The Allman Brothers Band

Chronology

Follow the band from its start in Jacksonville in 1969 to the final show at the Beacon Theatre in October 2014, with every lineup change and album release along the way. We’re still going through the archives for more music, so check the Discography for what’s out and join the Peach Corps to hear about new releases first.

Beginnings

March 26, 1969

Beginnings

The Allman Brothers Band is formed in Jacksonville, Florida:  

  • Duane Allman, lead and slide guitar
  • Gregg Allman, lead vocals and Hammond B3 organ
  • Dickey Betts, lead guitar
  • Berry Oakley, bass
  • Butch Trucks, drums and percussion
  • Jai Johanny Johanson “Jaimoe”, drums
November 1969

The Allman Brothers Band

Their first album, “The Allman Brothers Band,” is released.

September 1970

Idlewild South

Their second album, “Idlewild South,” named after their Macon country retreat, is released.

Thom Doucette appears on harmonica and percussion

July 1971

At Fillmore East

The band releases a double live album, At Fillmore East, recorded during three nights in March 1971 at the Fillmore East in NYC.   

The album is their breakthrough, and goes on to be widely considered one of the best live rock recordings of all time.

Thom Doucette appears on harmonica

October 29, 1971
Duane

Duane Allman

Duane Allman’s life is tragically cut short by a motorcycle accident in Macon, GA. The band decides to carry on without adding a new guitarist, feeling that Duane cannot be replaced. Dickey Betts plays all the guitar parts, and fans hear him play slide for the first time.

November 1971
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Five Man Band

November 1971- November 1972 The band is composed of:

  • Gregg Allman, lead vocals and Hammond B3 organ
  • Dickey Betts, lead and slide guitar
  • Berry Oakley, bass
  • Butch Trucks, drums and percussion
  • Jai Johanny Johanson “Jaimoe”, drums
February 1972

Eat a Peach

“Eat A Peach”, a double album, with both studio and live tracks is released.

November 11, 1972
Berry-Profile

Berry Oakley

Only a bit more than a year after losing Duane, the band is shocked by the loss of Berry Oakley in another motorcycle accident, only blocks from where Duane’s happened. Once again, the band decides that the best tribute to the memory of the departed brothers is to keep on playing, and so they do.