Before Duane Allman founded the iconic Southern rock outfit, the Allman Brothers Band, he was a highly sought-after session musician at the legendary FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. It was a role that opened many doors to the skilled guitarist and set him on a path to greatness, but not before he backed some pretty impressive albums.
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Here are 5 legendary albums you didn’t know feature Duane Allman.
[RELATED: Remembering the Death and Legacy of Duane Allman]
1. Hey Jude – Wilson Pickett
Allman lent his guitar chops to Wilson Pickett’s ninth album, Hey Jude, released in 1969. His work on the album marked a distinct shift in his career. It was his skills on the title track, in particular, that garnered the attention of fellow guitar virtuoso Eric Clapton.
2. Boz Scaggs – Boz Scaggs
Allman assisted on guitar, dobro, and slide guitar for Box Scagg’s 1969 self-titled sophomore release. He can be heard on Side A tracks like “I’m Easy,” “I’ll Be Long Gone,” “Finding Her,” and “Look What I Got.”
3. This Girl’s in Love With You – Aretha Franklin
Allman guested on slide and steel guitar for Aretha Franklin’s 1970 album, This Girl’s in Love With You, contributing to the tracks “It Ain’t Fair” and her rendition of “The Weight.”
He also appears on her following album, Spirit in the Dark, providing guitar on the song “When the Battle Is Over.”
4. Mourning in the Morning – Otis Rush
Allman lent his guitar styling to blue singer Otis Rush’s 1969 release, Mourning in the Morning. He can be heard electrifying in the background of many of the album’s songs, including “Me,” “You’re Killing My Love,” “Feel So Bad,” “Reap What You Sow,” “It Takes Time,” and “Can’t Wait No Longer.”
5. Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs – Derek and The Dominos
Allman guested on the Clapton-fronted outfit Derek and The Dominos’ only studio album, Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs. He was asked to appear on the project after Clapton recalled his work on the aforementioned Wilson Pickett record. Allman provided lead and slide guitar on 11 of the album’s 14 songs.
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