With only 24 years of life, Duane Allman contributed a legacy beyond just co-founding the Allman Brothers Band. A true pioneer of slide guitar, and an avid session musician for many (including Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, Otis Rush, Eric Clapton, and countless others), Duane was taken too soon in a motorcycle accident in Macon, GA on this day in 1971.
The Allman Brothers Band’s “Eat A Peach” Is A Message For Peace
From Muscle Shoals to Capricorn Records, the southern rock, guitar god brought his inimitable sounds to the R&B scene on recordings like Wilson Pickett’s version of “Hey Jude”, and Boz Scaggs‘ “Loan Me A Dime”, and, most notably, lays down the illustrious final solo in Derek and The Dominos “Layla”. No one played guitar like SkyDog did.
Duane Allman, Aretha Franklin – “The Weight”
[Video: Vincent George]
Herbie Man – “Push Push” (ft. Duane Allman)
[Video: Herbie Man – Topic]
He didn’t just inspire people musically, but on a human level too. He was a lover, a thinker, a writer. In a New Year’s Resolution in 1969, he wrote:
This year I will be more thoughtful of my fellow man, exert more effort in each of my endeavors, professionally as well as personally. Take love wherever I find it, and offer it to everyone who will take it. In this coming year I will seek knowledge from those wiser than me and try to teach those who wish to learn from me. I love being alive and I will be the best man I possibly can.
Check out this video footage of the Allman Brothers performing “Dreams” the night of the legendary Fillmore East recording in 1970:
The Allman Brothers Band – “Dreams” – New York, NY – 9/23/70
[Video: Allman Brothers on MV]
Let’s all “Eat A Peach for Peace” today in his honor…
[Originally published 10/29/17]