American Southern Rock musician, singer and songwriter Gregg Allman passed away Saturday afternoon at the age of 69, his spokesperson confirmed to Rolling Stone magazine.
Best known for co-founding and leading the Allman Brothers Band, Gregg Allman “passed away peacefully at his home in Savannah, Georgia” according to a statement on his website. “Gregg struggled with many health issues over the past several years.
“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,” the statement said.
Longtime manager and close friend Michael Lehman said in a statement, “I have lost a dear friend and the world has lost a brilliant pioneer in music. 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 went through a liver transplant late in life, but nevertheless, suffered chronic liver issues in recent years, in addition to his numerous other health issues, including those brought on by past drug use, as related in his 2012 memoir.