Duane Allman

Howard Duane Allman, born on November 20, 1946, was an established household guitarist. He also coupled up as a musician and singer. His improvisational skills in guitar playing set him apart from his peers. Allman was a major contributor, leader, and founding member of the Allman Brothers Band, composed of him and his brother. We look back at the guitarist, his talent, and his legacy until this day.

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Howard Duane Allman

Nickname:

Skydog

Birth date:

November 20, 1946

Death date:

October 29, 1971 (age 24)

Zodiac Sign:

Scorpio

Height:

6' 1"

Net Worth:

$300 thousand

Background

Howard Duane Allman, born on November 20, 1946, was an established household guitarist, musician, and singer. His improvisational skills in guitar playing distinguished him from his peers. He was born in Nashville, Tennessee, the U.S. In his short 24 years of life, his impact was indeed felt. Allman only had one sibling, a brother called Gregg, who died in 2017 from liver cancer. Allman’s parents were Willis Turner Allman and Geraldine Alice. His father, Willis, was a military man who got shot and killed by a hitchhiker.

Allman was a leader and founding member of the Allman Brothers Band. He was renowned for being a major contributor to the band. Allman started playing guitar at the age of 14 years. In 1968, he began to learn to play guitar. Having mastered the art, Allman and his brother, Gregg Allman formed a band, Allman Brothers Band, in 1969. The band also released its first album, “The Allman Brothers Band,” in 1969. The year 1970 marked a season of Allman’s peak success. As an established guitarist, he performed with the likes of notable stars including Aretha Franklin, King Kurtis, Herbie Mann, Boz Scaggs, and Wilson Pickett.

Tragically, Alman’s life and career were cut short following his passing. In 1971, Allman was involved in a grisly motorcycle crash. Although he did not die an instant death, he passed away following multiple organ failures that resulted from the motorcycle crash. Notably, Allman continues to receive recognition even after his death. For his immense contribution to the Allman Brothers Band, he was introduced to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997. In 2003, “Rolling Stone” magazine ranked Allman second out of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time, only second to Jimi Hendrix.

Career timeline

1968
Learning the Slide Guitar

On his birthday, Allman begins to learn to play slide guitar.

1969
The Band is Formed

Allman and his brother, Gregg, become founding members of the Allman Brothers Band.

1970
The Season of Peak Success

The 1970s become a season when Allman attains his greatest career accomplishments.

1971
His Life is Cut Short

Allman's life and career are cut short following his death due to a motorcycle crash when he loses control.

1997
The Hall of Fame Inductee

For being a member of the Allman Brothers Band, Allman becomes a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer.

2003
The Second Greatest Guitarist

"Rolling Stone" magazine ranks Allman second out of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time — coming behind Jimi Hendrix.

Why We Love Duane Allman

  1. He was talented

    Allman was a talented guitarist. As such, he was highly sought after because of his unique skills in playing guitar.

  2. He was a self-starter

    It takes courage to establish anything. Allman, with his brother, Gregg, became a founding member of the Allman Brothers Band, showing his courage to take on a new challenge.

  3. He is in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

    Allman understood his assignment as a guitarist. The world adjusted to his talent and contribution to the music industry and in 1995 he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

5 Surprising Facts

  1. He dropped out of school

    Allman dropped out of school to concentrate on playing guitar.

  2. He died of multiple organ failure

    Allman sustained severe injuries following a motorcycle crash and he later died of multiple organ failures.

  3. He was sick when he learned guitar

    Allman used his medicine bottle to start playing his guitar.

  4. His brother was a famous guitarist too

    Allman's brother, Gregg, was also a renowned guitarist.

  5. He has a daughter

    Allman left behind a daughter called Galadrielle Allman.

Duane Allman FAQs

How did Duane Allman learn guitar?

His younger brother, Gregg, got a guitar on Christmas and taught Allman how to play.

Why is Duane Allman called SkyDog?

The nickname ‘SkyDog’ came from a blending of two of his previous nicknames.

Where is Duane Allman's grave?

Allman’s grave is located at the Rose Hill Cemetery in Macon, Georgia, U.S.

Duane Allman’s birthday dates

YearDateDay
2024November 20Wednesday
2025November 20Thursday
2026November 20Friday
2027November 20Saturday
2028November 20Monday

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