Gregg Allman, a pioneering Southern rock singer/songwriter and founder of the Allman Brothers Band along with his late brother Duane, has died at age 69.
An official cause of death has not been revealed. According to a statement on Allman's website, he "passed away peacefully at his home in Savannah, Georgia."
Allman served as a frontman for the Allman Brothers Band since the group's founding in 1969 in Macon, Ga., becoming the sole frontman after Duane Allman's death in 1971. Inspired by soul singers such as Ray Charles, Gregg Allman's distinctive voice was the driving force behind classics such as "Midnight Rider," "Melissa," "Statesboro Blues," "Whipping Post," and "It's Not My Cross To Bear," among others.
The Southern rock collective scored four Top 10 albums on the Billboard 200, with 1973's Brothers And Sisters being their lone chart-topper. They charted three Billboard Hot 100 Top 40 hits, including 1973's "Ramblin' Man" (No. 2) and 1979's "Crazy Love" (No. 29).
An accomplished musician who played organ and guitar, Allman released several solo albums throughout his career, beginning with 1973's Laid Back. His 2011 solo album, Low Country Blues, received a GRAMMY nomination for Best Blues Album.
Due to health issues, Allman toured less frequently in recent years. His last live public performance was Oct. 29, 2016, as part of the Laid Back Festival, which Allman organized. According to his website, a new solo album, Southern Blood, is slated for release in 2017.
Allman received nine total GRAMMY nominations, including seven with the Allman Brothers Band. His lone win came for 1995 for Best Rock Instrumental Performance for the band's live recording the classic track "Jessica." The Allman Brothers Band's Live At Fillmore East, regarded by critics as one of the greatest live albums in rock history, was inducted into the GRAMMY Hall Of Fame in 1999.
In recognition of their legendary standing, the Allman Brothers Band were honored with a Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012.
"This goes to a lot more people than you see here," said Allman during his acceptance speech. "There are many, many unsung heroes that work their backs every night: the road crew, all of our people, all of our workers, all of our drivers. ... But most of all, it's the fans. The fans are the whole reason to even have a band."
Watch the Allman Brothers Band's Lifetime Achievement Award acceptance speech
