Gregg Allman (1947–2017)

I purchased My Cross to Bear, by Gregg Allman at a library-sponsored used book sale about four or five years ago. I wasn't sure I was going to like this book but for $1.50 it was worth the try. It is surprisingly folksy and readable.

I started listening to the Allman Brothers in 1971, when I started listening to WNEW-FM. A friend of mine introduced me to Gregg Allman's solo music during the summer of 1979, with the album "Laid Back." My favorite song of his, on that album, "These Days" (written by Jackson Browne), is still going through my head..

"My Cross to Bear" is an illustration, even "Exhibit "A" of the Neil Young song, "Needle (or bottle) and the Damage Done." Many of the musicians, including Gregory (as he preferred to be called) were so intelligent and talented. The self-destruction in their lives was, simply put, a waste. The drugs were in the culture. It was known, early on, that they were destructive.

The life of a touring and performing musician often does not blend well with domesticity. It made hard but compelling reading.

All the same, the book gave me a new appreciation of his music, and the music that blossomed in the fertile days of the late 1960's and early 1970's. It is a testament to his talent that he remained a performer through the early 2010's. He was great. The book was near-great and I'm glad I picked it up after some false starts.… (meer)

1 I'm No Angel
Written-By – Phil Palmer, Tony Colton
3:42
2 Anything Goes
Arranged By [Horn Arrangement] – Eric White
Horns – The 4 MW Horns
Written-By – Gregory L. Allman*
4:12
3 Evidence Of Love
Lead Vocals [Co-Lead Vocals] – Don Johnson
Tenor Saxophone – Ed Calle
Written-By – Chris Farren, Steve Diamond
4:34
4 Yours For The Asking
Written-By – Dan Toler, David Toler*, Gregory L. Allman*
3:16
5 Things That Might Have Been
Written-By – Dan Toler, Gregory L. Allman*
4:26
6 Can't Keep Running
Written-By – Martin Briley, Michael Bolton
4:02
7 Faces Without Names
Written-By – Dan Toler, Gregory L. Allman*
3:36
8 Lead Me On
Written-By – Dan Toler, Gregory L. Allman*
4:44
9 Don't Want You No More
Written By – Spencer Davis
Written-By – Eddie Hardin
2:31
10 It's Not My Cross To Bear
Written-By – Gregory L. Allman*
5:37
Credits:
Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals – Bruce Waibel
Drums – David "Frankie" Toler
Guitar – Dan Toler
Keyboards, Backing Vocals – Tim Hedding
Organ [Hammond B-3], Acoustic Guitar, Lead Vocals – Gregg Allman
Percussion – Chaz Trippy… (meer)