The Allman Brothers Band created a gritty mixture of blues, rock and R & B that has come to be known as “southern rock.” Just as they were the prototype for a generation of groups who grabbed onto the sound, Duane Allman became the standard for all southern rock guitarists.

With his Les Paul, Marshall Amps and pill bottle slide, Duane developed a tone to his playing that others continue to emulate. His technique is so highly regarded that Rolling Stone placed him at number two on their list of all-time great guitarists behind only Jimi Hendrix.

A self-taught musician, Duane honed his craft in countless recording sessions backing a variety of artists including Wilson Pickett, Aretha Franklin and King Curtis. The Allman’s became famous for their long jams onstage with Duane’s guitar as the centerpiece. His work on the band’s live version of Blind Willie McTell’s “Statesboro Blues” and Derek and the Dominoes’ “Layla” remain the best examples of his smooth slide-playing style.

Duane Allman was one month shy of his 26th birthday when he died in a motorcycle accident in Macon, Georgia. Like Hendrix, his death left fans wondering where his great talent would have eventually taken him.