Magnolia Road

The Zoo Crew is grooving to the soulful vibes of Magnolia Road by The Allman Betts Band, a track from their 2020 album Bless Your Heart, and the Zoo Freaks are surely digging it. This song stands out as a semi-autobiographical gem, penned solely by collaborator Stoll Vaughan, who wove personal details from the lives of Devon Allman and Duane Betts into the lyrics. Ironically, despite its deeply personal references, neither Allman nor Betts contributed to the songwriting. Vaughan’s lyrical craft captures their stories with vivid imagery, earning praise from Devon Allman, who noted in an American Songwriter interview that Vaughan gets “lots of mileage out of one simple line,” likening his efficiency to a bank robber stashing cash. Duane Betts added that the song’s infectious chorus is one they “sing for days,” making it a tie-dyed contender for summer festival favorite with its nod to the sounds of The Band and the Grateful Dead.

Musically, Magnolia Road blends southern rock with a soulful edge, featuring a dazzling slide guitar riff that gives it a vintage feel. The band described it as evoking the raw energy of their influences, including a healthy dose of their fathers’ legacy in The Allman Brothers Band, as shared in a Music Fest News post about the song’s animated music video. Released on June 19, 2020, the video, animated by scubasteveart, features a yellow submarine helicopter and cars lined up for miles, capturing the band rocking out in a whimsical, concert-bound journey. The band premiered the video on their YouTube channel, where Devon and Duane chatted live with fans, amplifying the Zoo Freaks’ excitement for this soul-stirring track.

The Allman Betts Band formed in 2018, born from a shared musical heritage and lifelong friendship among its members, particularly Devon Allman, Duane Betts, and Berry Duane Oakley, sons of Allman Brothers Band legends Gregg Allman, Dickey Betts, and Berry Oakley. The band’s origin story traces back to their childhoods, growing up around the Allman Brothers’ music but determined to carve their own path. Devon Allman, already a seasoned musician from his work with Royal Southern Brotherhood, and Duane Betts, who had been honing his guitar skills in various projects, decided to unite their talents after years of informal jams. Their debut album, Down to the River (2019), marked the first time the seven-piece ensemble—rounded out by Johnny Stachela (guitar), John Ginty (keyboards), R Scott Bryan (percussion), and John Lum (drums)—played together, igniting a creative spark that led to the expansive Bless Your Heart.

The band’s formation wasn’t about riding their fathers’ coattails but about creating something fresh, rooted in southern rock, blues, and Americana. As Devon Allman told JamBase, the goal was to deliver “a deeper experience,” while Duane emphasized pushing artistic boundaries. Their music, recorded live on 2-inch tape at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, reflects a raw, authentic energy that resonates with Zoo Freaks who crave that classic rock spirit with a modern twist. The band’s chemistry, forged through road-forged camaraderie, shines through in their dynamic live performances, which have earned them a dedicated following.

For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, connect with The Allman Betts Band on their official website, where you can find tour dates, merch, and updates. Follow their vibe on Facebook, Instagram, and X for behind-the-scenes posts and fan interactions. Fans can also join the community on The Allman Betts Band Fan Group on Facebook, a lively space for sharing concert stories and celebrating the band’s music. While no official fan websites stand out, the band’s social media presence keeps the Zoo Crew and their freaky fans in the loop, spinning those southern soul records all night long.