comical response to interviews.

"How are you helping the revolution?"
"There ain't no revolution, only evolution, but every time I'm in Georgia I eat a peach for peace."

After Duane's death the band was mainly held together through the tireless efforts of bass player Berry Oakley, who also became the band's acting leader. On November 11, 1972--barely 13 months after Duane's death, Oakley was riding his motorcycle just three blocks away from the accident site where he too had a terrible accident. Oakley declined medical treatment and returned to the Big House, where the band was set to play; three hours later he was rushed to the hospital where he died of a skull fracture. They were both only 24 years old.

In 1998, the Georgia House of Representatives passed a legislation recognizing "a portion of State Highway 19 in Macon as 'Duane Allman Boulevard' and a bridge thereon as 'Raymond Berry Oakley III Bridge' in honor and remembrance of late founding members of the Allman Brothers Band; and for other purposes."

After Oakley's death the band continued to play and prosper through the years. Admittedly the band took a couple breaks along the way; 1976-78, and 1982-89. To this day the Allman Brothers Band is known for discovering talent at an early age. Including founding member Butch Truck's nephew, Derek Trucks. Derek began playing the guitar at 9 years old, by 11 he was touring with the Allman Brothers Band.

In 2003, The Rolling Stone ranked Duane number two on their list of the greatest guitar players of all time, only failing to Jimi Hendrix. Warren Hayes, who joined the band in 1989, was ranked Num. 24. Dickey Betts, founding member, was ranked Num. 58. Derek was ranked Num. 81 on the list.