Berry Oakley sang the Allman Brothers cover of the classic “Hoochie Coochie Man,” written by Wille Dixon and first performed by Muddy Waters, from their Beginnings album. The Hoochie Coochie was a gyrating, sexually provocative dance that got its name during the Chicago World’s Fair of 1893. A “Hoochie Coochie Man” was always there to help.
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Black Hearted Woman- The Allman Brothers Band- A New Beginning
The Allman Brother’s 1973 release “Beginnings” was a reissue of their first two albums “The Allman Brothers Band (1969) and Idlewild South (1970). The compilation presents the band’s innovative vision; a new brand that fused Classic Blues, traditional American forms and Southern influences with Popular rock. A new “Beginning” that gave voice to an original sound in American music.
While many bands in England were also popularizing Blues Rock at the time and creating a revolutionary sound no less, their perspective was distinctly British. The Allman Brothers were Americans from the swampy backroads of the South and their approach held an inherent authenticity that those bands could never attain. Duane Allman through his innate understanding of the form, his unceasing work ethic and his monumental talent earned the regal distinction as legitimate heir to the throne passed on by Robert Johnson, T-Bone Walker Leadbelly and many others. In his hands he held the genre’s future fate. Through Duane the Allman Brothers Band became the future of American Blues.
New Film Chronicling The Allman Brothers To Be Released-Done Somebody Wrong-The Allman Brothers Band
Gregg and Duane Allman
Production has begun on a film to be named “Midnight Rider” which will chronicle the life of Gregg Allman and his Brothers. It is based on the recent Allman autobiography “My Cross to Bear.” The role of Allman will be shared by two actors. All American Rejects lead singer Tyson Ritter will play Allman as a young man and actor William Hurt will portray the latter part of his life. Duane will be played by actor Wyatt Russell. Gregg is serving as executive director to ensure that the film authentically depicts the history of The Allman Brothers as a band. The film will begin production in February.
The movie confirms Gregg Allman’s status as an American icon. His prolific body of work coupled with his wildly extravagant lifestyle should make for an interesting film.
The Allman Brothers Band will be celebrating the 45th birthday as a band this year. Also, this March will mark the 43rd anniversary of the immortalized recording of their two epic concerts at the Fillmore East in 1971.
Jessica- The Allman Brothers Band- Happy Birthday Dickey Betts
Brittany Oakley
Vaylor Trucks
Dickey Betts
“Jessica” is an instrumental composition written by Dickey Betts from The Allman Brothers 1973 release “Brothers And Sisters.” It marked the band’s evolution from a regimen of Blues interpretations to a more expansive sound that welcomed the feel of Country/Western and Traditional Americana. Put more simply once Duane Allman and Berry Oakley died, Dickey Betts took the helm and reshaped the band’s sound to reflect his own grand musical vision. Consequently, “Brothers And Sisters” is rainbow colorful and lighter in mood. It moves more like a galloping horse and a purring motorcycle on an open desert highway. Betts’ songs have for the most part always been inherently celebratory by nature. They are affirmations of the experience of being alive. There are no “Whipping Posts” under Dickey Bett’s “Blue Sky.”
“Jessica” is a vibrant musical carnival celebrating the daughter Betts had with Sandy Bluesky. It is lush with flowery harmonizing guitar lines. Busy backing instruments chirp with life like excited crickets during a summer sunset. The music dances around Betts’ melodious centerpiece guitar like bees around honey. The song is an instrumental tour de force marked distinctly by Chuck Leavell’s unforgettable building piano break and Dickey Betts climactic, explosive guitar solo that nearly equals the miracle of the birth he is memorializing. Betts created musical history by conveying a feeling of celebration and inspiring vivid visual imagery through a song devoid of lyrics. Contrary to the common assumption that Betts played the backing acoustic part, it was played by Les Dudek. Also it was the first song recorded with new bassist Lamar Williams after the death of Berry Oakley. The cover photo is of Butch Trucks’ son Vaylor and the little girl is Berry Oakley’s daughter Brittany OakleyWhipping Post- The Allman Brothers Band- Happy Birthday Gregg Allman
Greg Allman at the Fillmore East 1971
Happy Birthday to the voice of American Southern Blues Rock. His vocals and music have become a national treasure. He represents a musical home for generations of music lovers who have counted on his sweet, raspy voice to move and excite them. I remember to this very day the electrifying feeling that his voice sent through me when I heard “Whipping Post” for the very first time.
“Sometimes I feel, sometimes I feel,
Like I been tied to the whippin’ post.
Tied to the whippin’ post, tied to the whippin’ post.
Good Lord, I feel like I’m dyin’.”
U of Music 