Allman, Widespread Panic headline Wanee Music Festival

   It's still three and a half months away and a couple of hundred miles away, but the 2015 Wanee Music Festival is worth getting excited about.
   The 11th annual festival is set for April 16-18 in Live Oak. The lineup that's been announced so far includes three former members of the Allman Brothers Band, all playing separately with their own groups: Gregg Allman, Jaimoe’s Jasssz Band and Butch Trucks & Very Special Friends.

Gregg Allman

   Widespread Panic is the nominal headliner, but there are tons of great acts and big names, including Cheap Trick, Earth, Wind & Fire, Gov't Mule, JJ Grey & Mofro, Hot Tuna, Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk and supergroup the Word, which includes Robert Randolph, John Medseki and Luther DIckinson.
   Also slated to appear are Oteil & Friends, Galactic, Zappa Plays Zappa, Leftover Salmon featuring Bill Payne (of Little Feat), Yonder Mountain String Band, Rich Robinson of the Black Crowes, Raw Oyster Cult,  Dragon Smoke, the Revivalists, Home At Last, The Nth Power Performs Steely Dan, Tea Leaf Green, Bobby Lee Rogers Trio, Pink Talking Fish, Eric Lindell & Company, Royal Southern Brotherhood, Twiddle, Natural Child, Jacob Jeffries Band and Juke.
   The festival is in Suwannee Music Park, which is a gorgeous place for music festival.
   Advance tickets are on sale now, and if you're sure you want to go you might want to get tickets soon. Three-day tickets are $195 plus "applicable fees" but the price will go up later. Tickets include three nights of primitive camping and music from 12:30 p.m. on Thursday and full days of music on Friday and Saturday.
   VIP tickets are $499 (again plus applicable fees) and include a whole lot of extra stuff, including catered meals and  access to private restrooms.
   For tickets and more information, go to waneefestival.com.  

Gregg Allman biopic starring William Hurt derailed

   Last week, in Savannah, Ga., a train crashed into a movie production crew and its equipment, killing one of the crew members and injuring seven others.
   The film was a biopic called "Midnight Rider," and it was supposed to star William Hurt as former Manatee County resident Gregg Allman.

Gregg Allman

   On Thursday, the Savannah Film Office announced the the filmmakers were "shutting down production of the film."
    Filming had just begun when the crew members were struck Feb. 20.
   Investigators say the crew was on the tracks without the railroad's permission. The crew was filming on a bridge and second camera assistant Sarah Jones could not escape when when the train barreled into the set.
   There's no word yet on whether the filmmakers will resume the project later.
   Tyson Ritter of the All-American Rejects was set to play young Gregg Allman in the film. The cast also included Eliza Dushku, Bradley Whitford and Wyatt Russell, the son of Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn, as Duane Allman.

Stars of rock and blues honor Allman

    Just two days after Gregg Allman comes to town for his concert at Sarasota's Sailor Circus Arena, some of the

Gregg Allman

biggest names in rock, pop, blues and country will pay tribute to him in Atlanta.
    "All My Friends: Celebrating the Songs & Voice of Gregg Allman" is scheduled for held Jan. 10 at Atlanta's Fox Theatre. Plans call for the concert to be filmed, so if you can't make it to Atlanta you can see the film sometime down the line.
    It should be worth seeing. The lineup confirmed so far includes the Allman Brothers Band, Sam Moore (of Sam and Dave), Taj Mahal, Warren Haynes, Natalie Cole, Jackson Browne, John Hiatt, Pat Monahan of Train, Martina McBride, Trace Adkins, Don Was, John Hiatt and Eric Church and several others have signed on to pay tribute in concert to Gregg Allman early next year. 
    Tickets go on sale Nov. 1 at the Fox Theatre box office. 
    But there's no need to drive 500 miles to catch of evening of Allman tunes. On Jan. 8, Gregg Allman himself, who of course used to live in Manatee County, will play a concert at the Sailor Circus Arena in Sarasota. Tickets for that show are already on sale. In fact, the word is they're going fast. Stop by the  Sailor Circus Arena box office, 2075 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota, call 941-355-9805 or go to www.circussarasota.org.
   And if you're a lover of all things Allman, you might want to check out Michael Allman, Gregg's son who lives in Pinellas County, this weekend. He's headlining the the Cortez Stone Crab Festival, 10a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday in the area around N.E. Taylor Boat Works, 4628 119th St W. 119th St. W.,Cortez. The festival's free and has lots of other bands playing too.
    

Gregg Allman Sarasota tickets on sale Sept. 6

   Tickets for Gregg Allman's upcoming concert in Sarasota will go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 6.
   Allman, the legendary Southern rock pioneer and former Manatee County resident, will appear at the Sailor Circus at 7 p.m. Jan. 8. Tickets are $100, $45 and $35, plus a $1 service charge.

Gregg Allman

   The venue only holds a couple of thousand people, and promoter Barbara Strauss said demand has been high even before the tickets are on sale. So if you want to go, you probably shouldn't wait too long.
    "I've sold $7,000 in tickets to my friends," she said. "It's a party every time he comes town."
   There will be an opening act or two, but they haven't been announced yet.
   You'll be able to get tickets by calling 941-355-9805, by visiting www.circussarasota.org or by going to the Sailor Circus box office. The Sailor Circus, which is part of Circus Sarasota, is at 2075 Bahia Vista Street, Sarasota.

Gregg Allman to play Sarasota Jan. 8

   Southern rock pioneer, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member and former Manatee County resident Gregg Allman will perform in concert Jan. 8 at Sailor Circus in Sarasota.
   There aren't a whole lot of details available at this point, and there's no word on when tickets will go one sale. But they'll run you $100, $45 or $35.
   Allman's career has had its share of peaks and valleys since those legendary Allman Brothers Band albums of the '60s and '70s, and right now he's on a peak. His most recent album, "Low Country Blues," is one of the most celebrated of his career. His voice is in fine form and he's got a great band working with him.
   Information about when and where to get tickets should be available soon. We'll keep you posted.
  

Allman Brothers' "Brothers and Sisters" is reissued

   It's been 40 years since the Allman Brothers Band released "Brothers and Sisters," its first album after the death of Duane Allman.
  No one was sure how well the album, or the band, would fare without one of its two acclaimed guitarists, but with Dickey Betts, now a Sarasota resident, at the guitar helm "Brothers and Sisters" went platinum and became the most successful album the band had released up to that time.
   Now Universal Music Enterprises is reissuing the classic album -- which includes Allman standards "Ramblin' Man," "Jessica" and "Wasted Words" -- in several formats. There's the remastered album on CD and vinyl, plus two-CD and four-CD box sets that include rehearsals, jams, outtakes and (on the four-CD set) a live performance from September 1973.
   The live recording -- which takes up two discs -- includes previously unavailable versions of “Done Somebody Wrong,” “Stormy Monday,” “Midnight Rider,” “Statesboro Blues,” “You Don’t Love Me,” “Les Brers in A Minor,” “Blue Sky,” “Trouble No More” and “Whipping Post.” 
   All versions of the reissue will be available June 25.
  

Duane Allman box set 'Skydog' set for release

A seven-CD Duane Allman collection has been announced and it's easily the greatest document of the guitar hero's amazing career.

On March 12, Rounder Records will issue "Skydog - The Duane Allman Retrospective," produced by Duane's daughter Galadrielle Allman and Grammy Award-winning producer Bill Levenson.

The set ranges from Duane's early recordings with former Bradenton resident Gregg Allman in bands such as The Escorts, Allman Joys and Hour Glass to his studio work with Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, Boz Scaggs, Delaney & Bonnie, Ronnie Hawkins and many others including a live jam session with the Grateful Dead.

The 129-song set includes several unreleased performances, many classic Allman Brothers songs,  rare singles and long out-of-print album tracks. It also included a 72-page book with essays by Scott Schindler and Galadrielle Allman, many rare photographs, a replica of Duane's guitar pick, and a Skydog sticker.

 Disc One
1 THE ESCORTS Turn On Your Love Light 2:33
2 THE ESCORTS No Name Instrumental 3:13
3 THE ESCORTS What’d I Say 4:04
4 THE ALLMAN JOYS Spoonful 2:27
5 THE ALLMAN JOYS Gotta Get Away 2:38
6 THE ALLMAN JOYS Shapes Of Things 2:47
7 THE ALLMAN JOYS Crossroads 3:32
8 THE ALLMAN JOYS Mister, You’re A Better Man Than I 4:45
9 THE ALLMAN JOYS Lost Woman 5:23
10 HOUR GLASS Cast Off All My Fears 3:31
11 HOUR GLASS I’ve Been Trying 2:39
12 HOUR GLASS Nothing But Tears 2:29
13 HOUR GLASS Power Of Love 2:51
14 HOUR GLASS Down In Texas 3:08
15 HOUR GLASS Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown) 3:01
16 HOUR GLASS B.B. King Medley 7:07
17 HOUR GLASS Been Gone Too Long 3:03
18 HOUR GLASS Ain’t No Good To Cry 3:08
19 31ST OF FEBRUARY Morning Dew 3:46
20 31ST OF FEBRUARY Melissa 3:12
21 THE BLEUS Milk And Honey 2:34
22 THE BLEUS Leavin’ Lisa 2:43
23 THE BLEUS Julianna’s Gone 2:59

Disc Two
1 CLARENCE CARTER The Road Of Love 2:54
2 CLARENCE CARTER Light My Fire 2:49
3 WILSON PICKETT Hey Jude 4:06
4 WILSON PICKETT Toe Hold 2:49
5 WILSON PICKETT My Own Style Of Loving 2:41
6 WILSON PICKETT Born to Be Wild 2:45
7 LAURA LEE It’s How You Make It Good 2:32
8 LAURA LEE It Ain’t What You Do (But How You Do It) 2:05
9 SPENCER WIGGINS I Never Loved A Woman (The Way I Love You) 3:01
10 ARTHUR CONLEY Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da 3:00
11 ARTHUR CONLEY Stuff You Gotta Watch 2:15
12 ARTHUR CONLEY Speak Her Name 2:39
13 ARTHUR CONLEY That Can't Be My Baby 2:22
14 WILLIE WALKER A Lucky Loser 2:20
15 THE LOVELLES I'm Coming Today 2:59
16 THE LOVELLES Pretending Dear 2:38
17 ARETHA FRANKLIN The Weight 2:53
18 ARETHA FRANKLIN It Ain't Fair 3:22
19 SOUL SURVIVORS Darkness 2:56
20 SOUL SURVIVORS Tell Daddy 2:30
21 SOUL SURVIVORS Got Down On Saturday 3:10
22 KING CURTIS Hey Joe 2:56
23 KING CURTIS Foot Pattin' 4:49
24 KING CURTIS Games People Play 2:46
25 KING CURTIS The Weight 2:47
26 THE SWEET INSPIRATIONS Get A Little Order 2:06

Disc Three
1 THE BARRY GOLDBERG BLUES BAND Twice A Man 4:26
2 DUANE ALLMAN Goin' Down Slow 8:44
3 DUANE ALLMAN No Money Down 3:25
4 DUANE ALLMAN Happily Married Man 2:40
5 OTIS RUSH Me 2:55
6 OTIS RUSH Reap What You Sow 4:53
7 OTIS RUSH It Takes Time 3:25
8 THE DUCK & THE BEAR Going Up The Country 2:34
9 THE DUCK & THE BEAR Hand Jive 2:41
10 BOZ SCAGGS Finding Her 4:10
11 BOZ SCAGGS Look What I Got 4:13
12 BOZ SCAGGS Waiting For A Train 2:41
13 BOZ SCAGGS Loan Me A Dime 13:01
14 THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND Don't Want You No More 2:26
15 THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND It's Not My Cross To Bear 5:01
16 THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND Black Hearted Woman 5:07
17 THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND Trouble No More 3:45

Disc Four
1 THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND Every Hungry Woman 4:13
2 THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND Dreams 7:16
3 THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND Whipping Post 5:16
4 RONNIE HAWKINS One More Night 2:22
5 RONNIE HAWKINS Will The Circle Be Unbroken 2:50
6 RONNIE HAWKINS Matchbox 3:05
7 RONNIE HAWKINS Down In The Alley 5:08
8 RONNIE HAWKINS Who Do You Love 2:13
9 LULU Marley Purt Drive 3:21
10 LULU Dirty Old Man 2:20
11 LULU Mr. Bojangles 3:08
12 LULU Sweep Around Your Own Back Door 2:40
13 JOHNNY JENKINS I Walk On Gilded Splinters 5:16
14 JOHNNY JENKINS Rollin’ Stone 4:56
15 JOHNNY JENKINS Down Along The Cove 3:02
16 JOHNNY JENKINS Voodoo In You 4:50
17 JOHN HAMMOND Shake For Me 2:42
18 JOHN HAMMOND Cryin’ For My Baby 2:39
19 JOHN HAMMOND I’m Leavin’ You 3:20
20 JOHN HAMMOND You’ll Be Mine 2:42
21 DORIS DUKE Ghost Of Myself 3:06

Disc Five
1 ERIC QUINCY TATE Comin’ Down (demo version) 2:52
2 THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND Hoochie Coochie Man (live) 5:00
3 THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND Midnight Rider 2:58
4 THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND Dimples (live) 4:59
5 THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND I'm Gonna Move To The Outskirts Of Town (live) 9:21
6 DELANEY & BONNIE & FRIENDS Soul Shake 3:06
7 LAURA NYRO Beads Of Sweat 4:47
8 THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND Don’t Keep Me Wonderin’ 3:28
9 DELANEY & BONNIE & FRIENDS Living On The Open Road 3:03
10 ELLA BROWN A Woman Left Lonely 3:23
11 ELLA BROWN Touch Me 2:59
12 BOBBY LANCE More Than Enough Rain 5:51
13 DEREK & THE DOMINOS I Am Yours 3:34
14 DEREK & THE DOMINOS Why Does Love Got To Be So Sad? 4:41
15 DEREK & THE DOMINOS Have You Ever Loved A Woman 6:52
16 DEREK & THE DOMINOS Layla 7:03
17 ERIC CLAPTON & DUANE ALLMAN Mean Old World 3:48

Disc Six
1 SAM SAMUDIO Me And Bobby McGee 3:31
2 SAM SAMUDIO Relativity 3:14
3 SAM SAMUDIO Goin' Upstairs 5:06
4 RONNIE HAWKINS Don't Tell Me Your Troubles 2:13
5 RONNIE HAWKINS Sick And Tired 2:45
6 RONNIE HAWKINS Odessa 3:19
7 DELANEY & BONNIE & FRIENDS Gift Of Love 2:09
8 DELANEY & BONNIE & FRIENDS Sing My Way Home 4:02
9 THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND Statesboro Blues (live) 4:17
10 THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed (live) 13:04
11 GRATEFUL DEAD Sugar Magnolia (live) 7:20
12 THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND One Way Out (live) 4:57
13 HERBIE MANN Push Push 10:03
14 HERBIE MANN Spirit In The Dark 7:59
15 HERBIE MANN What’d I Say 4:57

Disc Seven
1 DELANEY & BONNIE & FRIENDS Come On In My Kitchen (live) 3:42
2 DELANEY & BONNIE & FRIENDS Going Down The Road Feeling Bad (live) 4:03
3 DELANEY & BONNIE & FRIENDS Poor Elijah / Tribute To Johnson (Medley) (live) 4:54
4 THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND You Don't Love Me / Soul Serenade (live) 19:25
5 COWBOY Please Be With Me 3:41
6 THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND Stand Back 3:24
7 THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND Blue Sky 5:09
8 THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND Blue Sky (live) 11:24
9 THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND Dreams (live) 17:56
10 THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND Little Martha 2:07
You can pre-order this collection at Hittin' the Note for the sale price of $99.99.

Win copy of signed Gregg Allman autobiography out May 1

Will he name names when it came to partying in Bradenton and on Anna Maria Island?

Who really did burn down the Oar House?

What will he have to say about Dickey Betts?

Or Dan Toler?

Former Manatee County resident Gregg Allman's autobiography "My Cross to Bear," comes out May 1.

"As one of the greatest rock icons of all time, Gregg Allman has lived it all and then some," reads the publicity material. "For almost 50 years, he's been creating some of the most recognizable songs in American rock, but never before has he paused to reflect on the long road he's traveled. Now, he tells the unflinching story of his life, laying bare the unvarnished truth about his wild ride that has spanned across the years."

Interview I did with Gregg Allman for the Herald in 2006.

The book promises to set "the record straight about the band's struggles in the face of death" ... "While the rock and roll excesses of drugs, alcohol, and personality clashes led to a series of breakups that culminated with the band's permanent reunion in 1989, (Allman) fought his own battle with substance abuse, going to rehab no less than eleven times and floating through a string of failed marriages, including his tabloid-frenzied relationship with Cher, before finally cleaning up once and for all."

To reward pre-orders, the publishers have put a contest with prizes that include signed merchandise such as a copy of the book, signed posters or copies of Allman's latest solo release, the hit "Low Country Blues," and the grand prize includes two tickets to any Allman Brothers Band or Gregg Allman Band show.

http://greggallman.com/contest.html

UPDATED 4:45 p.m.: Gregg Allman vs. Dickey Betts: Ticket sale showdown on Friday (Aug. 12)

Undated photo of Betts (left) and Allman.

UPDATED 4:45 p.m.: "REVISED - GREGG ALLMAN In Concert At Ruth Eckerd Hall Saturday, January 14. Tickets go on sale Friday, Sept. 9."

Promoters weren't up for a ticket sale day showdown?
------
Few rock 'n' roll feuds are more famous than Gregg Allman vs. Dickey Betts.

On Friday at noon (Aug. 12), tickets go on sale to see the Gregg Allman Band perform with original Allman Brothers Band drummer Jaimoe's Jasssz Band at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater on Jan. 14.

That same minute, tickets go on sale to see Dickey Betts and Great Southern with Gregg's son, Devon Allman's Honeytribe, on Dec. 7 at Ferguson Hall, part of the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, in Tampa.

Incidentally, the next day is Gregg's birthday.

Yeah, the previous night's show should make for interesting father/son conversation.

Back when I interviewed Gregg and Devon in 2006, they were touring together and all seemed good in the family. Hope this doesn't mean they've had a falling out. One of the highlights of the Sarasota Blues Fest that year was witnessing Gregg invite Devon on stage for a duet of "Midnight Rider," which ended with the two men embracing.

Although I would love to see it, the chances of Gregg and Dickey hugging anytime soon, or even sharing stage space, seems about as likely as an encore performance by Elvis.

Dickey Betts/current publicity photo

The ABB founding members have not, to the best of my knowledge, spoken since 2000.

Betts was reportedly suspended via fax that spring, leading to a lawsuit and the singer/guitarist's permanent firing, or separation, depending on who you ask.

In recent years, singer/keyboardist Allman, who resides in Savanah, Ga., has brought the Allman Brothers Band and the Gregg Allman Band back to their highest standing since the mid-1970s.

Meanwhile, Sarasota resident Betts' Great Southern Group, which consists of mostly local residents who regularly can be seen performing across Manatee and Sarasota counties in their respective solo groups, also continues to elate audiences with fiery live performances.

Gregg Allman/current publicity photo

The Gregg Allman Band will be performing songs from his new, commercially and critically successful solo album "Low Country Blues." Gregg's solo performance also usually include ABB and solo hits he penned such as "Midnight Rider," "Whipping Post," "Dreams," "Melissa," "Please Call Home," "Ain't Wastin' Time No More," "Wasted Words," "Come and Go Blues," "Queen of Hearts" and "Multi-Colored Lady."

Those songs will not be performed by Betts. He hasn't released a studio album in a decade and sticks to mostly choosing from the classic songs he wrote: "Ramblin' Man," "Blue Sky," "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed," "Jessica," "Revival," "Les Bre in A Minor," "Southbound," "Crazy Love," "Seven Turns," "No One to Run With" and "Highway Call."

I plan to attend both shows.

Just wish Allman and Betts would share the stage again.

Also wish I would've seen a performance by Elvis.

Gregg Allman with Jaimoe's Jasssz Band, Jan. 14, Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater. Tickets: $35-$69.50. Information: 727.791.7400 or www.rutheckerdhall.com.

Dickey Betts and Great Southern with Devon Allman’s Honeytribe, Dec. 7, Ferguson Hall at David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa. Tickets: $29.50-$69.50.


Allman and Betts seated side-by-side performing acoustic version of "Melissa" in 1990.

UPDATED 6/27.: Former Allman Brothers Band drummer David 'Frankie' Toler has died in Bradenton

UPDATED 6/27: Former Allman Brothers Band drummer Frankie Toler celebrated Saturday in Manatee (with video)

UPDATED 6/8: Frankie Toler being remembered nationwide, with story running in numerous McClatchy Newspapers publications from Sacramento to Miami.


UPDATED 11:30 p.m.: Finished story "Former Allman Brothers drummer dies"/"Former Allman leaves lasting legacy" with a link to sign the Legacy Guest Book.

Paying tribute to Mr. David "Frankie" Toler at Damon Fowler's Sugar Shack Monday at Aces Live in Bradenton.

Watch live streaming video from sugarshackmonday at livestream.com

UPDATED 2:45 p.m.: Marshall Tucker Band lead singer Doug Gray worked with his friend Frankie Toler from 1992-94.

"Frankie's personality was so big — it stuck out farther than his mighty drumsticks," Gray said. "I didn't know anybody who couldn't talk to him."

Gray paused and added, "There are a lot of people who loved Frankie. I'm just one."

Frankie (left) and brother Dan Toler/undated live photo provided by Mark Pucci Media.

A key player of the national Southern rock scene — and a beloved local — has passed.

David 'Frankie' Toler, former Allman Brothers Band, Gregg Allman Band and Marshall Tucker Band drummer, died 2 p.m. Saturday at Tidewell hospice care in Bradenton after a prolonged illness following a liver transplant.

He was 59 years old.

Frankie is survived by his wife, Marsha, their daughter, Aja Kayle, and his older brother, Dan Toler, who played with Frankie in the Allman Brothers Band, the Gregg Allman Band and several other projects. Dan Toler headlined MacFest in downtown Bradenton on May 14.

“Frankie was absolutely the best drummer I have ever played with in my entire life," Dan said in a statement. "He was a part of my life for the past 60 years and to lose him now is just devastating. But I did have the opportunity to grow up with one of the best rock and roll drummers in the world and it was truly a gift from God. I was blessed to have known him.”

Frankie Toler’s health had been in decline for several years and it prevented him from recording and going on tour, but after receiving a liver transplant two years ago he had been able to play at some band rehearsals.

Frankie (left) and brother Dan Toler/undated publicity photo provided by Mark Pucci Media.

"It's a sad day in Sarasota, Bradenton and in the music world in general," said Sarasota Blues Festival producer Barbara Strauss. "Danny and Frankie, you always said them in one sentence. They'll always be loved by everyone. Our hearts are broken but there are no words for what Danny and Frankie's family must be going through."

Frankie Toler came to national attention as the drummer on Dickey Betts & Great Southern’s 1978 album "Atlanta's Burning Down" and toured extensively with the group. He was then asked to be the drummer for the Allman Brothers Band and appeared on their 1981 album "Brothers of the Road," which features the Top 40 hit single "Straight from the Heart."

When Gregg Allman began planning his solo album at the time, he only had one drummer in mind for his new band: Frankie Toler. Frankie recorded two albums with Gregg — including the 1986 gold record "I'm No Angel" —  and toured extensively as the drummer with The Gregg Allman Band.

“Frankie was a big part of that era of the Brothers,” Gregg Allman told Relix.com shortly after Toler’s passing. “We had amazing times and we stayed great friends. I’m gonna miss him.”

Frankie also played and toured with The Marshall Tucker Band from 1992-1994 and he played on their album, "Walk Outside The Line." Frankie, along with his brother Dan, recorded two albums as The Toler Brothers Band and together they toured extensively throughout the country in the early 90s. In 2005, Frankie recorded an album with a legendary ensemble of Southern Rock all-stars as the Renegades of Southern Rock; and in 2009 Frankie played drums on the Toler/Townsend Band’s self-titled first album.

Gregg Allman introducing Frankie Toler and rest of band before performing his solo masterpiece "Queen of Hearts" at New Orleans show from 1982.

Devon Allman to play Ace's in Bradenton Sunday, Nov. 14

Perhaps you remember Devon Allman (pictured center) from when his Honeytribe band rocked the Sarasota Blues Festival in 2006.

Or maybe from that evening when he joined his dad, Gregg Allman, for a poignant rendition of "Midnght Rider."

On Sunday (Nov. 14), Devon will perform at Ace's in Bradenton. (Get your tickets now for just $7).

His latest release, the outstanding neoclassic rock record "Space Age Blues," which features a cameo by Huey Lewis, just debuted at No. 7 on Billboard's Blues Album chart.

CLICK TO READ MY INTERVIEW "DEVON ALLMAN BRINGS 'SPACE AGE BLUES' TO BRADENTON'"

Devon Allman's Honeytribe performing "Midnight Rider"

Devon Allman calls dad Gregg Allman's upcoming solo album 'killer'

The highly anticipated Gregg Allman solo album, "Low Country Blues" (pictured), will be released Jan. 18 on Rounder Records.

Super producer T-Bone Burnett helmed the album that features Allman, a former resident of Manatee County, lending his rich, Southern drawl to classic blues songs by the likes of Muddy Waters, B.B. King, Skip James, Bobby Bland, Otis Rush and Sleepy John Estes.

"Low Country Blues" also features one new song, "Just Another Rider," written by Allman and his Allman Brothers Band colleague Warren Haynes.

"I've heard the whole thing," son Devon Allman (also an accomplished musician) told the Bradenton Herald during a recent interview to advance his Nov. 14 appearance at Ace's. "I love it. It's a killer record and something he's needed to make for awhile. It's very old school."

"Low Country Blues" finds Gregg Allman joined by an all-star cast of players including New Orleans icon Dr. John on piano, guitar great Doyle Bramhall II, bassist Dennis Crouch and drummer Jay Bellerose.

In addition to being available at the usual outlets, the album will also be sold at Starbucks shops nationwide.

The complete track list for "Low Country Blues" can be found on Gregg Allman's official website.

Gregg Allman Band performing at the 1994 Sarasota Blues Festival.