Angeline

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as they spin "Angeline" by the Allman Brothers Band from their 1980 album Hell & High Water. This track, penned by Dickey Betts, Mike Lawler, and Johnny Cobb, captures a rock 'n' roll vibe with its tale of a glamorous yet tough woman chasing fame. The song’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of Angeline, “ridin’ in a long gray limousine” and “struttin’ in New York City,” but warn of her mean streak and inevitable downfall. Fans on the band’s official site note that the lyrics, while fan-contributed, reflect the gritty storytelling the Allman Brothers were known for, even in their slicker Arista years. Interestingly, some listeners on Amazon reviews compare "Angeline" to the band’s classic sound, with its strong drumming standing out despite criticism of the album’s pop-leaning production.

The Arista era, including Hell & High Water, was a challenging time for the Allman Brothers, as the label pushed them toward a more mainstream sound, likened by critics to the Doobie Brothers. Reviews on Americana UK highlight that "Angeline" carries a flat arrangement and simpler lyrics, with some calling it more akin to Lynyrd Skynyrd than the band’s jazz-infused Southern rock roots. Yet, the song’s driving rhythm and relatable narrative of fleeting fame still resonate with diehard fans. A Discogs entry for the album notes its mixed reception, but "Angeline" is often cited as a track that echoes the band’s earlier energy, making it a favorite for the Zoo Crew to spin for their eclectic audience.

The Allman Brothers Band began in 1969 in Jacksonville, Florida, when brothers Duane and Gregg Allman teamed up with Dickey Betts, Berry Oakley, Butch Trucks, and Jai Johanny “Jaimoe” Johanson. Duane, a skilled slide guitarist, had already made waves as a session player at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, backing artists like Aretha Franklin and Wilson Pickett. His work on Pickett’s cover of “Hey Jude” caught the ear of Eric Clapton, later leading to Duane’s contribution to Derek and the Dominos’ Layla. Gregg, with his soulful vocals and keyboard prowess, brought songwriting depth, while the dual guitarists and drummers created a unique sound blending blues, jazz, country, and Southern rock. After moving to Macon, Georgia, the band signed with Capricorn Records and lived communally at the “Hippie Crash Pad,” a hub of creativity and chaos where their chemistry solidified.

Their early albums, The Allman Brothers Band (1969) and Idlewild South (1970), built a cult following, but it was the 1971 live album At Fillmore East that catapulted them to fame with epic jams like “Whipping Post.” Tragically, Duane died in a motorcycle accident later that year, followed by bassist Oakley’s similar fate in 1972. Despite these losses, the band persevered, releasing classics like Eat a Peach and earning a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995. Their journey from Macon’s dive bars to global stages embodies the grit and soul that Zoo Freaks love. Connect with the band’s legacy on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X.

Fans can dive deeper into the Allman Brothers’ world through vibrant online communities. The Hittin’ The Web fan site, run by the band’s team, offers news, forums, and a sense of family under the motto “Where Music Plus Friends Equals Family.” For Zoo Freaks looking to join the conversation, the Allman Brothers Band Fan Club on Facebook is a lively group where fans share memories, rare photos, and tour stories. Another gem is the Big House Museum page, dedicated to the Macon house where the band lived and created in their early days, now a museum packed with memorabilia. These spaces keep the Allman Brothers’ spirit alive, perfect for any Zoo Crew listener vibing to “Angeline.”