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

The Zoo Crew is spinning the soulful sounds of Gregg Allman's "Come and Go Blues (1981 In Studio / Wildcard Remaster)" for all the Zoo Freaks tuning in. This track, a heartfelt blues-rock gem, carries the raw emotion and vulnerability that defined Allman’s artistry. In a 1997 interview with journalist Alan Paul, Allman shared a memorable moment from a late-night Chicago hotel room session after a solo gig. At 2 a.m., with his wife and dogs asleep nearby, he demonstrated the song’s finger-picked riff on a guitar Paul brought along. Allman, in a relaxed and open mood, retuned the guitar to an open tuning, slipped on metal fingerpicks, and played the riff, explaining how he drew inspiration from folk artist Tim Buckley. He even jokingly asked for a quarter to trim loose string ends, showing his playful side.

Another layer of trivia comes from Allman’s own reflections on the song’s style. In a 1995 interview, he told Paul that he saw himself as a "folk singer with a rock and roll band," a perspective shaped by his time in Los Angeles alongside artists like Buckley, Stephen Stills, and Jackson Browne. This folk influence shines through in "Come and Go Blues," with its introspective lyrics about heartbreak and longing, like “Woman, you got those come and go blues / Yes, you do / And oh, you got me feelin’ like a fool.” The song’s open G tuning, as noted on fan sites like Hittin’ The Web with The Allman Brothers Band, adds to its distinctive, soulful vibe, making it a favorite for guitarists to tab out and play along.

Social media posts from fans also highlight the song’s enduring appeal. A 2021 post on X by user @bluezharp celebrated a 1982 performance of "Come and Go Blues" on Letterman, noting Allman’s rare guitar-playing moment, saying, “It’s rare to see him playing guitar, right? He sounds like he is playing it like a champ.” Fans on platforms like the Allman Brothers Band Family (The ABB Family) Facebook group often share clips of live performances, praising Allman’s ability to pour his life’s struggles— from losing his father as a toddler to his brother Duane’s tragic death—into the song’s aching delivery. These stories resonate deeply with Zoo Freaks who connect with the song’s raw honesty.

Gregg Allman’s journey to becoming a Southern rock and blues legend began in Nashville, Tennessee, where he was born on December 8, 1947. Raised alongside his brother Duane, Allman’s early years were marked by a passion for rhythm and blues, sparked by listening to Nashville’s WLAC radio station, which introduced him to artists like Muddy Waters and B.B. King. The brothers’ love for music grew as they spent their money on records, teaching themselves songs and honing their craft. By their teens, after moving to Daytona Beach, Florida, they were jamming in local rhythm and blues clubs with friend Floyd Miles, a Black musician who bonded with Gregg over shared experiences of being outsiders. These early jam sessions laid the foundation for their musical evolution.

The Allman brothers’ first taste of success came with their band The Escorts, which became The Allman Joys in the mid-1960s. After a summer of local gigs, they hit the road, playing venues like the Stork Club in Mobile, Alabama, for weeks at a time. Gregg’s commitment to music was so intense that he missed his high school graduation for a performance. To avoid the Vietnam War draft, he famously shot himself in the foot, a bold move that kept him focused on his musical path. In 1969, Gregg and Duane formed The Allman Brothers Band in Jacksonville, Florida, blending blues, jazz, and rock into a groundbreaking sound. Their 1971 live album, At Fillmore East, catapulted them to fame, cementing Gregg’s legacy as a soulful vocalist and songwriter behind hits like “Midnight Rider” and “Whipping Post.”

Fans can dive deeper into Allman’s world through his official channels and fan communities. His official website, greggallman.com, offers updates on his music and legacy. On social media, you can follow Gregg Allman’s Facebook page, Instagram (@officialgreggallman), and X (@GreggAllman) for tributes, throwback photos, and fan interactions. The Hittin’ The Web with The Allman Brothers Band fan site is a treasure trove of tabs, forums, and stories, while the Allman Brothers Band Family (The ABB Family) Facebook group connects fans sharing memories and rare clips. These spaces keep Allman’s spirit alive, perfect for Zoo Freaks vibing to “Come and Go Blues.”