Gregg Allman (1947–2017)

I'm not super-familiar with Allman's music -- mostly those first two albums and radio hits -- but a friend recommended this book. I was very surprised by it; Allman seems to be honest in this book, cutting himself no slack, but at the same time not settling grievances with others (though he doesn't ignore them). He tells lots of stories, about touring, the rock star life style, the women and especially the drugs which were very very important to this crowd. The book was very well edited and show more the editors really let Allman's own language and personality come through. In some ways, these stories are both particular and generalized, but I feel like I got to know Allman in this book, and recommend it. show less

Definitely two less stars if you're not a fan. But if you are a fan then Gregg's behind the scenes story of life in the Allmans and his dealings with drugs, alcohol and death of friends and family really gives you the full picture. The writing does fly all over as Gregg easily tangents off on side stories and thoughts. Maybe when Dickey Betts penned Ramblin Man he was really writing about Gregg's book writing style.

Interesting is what goes into writing a song, his dealing with death and just show more how much effort and dedication goes into making it in music. Another point that surprised me was that the money didn't really start rolling in until after Duane died. Not that his death contributed to it, but just terrible timing as it is evident from Gregg that the only reason he made it was because Duane really believed the dream and pushed them both so hard. show less

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" show more (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. show less

As some of you may know, I’m a big Allman Brothers Band fan. Not the biggest, but big enough. I’ve seen Gregg perform solo a good number of times and the Allman Brothers Band pretty much regularly at the Beacon Theater in New York. So Gregg’s autobiography was a must read, regardless of the reviews, which were pretty good.

My Cross to Bear is an interesting read. It’s like sitting in Gregory’s (his real friends call him Gregory, not Gregg) living room over a cup of coffee (since show more he’s alcohol/drug free) and listening to him ramble on about his life, his brother, his wives, bandmates, etc. He doesn’t ‘diss’ anyone nor does he reveal any major revelations. His alcohol and drug abuse, as well as that of his bandmates, made for a turbulent life.

However, My Cross to Bear is more notable for what it doesn’t say. Searching for Simplicity is far and away Gregg’s best solo album as well as, in my humble opinion, one of the best blues albums around. It apparently is one that Gregg’s proud of as well. Yet there’s scant mention of it and there’s no mention of why he never plays songs from it in his concerts. Hittin’ the Note is the best (and only) Allman Brothers album produced recently and he barely mentions it, other than to say Jaimoe came up with the title from one of Berry Oakley’s pet phrases.

While My Cross to Bear is a must for Allman Brothers fans, I’d rather have heard less about the tos and fros of his travels and more about the making of some of the best music we’ll ever hear. show less