Thursday, April 26, 2012

My Cross to Bear- Gregg Allman with Alan Light

My Cross to Bear


Gregg Allman with Alan Light

Morrow, May 1 2012, $27.99

ISBN: 9780062112033



In 1971, guitarist Duane Allman died in a motorcycle accident, on the first anniversary of his death, the Allman Brothers Band bassist Berry Oakley also died in a biking tragedy. These two deaths set the tone behind Gregg Allman’s profound memoir. Mr. Allman discusses his childhood growing up in Florida with Duane and a widowed mom; that first loving guitar; his addictions for sex and drugs; his kidney transplant; the ABB (with Dickey Betts, Butch Trucks and Jai Johanny Johanson) Southern rock; and across the decades his love for music. Somewhat meandering, the scandalous behavior is titillating fun. However, the siblings’ relationship and the life and times of the ABB in the late 1960s that haunt this winner especially the climatic death of Duane as the author portrays his feelings of survivor guilt. Photos enhance this quality biography as Mr. Allman apparently hides nothing while he proves to be more than just a Ramblin’ Man as he lays out his life, regrets and all.



Harriet Klausner

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