Exclusive Portrait: Gregg Allman For His New Book ‘My Cross to Bear’

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CHICAGO – Gregg Allman has seen his share of rock and roll sorrow. As an integral part of The Allman Brothers Band, he oversaw the hits – “At Fillmore East” is considered one of the best rock albums ever – and tragedy. Shortly after that album was release in 1971, his brother Duane was killed in a motorcycle accident. The ups and downs from there is chronicled in Gregg Allman’s new book, “My Cross to Bear.”

The Allman Brothers Band was formed in Macon, Georgia, with the brothers Duane and Gregg at the helm, supported by Dickey Betts, among other personnel over the years. The band did carry on after Duane’s death, releasing “Eat a Peach” the next year, with the classic songs “Blue Sky,” “Ain’t Wastin’ Time No More” and “Melissa.”

Gregg Allman made headlines in the mid-1970s, when he wed Cher. The marriage lasted through four tumultuous years, including a notorious drug arrest in 1976. Allman’s solo career has been intermittent over the years, as he has gone out with his own bands and various reformations of The Allman Brothers Band. He charted again in 1987 with the descriptive song “I’m No Angel.” His new book was released last month, entitled “My Cross to Bear.” Joe Arce of HollywoodChicago.com captured this Exclusive Portrait while Allman signed his book at the Buddy Guy’s Legends nightclub in Chicago.

Gregg Allman at Buddy Guy’s Legends, Chicago, May 12th, 2012 Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

By PATRICK McDONALD Senior Staff Writer HollywoodChicago.com pat@hollywoodchicago.com