"I got tired of playing other's people's song," Gregg Allman once said. He then swiftly came around with beautiful Melissa.
Crossroads, seem to come and go, yeah.
The gypsy flies from coast to coast,
Knowing many, loving none,
Bearing sorrow, having fun.
But, back home he'll always run,
To sweet Melissa.
Since then, there has been no looking back for Gregory LeNoir Allman, popularly called Gregg Allman. The American songwriter, singer and musician went on to form the Allman Brothers Band with his late brother Duane, Dickey Betts, Berry Oakley, Butch Trucks, and Jai Johanny "Jaimoe" Johanson. The band was formed in Jacksonville, Florida, United States. Some of the earlier hits include Ramblin Man and Midnight Rider.
While the country music band was formed in 1969, strangely the singer was 69 when he passed away peacefully on 27 May 2017 at his home in Savannah, Georgia.
"I have lost a dear friend and the world has lost a brilliant pioneer in music. He was a kind and gentle soul with the best laugh I ever heard. His love for his family and bandmates was passionate as was the love he had for his extraordinary fans. Gregg was an incredible partner and an even better friend. We will all miss him," Gregg’s long-time manager and close friend, Michael Lehman, was quoted as saying on the singer's official website.
Gregg suffered from several health issues for years before he passed away. "Gregg struggled with many health issues over the past several years. During that time, Gregg considered being on the road playing music with his brothers and solo band for his beloved fans, essential medicine for his soul. Playing music lifted him up and kept him going during the toughest of times," according to a statement on the singer's website.
Born on 8 December 1947 in Nashville, Gregg was "revered by musicians everywhere". And the legacy that he left – his music – "will stand the test of time and will live on forever," said Hank Williams Jr as quoted by the Rolling Stone.
"What a legacy Gregg Allman leaves behind. Jam on in the great hereafter," American country music star Brad Paisley said.
Paying a touching tribute to Gregg, singer Elton John posted his photo along with Allman on Instagram with a post: "… A kind and gentle soul. Much love to his family and friends."
"My heart breaks today at the passing of soul brutha Gregg Allman. Blessings and peace to all the Allman family," Country music star Keith Urban said:
"I've tried… Words are impossible Gui Gui forever, Chooch," Allman's ex-wife Cher wrote.
As his family, friends, fans and the music world mourn his deah, "…Again, the mornin's come. Again, he's on the run". This time on the stairway to heaven. "…A sunbeam's shinin through his hair. Fear not to have a care. Well, pick up your gear and gypsy roll on.