With the band: 1978–1982
Instruments: Guitar
From Indiana to Great Southern
Dan Toler was born in Connersville, Indiana, and picked up the guitar at 12. He learned his trade in rhythm-and-blues bands, and by the end of the 1960s he was playing in a group that recorded for Capricorn Records. When some of his bandmates moved on to Dickey Betts’ new solo project, Dan went with them. He played on Dickey Betts & Great Southern’s self-titled 1977 album and on Atlanta’s Burning Down (1978).
Restoring the Twin Guitars
When the Allman Brothers Band reunited at the end of 1978, Dickey brought Dan along. For the first time since Duane Allman died, the band had two lead guitarists trading and harmonizing lines again. Dan played on Enlightened Rogues (1979), Reach for the Sky (1980) and Brothers of the Road (1981), and he co-wrote “Maybe We Can Go Back to Yesterday” on that last album.
With Gregg Allman
After the band split in 1982, Dan and his brother, drummer Frankie Toler, joined Gregg Allman’s solo band. They toured and recorded with Gregg for the rest of the decade, including his 1986 comeback album I’m No Angel, which went gold, and Just Before the Bullets Fly (1988). Dan also played in the band’s two reunion shows in 1986.
Later Years
Dan rejoined Great Southern from 2002 to 2008 and later led or co-led several bands, including the Toler/Townsend Band. In 2011, shortly after Frankie died, Dan told his fans he had ALS. Dickey Betts, Warren Haynes and other friends played a benefit in Sarasota to help pay for his care.
Dan Toler died on February 25, 2013, near his hometown of Sarasota, Florida. He was 65.
Dan Toler in the Photo Gallery
Dan Toler in the News
