Straight From The Heart

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Straight From The Heart" by Gregg Allman from his debut solo album Laid Back, but it’s worth noting that this song is not actually on that album. The Zoo Freaks might be thinking of a different track or perhaps confusing it with another Allman Brothers Band song from their 1981 album Brothers of the Road. That "Straight from the Heart," written by guitarist Dickey Betts and Nashville songwriter Johnny Cobb, was a deliberate attempt to craft a hit single after the band signed with Arista Records in 1980. The band’s label, pushed by founder Clive Davis, urged them to modernize their sound, resulting in a polished, radio-friendly track that peaked at number 39 on the Billboard Hot 100, their first top 40 hit since their peak years. However, Gregg Allman and other band members later called it an “embarrassing” experiment, feeling it strayed too far from their Southern rock roots. The song also reached number 11 on Billboard’s Rock Top Tracks chart, showing it still resonated with some fans despite the band’s reservations.

Interestingly, there’s no direct quote or interview from Gregg Allman specifically about this "Straight from the Heart," likely because it wasn’t his composition and didn’t appear on his solo work like Laid Back. However, Allman’s approach to music during the Laid Back era offers context. In his 2012 memoir My Cross to Bear, he described his songwriting as a patient process, letting inspiration come naturally rather than forcing it, a lesson he learned from singer-songwriter John D. Loudermilk. He said, “[Loudermilk] taught me to let the song come to me, not to force it, not to put down a word just because it might rhyme or fit. He taught me to let the feeling come from your heart and go to your head.” This philosophy shaped Laid Back, which included soulful tracks like “Queen of Hearts” and a reimagined “Midnight Rider,” but it’s likely why Allman didn’t connect as deeply with the more commercial “Straight from the Heart” from the Allman Brothers’ later catalog. On social media, Allman once shared his love for Laid Back, posting on X in 2016: “Laid Back is my first solo record, my first baby. It’s still my favorite to this day.”

Gregg Allman’s journey to stardom began in Nashville, Tennessee, where he was born on December 8, 1947. Growing up with his brother Duane, Allman was drawn to rhythm and blues, influenced by late-night radio stations like WLAC, where he discovered artists like Muddy Waters. The brothers’ passion for music led them to form their first band, the Allman Joys, in the mid-1960s in Daytona Beach, Florida. They honed their craft through relentless performances, with Gregg missing his high school graduation to play a gig. The Allman Joys evolved into the Hour Glass, recording two albums for Liberty Records that flopped commercially. Frustrated, Duane moved to Muscle Shoals, Alabama, becoming a sought-after session guitarist, while Gregg stayed in Los Angeles under contract. In 1969, the brothers reunited to form the Allman Brothers Band in Jacksonville, Florida, blending blues, rock, jazz, and country. Their 1971 live album At Fillmore East catapulted them to fame, though tragedy struck when Duane died in a motorcycle crash later that year. Gregg continued leading the band and launched his solo career with Laid Back in 1973, cementing his legacy as a soulful vocalist and songwriter.

Fans can connect with Gregg Allman’s legacy through his official website, which celebrates his music and contributions to the Allman Brothers Band. His official Facebook page and Instagram account share updates on his discography and tributes, while the X account remains a source for fan engagement, though less active since his passing in 2017. The Allman Brothers Band’s official website also provides a wealth of history and merchandise. For fan communities, the Allman Brothers Band Fans Facebook group is a vibrant space where Zoo Freaks and others share memories, rare photos, and concert stories. Another fan hub, the Allman Brothers subreddit, offers discussions on Gregg’s solo work and the band’s legacy. These platforms keep the spirit of Allman’s music alive, perfect for any Zoo Crew listener tuning in.