Gregg Allman, the singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist best known as the longtime frontman of The Allman Brothers Band, has passed away at the age of 69. Sources close to his family say Allman died peacefully at his home in Savannah. No cause of death was given, but a statement on his official website notes that Allman had been battling a number of serious ailments in recent years. “Gregg struggled with many health issues over the past several years,” the statement reads. “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.” Gregg formed the Allman brothers band with his brother, Duane Allman, who tragically passed away in a motorcycle accident in 1971 at the age of 24. Together, the brothers penned such Southern rock classics as “Midnight Rider,” “Whipping Post,” and “Melissa.” For many, the band’s distinct blend of bluesy roots rock and jam band psychedelia became one of the defining sounds of the late ’60s and early ’70s. Musically active until his final days, Allman’s influence as a singer, songwriter, and paragon of counterculture cool cannot be overstated. At the height of his fame, Allman was almost as well-known for his hedonistic lifestyle and high-profile romances as for his trailblazing music. Stories of Allman’s hard-partying ways contributed to his status as a living legend, but never eclipsed his music. (Asked by Stephen Colbert if the story of a private flight crew spelling out “Welcome, Allman Brothers Band” in cocaine was true, Gregg replied, “They abbreviated ‘Brothers.'”) Allman was married and divorced six times and became a tabloid staple during his highly-publicized split from music icon Cher in 1975. Within minutes of the news of his death, Allman’s name became the number one trending topic on Twitter, with tributes pouring in from family, friends, and a legion of devoted friend. “Words are impossible,” tweeted a clearly grief-stricken Cher. “I have lost a dear friend and the world has lost a brilliant pioneer in music,” wrote Allman’s friend and longtime manager, Michael Lehman. “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.” Allman is survived by five children, including musicians Devon and Elijah Blue. We send our heartfelt condolences to those close to this iconic musician. May he rest in peace. And may the following celebrities also rest in peace, all of whom also passed away in 2017. Click around below to familiarize yourself with those who have left us: View Slideshow: Celebrities Who Died in 2017: In Memoriam
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Gregg Allman Dies; Rock Legend Was 69
