Melissa

The Zoo Crew is spinning the sweet, soulful vibes of Melissa by The Allman Brothers Band from their iconic 1972 album Eat a Peach, and Zoo Freaks, this one’s got a story that’ll tug at your heartstrings. Written by Gregg Allman in 1967, the song was inspired by a serendipitous moment in Pensacola, Florida. Gregg, struggling to find a name for his melody, overheard a woman in a grocery store calling out, “Melissa! Melissa, come back!” He rushed home, forgetting half his groceries, and finished the song in a burst of inspiration. In a 2013 American Songwriter interview, Gregg recalled how he kept the song under wraps for a year, unsure of its worth after writing “so many bad ones.” His brother Duane, however, loved it, often asking Gregg to play “that song about that girl” late at night, making it a personal favorite.

The version of Melissa on Eat a Peach carries a heavier emotional weight, recorded as a tribute to Duane Allman, who tragically died in a motorcycle accident in October 1971, just six weeks before the track was laid down at Criteria Studios in Miami. Gregg performed it at Duane’s funeral, playing one of his brother’s old guitars, a moment he later said “didn’t sit right” but was deeply meaningful. The song’s publishing rights had been sold to producer Steve Alaimo for $250 so Gregg could afford a plane ticket, but manager Phil Walden bought them back to include it on the album. Guitarist Dickey Betts stepped up to craft the song’s iconic slide guitar line, echoing Duane’s style so closely that many mistake it for his playing. Though it only peaked at #65 on the Billboard Hot 100, Melissa has endured as a classic rock radio staple, its lyrics hinting at the restless life of a touring musician.

The Allman Brothers Band was born in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1969, founded by brothers Duane and Gregg Allman, alongside Dickey Betts, Berry Oakley, Butch Trucks, and Jai Johanny “Jaimoe” Johanson. The band’s roots trace back to the brothers’ earlier ventures, like The Allman Joys and Hour Glass, but it was their shared vision of blending blues, jazz, country, and rock that set them apart. Duane, a prodigious slide guitarist who’d honed his chops as a session player at Muscle Shoals, was the driving force, recruiting a lineup that could match his improvisational fire. Their early years were tough, with modest sales for their first two albums, The Allman Brothers Band (1969) and Idlewild South (1970), but their relentless touring and electrifying live shows built a cult following. The 1971 live album At Fillmore East was their breakthrough, showcasing their jam-band prowess and earning gold status, setting the stage for Eat a Peach.

Stay connected with The Allman Brothers Band through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where fans share memories and updates. Zoo Freaks can also dive into fan communities like the Allman Brothers Band Fan Club on Facebook, a vibrant group for trading stories and rare tracks. For deeper dives, check out fan sites like allmanbrothers.com (not to be confused with the official site) or duaneallman.info, dedicated to Skydog’s legacy. These platforms keep the spirit of the band’s music alive, perfect for any Zoo Freak looking to groove with fellow fans.