Gregg Allman, the celebrated singer-keyboardist who led the Allman Brothers Band, has passed away at the age of 69. According to a note on his website, he passed away "peacefully" at home in Savannah, GA.
Allman's death comes after years of heath battles. Having been diagnosed with hepatitis C, he received a liver transplant in 2010. He cancelled tours in the last couple of years due to health concerns.
Born in Nashville in 1947, Allman and his older brother Duane began playing in bands in the mid-'60s before officially launching the Allman Brothers Band in 1969. Just as they were achieving success with 1971's live album At Filmore East, guitarist Duane was killed in a motorcycle accident.
Following Duane's death, Gregg kept the band going. Aside from periods of inactivity in the '70s and '80s, Gregg remained with the band throughout their entire run until they retired in 2014. Drummer Butch Trucks died earlier this year.
Allman also released a number of solo albums. He has an album called Southern Blood pegged for a 2017 release. It's unclear exactly when or if it will arrive.
Allman is survived by his wife Shannon and children Devon, Elijah Blue, Delilah Island Kurtom and Layla. He also has three grandchildren.
