In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed

The Zoo Crew is spinning the mesmerizing instrumental "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed" by The Allman Brothers Band from their 1970 album Idlewild South, and Zoo Freaks, get ready for some juicy trivia about this iconic track! Written by guitarist Dickey Betts, the song’s title was inspired by a headstone he spotted for Elizabeth Jones Reed Napier (born November 9, 1845, died 1935) in Macon, Georgia’s Rose Hill Cemetery, a frequent hangout spot for the band to write and relax. However, the song wasn’t about Napier herself but a woman Betts was romantically involved with—Boz Scaggs’ girlfriend, described by Betts as “Hispanic and somewhat dark and mysterious,” who “played it to the hilt.” To conceal her identity, Betts borrowed the cemetery name, a clever move that sparked wild legends, including a tongue-in-cheek claim by Duane Allman in a Rolling Stone interview that Betts wrote it after a risqué encounter in the graveyard. Betts later debunked this, but the story added to the song’s mystique. The track, a jazz-infused rock instrumental influenced by Miles Davis’ “All Blues,” was the band’s first original instrumental and a live staple, often stretching to half an hour in concerts, with its definitive version on 1971’s At Fillmore East, which Rolling Stone called “transcendent.”

Another fascinating tidbit comes from Betts himself, who shared at a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame presentation that he wrote the song for this woman but used the headstone’s name to avoid outing her, confirming the affair took place in the cemetery. Social media posts on X have fueled the song’s lore, with user @dvesean noting in April 2024 that Betts wrote it “while tripping in Oak Hill Cemetery” in Macon, though this may blend fact with exaggeration. The song’s structure, built on A Dorian mode with intricate guitar harmonies, showcases Betts’ growing confidence as a composer, as drummer Jaimoe recalled Betts perfecting it before presenting it to the band. Its recording for Idlewild South was a milestone, captured live in the studio with all members playing together, a testament to their chemistry despite a hectic touring schedule and Duane Allman’s side gigs as a session musician.

The Allman Brothers Band formed in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1969, a fusion of talent and Southern grit that redefined rock music. Brothers Duane Allman (lead and slide guitar) and Gregg Allman (vocals, organ) were the heart of the group, joined by Dickey Betts (lead guitar), Berry Oakley (bass), and drummers Butch Trucks and Jai Johanny Johanson (Jaimoe). Duane, already a respected session guitarist at Muscle Shoals, had a vision for a band blending blues, jazz, R&B, and rock. After playing in various outfits like the Allman Joys and Hour Glass, the brothers assembled the group, named after themselves, and relocated to Macon, Georgia. Their early days were marked by relentless jamming at their “Idlewild South” cabin—a rustic retreat named after a local airport—and gigs that honed their improvisational style. Their 1969 self-titled debut earned critical praise but modest sales, setting the stage for Idlewild South’s bolder sound, produced by Tom Dowd. The band’s breakthrough came with At Fillmore East, cementing their legacy as Southern rock pioneers with a twin-lead guitar sound that influenced generations.

Though the band faced tragedy with Duane Allman’s death in 1971 and Oakley’s in 1972, they persevered, with Betts taking a larger role until their final disbandment in 2014. Fans can dive deeper into their legacy at the official website, allmanbrothersband.com, which offers discography and merchandise links. Connect with the community on their Facebook page, follow updates on Instagram, or join discussions on X via the handle @allmanbrothers. For fan-driven content, check out Long Live the ABB, a site exploring the band’s history and culture, or join the Georgia Allman Brothers Band Association on Facebook, a hub for events like GABBAFEST in Macon. Another fan gem is DuaneAllman.info, archiving rare details like Idlewild South track sheets. Zoo Freaks, keep the vibe alive and let “Elizabeth Reed” take you on its sonic journey!