duane allman

Howard Duane Allman

(November 20, 1946 – October 29, 1971)

'Skydog' started playing at the age of fourteen and went on to be one of the most celebrated guitarists in rock history. Inspired by the music of B.B. King, he spent most of his youth learning his craft. Along with his brother Gregg, he formed bands like Allman Joys and Hour Glass. He became a popular session man at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, playing with artists like Clarence Carter,King Curtis, Aretha Franklin, Laura Nyro, Wilson Pickett, Otis Rush, Percy Sledge, Johnny Jenkins,Boz Scaggs, Delaney & Bonnie and Herbie Mann. He felt restricted by what he considered undemanding work, and left to form a new band with drummer Jaimoe Johanson, bassist Berry Oakley, guitarist Dickey Betts, drummer Butch Trucks, and his brother Gregg on organ and vocals. The Allman Brothers became a critical and commercial success with their original blend of Southern Rock, renowned for their live performances like 'At Filmore East'. Duane also played a significant role in the recording of Eric Clapton's 'Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs'. Forty years ago, as his star was rising, he died from his injuries after his Harley Davidson motorcycle crashed into a flatbed truck in Macon, Georgia.

Duane once said:    "I love being alive and I will be the best man I possibly can. I will take love wherever I find it and offer it to everyone who will take it. . . seek knowledge from those wiser and teach those who wish to learn from me."

The guitar duet with Dicky Betts, 'Little Martha' was one of his last recordings.