The Allman Brothers are legends of the Southern Rock genre, beginning in 1969 and eventually entering the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995.
Recently, guitarist and songwriter Dickey Betts passed away at age 80, leaving only two of the original band members remaining. In honor of Betts, we took a look at the Allman Brothers top five most rockin’ jams.
Melissa
This slower jam is one of the Allman Brothers’ most popular songs. Released in 1972 on the album Eat a Peach, Melissa is the first song without founding brother Duane Allman, who died earlier that year.
Writer Greg Allman related that the inspiration for the song came from an incident in a grocery store when he heard a grandmother call out after her granddaughter Melissa.
The song was tributed to Duane on the album. It was one of several singles from the Eat a Peach album.
Ramblin’ Man
Everyone who has been alive for at least 10 years and been around a radio tuned to classic rock knows Ramblin’ Man.
The Allman Brothers classic was released in 1973 on the band’s fourth studio album Brothers and Sisters. It was written by Dickey Betts and shined as the first single on Brothers and Sisters.
Interestingly, Ramblin’ Man only made it to No. 2 on the singles charts. No. 1? That was Half Breed by Cher – Greg Allman’s future wife.
Jessica
Were the Allman Brothers the first “jam band”? Jessica makes a strong case for it – featuring no vocals in favor of instrumental mastery.
Also written by Betts, Jessica was the second single from the 1973 album Brothers and Sisters.
The song had a renaissance after being featured in the video game Guitar Hero 2, and although it never charted higher than No. 29, it has become a classic rock staple despite its unusual composition.
Soulshine
If you can believe it, Soulshine was released on the 1994 (!) album Where It All Begins.
Greg Allman’s haunting soul-inspired vocals are featured on this track, which was written by later band member and virtuoso Warren Haynes.
Like some other Allman Brothers jams, Soulshine clocks in longer than your typical track at 6 minutes, 44 seconds.
Midnight Rider
Shockingly, Midnight Rider was the second single released on the 1970 album Idlewild South.
Listeners will instantly recognize the guitar riff and haunting wail of the vocals, which follow an outlaw on the lam.
Unbelievably, the best of all Allman Brothers songs never charted! However, it did chart for four separate covers, including one by Willie Nelson.
Midnight Rider is the go-to Allman Brothers tune, and a must-have for any road trip.
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