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Rock pionerr Gregg Allman has died aged 69

Updated / Monday, 29 May 2017 10:04
Gregg Allman has died at the age of 69
Gregg Allman has died at the age of 69

Gregg Allman, whose soulful vocals made the Allman Brothers Band one of rock's top acts in the 1970s, has died at the age of 69. 

"It is with deep sadness that we announce that Gregg Allman, a founding member of The Allman Brothers Band, passed away peacefully at his home in Savannah, Georgia," a post on his official website said.

Drummer Butch Trucks, another founding member of the band, died aged 60 on January 24.

The Allman Brothers Band was started in Macon, Georgia, in the late 1960s by Gregg and older brother Duane, who became the band's guiding force and one of rock's most revered guitarists before he was killed in a motorcycle accident at age 24.

Gregg was the band's lead singer, keyboardist and a key songwriter. He wrote several of their biggest hits including It's Not My Cross to Bear, Midnight Rider, Ain'tWastin' Time No More and Melissa.

The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995.

Allman's ex-wife Cher, with whom he shares a son, was among the first to pay tribute to the late musician, posting on Twitter, "Words are impossible, Gui Gui. Forever, Chooch."

Guns 'n' Roses guitarist Slash shared an old photo of Allman to his Instagram account with the message, "Really sad news about Greg Allman passing. Such an awesome talent. & massive influence on so many. Legend. RIP."

Ringo Starr sent his "peace and love" to Allman's family while Melissa Etheridge said, "My southern-rock heart is breaking."

Country music great Charlie Daniels said on Twitter: "Gregg Allman had a feeling for the blues very few ever have, hard to believe that magnificent voice is stilled forever."

Tributes have continued to pour in on social media.

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