Come and Go Blues (1981 In Studio / Wildcard Remaster)

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin the soulful sounds of Gregg Allman's "Come and Go Blues (1981 In Studio / Wildcard Remaster)" from the 1981 Tour Rehearsal album! This track, a classic from the Allman Brothers Band repertoire, carries the heartache and wisdom of a man who's lived the blues. One juicy tidbit comes from a 1997 interview with music journalist Alan Paul, where Gregg shared a memorable moment after a solo gig at Chicago's Hard Rock Cafe. At 2 a.m., with his wife and dogs asleep in the hotel room, Gregg tuned a guitar, slipped on metal fingerpicks, and taught Paul the finger-picked riff for "Come and Go Blues," inspired by folk legend Tim Buckley. He even jokingly asked for a quarter to round off the guitar's string ends, saying, "You trying to take my eye?" This intimate exchange revealed Gregg's relaxed, open side and his deep connection to the song's acoustic roots.

Another story tied to "Come and Go Blues" highlights its place in the Allman Brothers' legacy. Originally released on the 1973 album Brothers and Sisters, which sold over 5 million copies, the song showcased Gregg's ability to blend folk, blues, and rock. A fan's cover of the acoustic version, shared on the Allman Brothers Band website in 2022, sparked praise for capturing Gregg's spirit, with one commenter noting the vocal resemblance and suggesting the performer join a tribute band. The song's raw emotion, with lyrics like "Lord, you got those come and go blues," reflects Gregg's personal struggles, from heartbreak to loss, making it a fan favorite. Posts on X, like one from @bluezharp in 2021, celebrate rare footage of Gregg playing guitar on this track during a 1981 Letterman performance, a testament to his multi-instrumental talent.

Gregg Allman's journey to becoming a Southern rock icon began in Nashville, Tennessee, where he was born on December 8, 1947. After losing his father to a murder when he was two, Gregg and his older brother Duane moved with their mother to Daytona Beach, Florida, in 1959. Music became their refuge, with the brothers diving into rhythm and blues, inspired by artists like B.B. King, James Brown, and Howlin' Wolf. Gregg's early exposure to Black musicians, including friend Floyd Miles, shaped his soulful style. In their teens, the Allman brothers jammed at local R&B clubs, honing their craft. By 1967, they formed the band Hour Glass in Los Angeles, but it was in 1969, after moving to Macon, Georgia, that they founded the Allman Brothers Band with Duane on slide guitar, Dickey Betts on guitar, Berry Oakley on bass, and drummers Butch Trucks and Jaimoe Johanson. Their debut album in 1969 fused blues, jazz, and country, but it was the 1971 live album At Fillmore East that skyrocketed them to fame, cementing Gregg's voice and songwriting as the band's heart.

Despite personal tragedies, including Duane's death in a 1971 motorcycle crash, Gregg's songwriting produced hits like "Whipping Post," "Midnight Rider," and "Melissa." His solo career kicked off with the 1973 album Laid Back, and he continued to tour and record, even through battles with addiction and health issues. Fans can connect with his legacy on Gregg Allman’s official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. For deeper dives, check out the Allman Brothers Band website, where fans share stories and covers, or join the Allman Brothers Band Peach Corps on Facebook, a vibrant community of devotees. You can also explore Still Got The Blues Music for more fan-driven content celebrating Gregg’s timeless sound.