The Gregg Allman autobiography My Cross to Bear is a phenomenal read for classic rock fans. Gregg rolls back through childhood hardship that included the murder of his father, poverty, military school, and lonely desperation. A neighbor kid with a guitar started Gregg’s move to music, and along with it came enough drugs and sex to overwhelm an army.

Just as the Allman Brothers band hits nationwide acclaim, Gregg’s brother Duane is killed in a motorcycle accident. Artistic battles with bandmate Dickie Betts and others took a toll, but the Midnight Rider eventually rides on.

Gregg Allman is in his 7th marriage, second liver, and who knows how many successful dodges of death. The pain is evident in the soulful strains of Gregg Allman’s voice.

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