Brothers And Sisters: Song Analysis

In the midst of mourning and healing after the death of two beloved band members, The Allman Brothers Band released the album ‘Brothers and Sisters’ on August 1st in 1973. During the recording of the band’s previous album ‘Eat a Peach’ in 1971 Duane Allman, the lead guitarist and co-founder of the band, died tragically in a motorcyle accident. Heartbreakingly, the band had to endure the death of another bandmate, Berry Oakley at the age of 24. Much like the death of Duane Allman, Berry died mid-recording of the album ‘Brothers and Sisters’ due to a motorcycle accident just a few blocks away from where Duane’s accident occurred. Berry Oakley’s talent remained on the first two tracks of the album, ‘Wasted Words’ and ‘Ramblin’ Man’. The band
members decided not to lose hope and arranged auditions for a new bassist. One of the many auditioners, Lamar Williams, became the new bass player for The Allman Brothers Band. The remaining band members were, Gregg Allman, Dickey Betts, Jai Johanny Johanson, Butch Trucks, and Chuck Leavell.
Selling over seven million copies, ‘Brothers and Sisters’ was proof that despite losing two treasured members, the band could still succeed. Dickey Betts, the band's guitarist stepped up and perfected Duane’s guitar habits. In this new leadership role Dickey took on, he helped write the five remaining songs on the album. In addition to ‘Wasted Words’ and ‘Ramblin’ Man’, the seven track album also included ‘Come and Go Blues’, ‘Jelly Jelly’, ‘Southbound’, ‘Jessica’, and ‘Pony Boy’. Keeping the unique rock style The Allman Brothers Band is known for, ‘Brothers and Sisters’ also includes Dickey’s country and blues spirit. “‘Ramblin’ Man was The Allman Brothers Band’s first and only top ten single, topping out at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart; it was held out of first place ironically by Gregg’s future wife Cher’s “Half-Breed”.” (1)
‘Wasted Words’ is the first song on side one of ‘Brothers and Sisters’.
‘Wasted Words’ was written and sung by Gregg Allman. Dickey Betts, the lead guitarist on this song played the bottleneck slide guitar. This song merges the sound of a happy piano and a country feel. On a normal day to day basis Dickey wouldn’t play the bottleneck style of slide guitar because former band member Duane was famous for it. ‘Ramblin’ Man’ is the second song on the album, Dickey Betts sang lead vocals and also wrote ‘Ramblin’ Man’. The Allman Brothers Band played ‘Ramblin Man’ for their first nationwide television debut, this performance was Berry Oakley’s last. The show aired after his accident, so the band dedicated the performance to their cherished bass guitarist. The third and fourth tracks ‘Come and Go Blues’ and ‘Jelly Jelly’ on ‘Brothers and Sisters’ were written by Gregg Allman. ‘Southbound’ written by Dickey Betts and sung by Gregg, introduces us to track five also the first track on the second side of the album, a change in mood from the previous two tracks. ‘Southbound’ is an upbeat song about a long awaited, hard working man, driving southbound home to his wife. The mixture of riffs and instrumental solos in ‘Southbound’ is what makes this song so fun. Chuck Leavell’s dancing piano really showcased his ability to add an exciting spark to ‘Southbound’. The sixth song, and my personal favorite is called ‘Jessica’. This song didn’t have very much chart recognition, but is a classic
favorite. I chose to write my first album review on The Allman Brothers Band for my love of the band and this song. My sister is named Jessica after this track, which makes it special, and I can remember so vividly listening to this album on repeat on long drives with my family, or while helping my mom cook. To this day, we request this song, or ‘Sarah Smile’ (my namesake) by Hall and Oates, if the opportunity arises. Like ‘Southbound’, ‘Jessica’ showcases Chuck’s dancing piano expertise. Dickey and The Allman Brother’s Band named this song ‘Jessica’ after being inspired when Dickey Betts’ daughter, Jessica, walked into the room while he was in the process of writing. This track has no vocals and shows off the talent of The Allman Brothers Band’s ability to create a happy and catchy song without the use of lyrics. ‘Jessica’ gained The Allman Brothers Band a Grammy Award for best rock performance in 1966. The last track on ‘Brothers and Sisters’ is called ‘Pony Boy’. This final track was written and sung by Dickey Betts.
The Allman Brother’s Band played their last show together at The Beacon Theatre in New York on October 28th, 2014.
The only three remaining living members that were a part of the album ‘Brothers and Sisters’ are Dickey Betts, Jai Johanny Johanson and Chuck Leavell. Dickey Betts was asked to leave the group in 2000 after bad blood was created between him and Gregg and the other band members, since then he has continued his musical journey as a solo artist. Jai Johanny Johanson, Jaimoe, the band's drummer, currently leads a jazz-rock band in New York City. Butch Trucks had a successful band called ‘Butch Trucks and The Freight Train Band’ but played his last show on January 6th, and committed suicide at the age of 69, on January 24, 2017. Chuck Leavell moved on from The Allman Brothers Band to put together a band with Lamar Williams called ‘Sea Level’, which lasted for five years. After Sea Level broke up Chuck started touring and recording with The Rolling Stones, although his most recent endeavor was playing keyboard for John Mayer’s band for the album Born and Raised. Lamar Williams was diagnosed with lung cancer in 1981, he died shortly after, only 34 years old. Gregg Allman, passed away at the age of 69, in May of 2017. After The Allman Brothers Band disbanded, Gregg started his solo career. Gregg’s legend continues to live on even after his last concert which took place in Georgia in 2016. Gregg was buried next to his brother Duane Allman at Rose Hill
Cemetery.
The Allman Brothers Band had quite the rollercoaster of emotions and adventures over the course of their band’s career. Brothers and Sisters is an album that deserves all of the recognition it received, plus some. Even after the band went their separate ways, it’s inspiring how each member became an icon, regardless of the path they took. The excitement and joy that flows from this album is still alive today. It was no mistake that two brothers, Gregg and Duane, made their dreams a reality by forming The Allman Brothers Band.