On October 29, 1971, Duane Allman was killed in a motorcycle wreck.

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Duane Allman’s Tragic Death At 24

In 1971, 24-year-old singer, songwriter, and guitarist, Duane Allman, was tragically killed in a motorcycle crash. The co-founder and frontman of The Allman Brothers Band was a seminal figure in the Southern rock explosion of the early 70s. Revered for his expressive guitar playing and inspired improvisations, Allman was also a sought-after session musician, who performed alongside such stars as King Curtis, Aretha Franklin, Herbie Mann, Wilson Pickett, and Boz Scaggs. Just months before Allman’s death, the band released their breakthrough album, At Fillmore East, which many consider to be one of the best live LPs of all time.

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What Happened Today In Music

October 29th

29 Oct 1971
Duane Allman of The Allman Brothers Band was killed when he lost control of his motorcycle on a Macon, Georgia street while trying to swerve to avoid a tractor-trailer and was thrown from the motorcycle. The motorcycle bounced into the air, landed on Allman and skidded another 90 feet with Allman pinned underneath. He was three weeks shy of his 25th birthday.