I was fortunate to meet and talk with Gregg after a concert in Rochester,NY June 2016. I was given a backstage pass by a gentleman who was sitting next to me. He was a former roadie for the band from 73-76. He went by the name Gyro. We were met by Greggs best friend Chank and brought up to the Green room. There were a couple of people there who left and it was just me and Gyro. Then Gyro told Gregg who he was and Gregg immediately remembered him and was very glad to see him. I introduced myself and we talked for about 20 minutes mostly small stuff. He was already working on Southern Blood and out of nowhere mentioned that Duane should have never left Muscle Shoals. It gave me chills! He was very cool and kind! Today I will be listening to a tribute to Dickey Betts on local radio.
Hi Alan. thanks for your response. You are probably right, but he was pretty somber when he said it. Quote: "MY brother should have never left Muscle Shoals." I've read your books "One Way Out" and "Brothers and Sisters' and enjoyed them immensely. I'm 68 and have many favorites, but no band has touched my soul like the ABB! I could talk all day about them. One thing I would like to see is for the band to get Kennedy Center Honors. They more than deserve it. I've contacted the Center many times to nominate them, but no results. Any pull you may have in that matter would be appreciated! The "Road Does Go On Forever!"
Thanks for reposting, Alan. Read this when it was first published and rereading it now just reinforced how insightful Jaimoe’s comments are - especially the paragraph about his keyboard playing and soloing. It really was perfect and “he didn’t need to play no more. He could play exactly what needed to be played.”
Alan, you have an amazing ability to author the ABB books you have done, and I thank you for most pleasurable reading about the band I love. Jaimoe, an integral member of the band relays to us what contribution Gregg made. Duane's vision, resulted in one of the most influential bands of that era and in history. The first time I heard the first album I was hooked. Unfortunately I never saw Duane play, I was overseas in the USN when he died. I did, however, see Gregg and the band about 35 times, including two shows at the Beacon on their final run. If I can listen to one, live tune, on my death bed it would be Mountain Jam from the EAP album!
Johnny as his family calls him..is as I comment is at family reunion. 5/27/24..ABB Is embodiment of LaFamila...trite..but All Men Brother's (especially sisters!) Alan Paul, the Buddha placed you here!!
I not sure,I may be the only Afro/Hebrew/Mexican you know. Ok... the Mexican part is Because i grew up in San Antonio around the corner from Flaco Jimenez & I knew Doug Sahm...Hebrew/Afro Because three letters...DNA...
Thanks for posting this. The Southern Blood album displayed that even while not in the best of health, Gregg Allman was still great and went out with yet another stellar effort.
Yes, I think I remember reading this, wonderful interview. Safe travels Gregg, you too Dickie. I never tire of hearing stories about the origins of the ABB. Such a great story. I also remember how wild it was to see these Deep South boys playing with a black drummer. It was the music not the race that mattered and the music they created was pure magic. That's why we are here. BTW, I was at Gregg's show in Sarasota,Florida on December 26, 1996. I think it was Gregg's first show sober. He still had not lost the weight (it came off later ), and he looked pretty scared but it was a fantastic show. Jimmy Hall up there with his harmonicas strapped on like a gunslinger and Thom Duchette sitting in too! Anyway, at the end Gregg thanked the sell out crowd and said a few things about how the music business can be real cruel, lots of "fair weather friends and hanger ons" but this next man has been probably my best friend through it all, "Welcome, a true friend, Dickey Betts!" Then they launched into a blistering "One Way Out" I think deep down Gregg and Dickey were tight that's why they disappointed each other at times. Looking forward to the show at The City Winery. LB
Hi Alan, Thanks a bunch for the response. I wasn't sure if I should bring it up but I've thought about it ever since Dickey passed. Dickey was my guy. Oh sure... I loved Gregg and the rest too but Dickey just made me smile. I know he was ornery as Hell and had a few demons but gosh, what a life. He truly was a product of American music (jazz, blues, country, rock and roll etc), culture and history. I met him a few times. Always a pleasure. I was at all the shows at the Ethical Cultural Center, Tarrytown Music Hall and many others. My rule of thumb was, if Dickey is playing within 500 miles of me, I'm there. At a show in Mason, Ohio Dickey opened up with "Little Martha" with Dangerous Dan Toler right there with him. My son in law, who is a pastor in Cincy, said it was a "Spiritual experience." Thought you'd enjoy that one! I'll see you at the show. BTW, I loved your book, "Brothers and Sisters" Kevin B
Old-school ABB fan here. GA's 87 solo tour was also a thing of sonic beauty. Jaimo once literally gave me the shirt off his back at a 30th anniversary show at the Oakdale in Ct. My wife held Derek's dinner as he signed for fans. Just the best bunch of guys ever. Now we catch Devon + Duane whenever possible. Great article and interview. A+
Met Gregg many times over the years, 1st time at Lake Compounce in Ct with Allen Woody before a Brothers show, lots'a jokes n shuckin around. Another time at a solo band show at the Warner theater in Ct Gregg hung with all us fans till the last person who wanted something signed, got it,,, joking and smiling the whole time. Just the best. Greatest ABB show was in Agawam Mass, the show started in a light rain that gained momentum as the nite went on. By the time Whipping Post was played, the rain was torrential,,, but nobody left. The band melded with the weather and cleansed all our souls that nite,, a very special nite. Love to all.
Great to hear Jaimoe’s appreciation of Gregg’s voice, keyboards and lyrics. Gregg truly was a unique, soulful talent. Sad that Jaimoe is the last survivor. But pieces like this help keep the entire band alive, thx!
I was fortunate to meet and talk with Gregg after a concert in Rochester,NY June 2016. I was given a backstage pass by a gentleman who was sitting next to me. He was a former roadie for the band from 73-76. He went by the name Gyro. We were met by Greggs best friend Chank and brought up to the Green room. There were a couple of people there who left and it was just me and Gyro. Then Gyro told Gregg who he was and Gregg immediately remembered him and was very glad to see him. I introduced myself and we talked for about 20 minutes mostly small stuff. He was already working on Southern Blood and out of nowhere mentioned that Duane should have never left Muscle Shoals. It gave me chills! He was very cool and kind! Today I will be listening to a tribute to Dickey Betts on local radio.
Gyro! Gregg was wrong about Duane though. I don’t think he meant it. He was just excited about the album.
Hi Alan. thanks for your response. You are probably right, but he was pretty somber when he said it. Quote: "MY brother should have never left Muscle Shoals." I've read your books "One Way Out" and "Brothers and Sisters' and enjoyed them immensely. I'm 68 and have many favorites, but no band has touched my soul like the ABB! I could talk all day about them. One thing I would like to see is for the band to get Kennedy Center Honors. They more than deserve it. I've contacted the Center many times to nominate them, but no results. Any pull you may have in that matter would be appreciated! The "Road Does Go On Forever!"
Thanks for sharing! Can't believe Rolling Stone stiffed you for this wonderful interview.
Yeah. Lame. I’ve been stiffed
By the best!
Thanks for reposting, Alan. Read this when it was first published and rereading it now just reinforced how insightful Jaimoe’s comments are - especially the paragraph about his keyboard playing and soloing. It really was perfect and “he didn’t need to play no more. He could play exactly what needed to be played.”
Honest delivery..Every time ..Regardless of condition..He is the "best ever"..
Thanks, once again, Alan. Great read.
Nice interview. Jaimoe is such a treasure and you can feel his love for the music and the band. Thanks so much for sharing this Alan.
Right on. Welcome and thanks back John,
Alan, you have an amazing ability to author the ABB books you have done, and I thank you for most pleasurable reading about the band I love. Jaimoe, an integral member of the band relays to us what contribution Gregg made. Duane's vision, resulted in one of the most influential bands of that era and in history. The first time I heard the first album I was hooked. Unfortunately I never saw Duane play, I was overseas in the USN when he died. I did, however, see Gregg and the band about 35 times, including two shows at the Beacon on their final run. If I can listen to one, live tune, on my death bed it would be Mountain Jam from the EAP album!
Thanks Owen.
What a great piece of writing. Jaimoe is the best- so real and deep♥️
Johnny as his family calls him..is as I comment is at family reunion. 5/27/24..ABB Is embodiment of LaFamila...trite..but All Men Brother's (especially sisters!) Alan Paul, the Buddha placed you here!!
LOL. Maybe that’s why my house is filled with Buddhas even though I’m a Yid. Johnie is the best.
I not sure,I may be the only Afro/Hebrew/Mexican you know. Ok... the Mexican part is Because i grew up in San Antonio around the corner from Flaco Jimenez & I knew Doug Sahm...Hebrew/Afro Because three letters...DNA...
Thanks for posting this. The Southern Blood album displayed that even while not in the best of health, Gregg Allman was still great and went out with yet another stellar effort.
Great memories. It is so cool that your band is playing with him. Have fun with it!
Thank you. One down and it was a blast.
Hi Alan,
Yes, I think I remember reading this, wonderful interview. Safe travels Gregg, you too Dickie. I never tire of hearing stories about the origins of the ABB. Such a great story. I also remember how wild it was to see these Deep South boys playing with a black drummer. It was the music not the race that mattered and the music they created was pure magic. That's why we are here. BTW, I was at Gregg's show in Sarasota,Florida on December 26, 1996. I think it was Gregg's first show sober. He still had not lost the weight (it came off later ), and he looked pretty scared but it was a fantastic show. Jimmy Hall up there with his harmonicas strapped on like a gunslinger and Thom Duchette sitting in too! Anyway, at the end Gregg thanked the sell out crowd and said a few things about how the music business can be real cruel, lots of "fair weather friends and hanger ons" but this next man has been probably my best friend through it all, "Welcome, a true friend, Dickey Betts!" Then they launched into a blistering "One Way Out" I think deep down Gregg and Dickey were tight that's why they disappointed each other at times. Looking forward to the show at The City Winery. LB
That’s awesome. Glad you will be at CW.
Hi Alan, Thanks a bunch for the response. I wasn't sure if I should bring it up but I've thought about it ever since Dickey passed. Dickey was my guy. Oh sure... I loved Gregg and the rest too but Dickey just made me smile. I know he was ornery as Hell and had a few demons but gosh, what a life. He truly was a product of American music (jazz, blues, country, rock and roll etc), culture and history. I met him a few times. Always a pleasure. I was at all the shows at the Ethical Cultural Center, Tarrytown Music Hall and many others. My rule of thumb was, if Dickey is playing within 500 miles of me, I'm there. At a show in Mason, Ohio Dickey opened up with "Little Martha" with Dangerous Dan Toler right there with him. My son in law, who is a pastor in Cincy, said it was a "Spiritual experience." Thought you'd enjoy that one! I'll see you at the show. BTW, I loved your book, "Brothers and Sisters" Kevin B
Old-school ABB fan here. GA's 87 solo tour was also a thing of sonic beauty. Jaimo once literally gave me the shirt off his back at a 30th anniversary show at the Oakdale in Ct. My wife held Derek's dinner as he signed for fans. Just the best bunch of guys ever. Now we catch Devon + Duane whenever possible. Great article and interview. A+
Met Gregg many times over the years, 1st time at Lake Compounce in Ct with Allen Woody before a Brothers show, lots'a jokes n shuckin around. Another time at a solo band show at the Warner theater in Ct Gregg hung with all us fans till the last person who wanted something signed, got it,,, joking and smiling the whole time. Just the best. Greatest ABB show was in Agawam Mass, the show started in a light rain that gained momentum as the nite went on. By the time Whipping Post was played, the rain was torrential,,, but nobody left. The band melded with the weather and cleansed all our souls that nite,, a very special nite. Love to all.
The Road Goes Ever On
Thank You !!
I can't express how much the music of The Allman Brothers Band has meant to me through the years. I was twelve when I first started listening to them.
I have every album.
It's so sad to think they're all gone except Jaimoe and Chuck.
But the road goes on forever ❤️
Great to hear Jaimoe’s appreciation of Gregg’s voice, keyboards and lyrics. Gregg truly was a unique, soulful talent. Sad that Jaimoe is the last survivor. But pieces like this help keep the entire band alive, thx!