Last night, Allman Brothers Band founding member and drummer Claude Hudson "Butch" Trucks passed away. He was 69 years old. At this time, no official cause has been given.
Born in Jacksonville, Florida on May 11, 1947, Trucks would form the legendary southern rock band with Gregg and Duane Allman, Dickey Betts, Berry Oakley and Jai Johanny "Jaimoe" Johanson in 1969. ABB would go on to become one of the most influential and popular bands of their era with songs such as "Dreams," "Whipping Post," "Midnight Rider," "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed," and "Ramblin' Man."
During the years that followed, the band would face numerous deaths and lineup changes. In the late '90s, Butch was joined by his nephew, Derek Trucks, along with Gregg, Jaimoe, Oteil Burbridge, Warren Haynes, and Marc Quinones to keep the spirited tradition of the music alive. That lineup remained intact through their final concert on October 28, 2014, going on to sell out NYC's Beacon Theatre an amazing 238 times during their yearly month-long residency in the spring.
This news hits close to me as I've had the fortunate pleasure of meeting and chatting with Butch whenever he came to New York City, and he was one of the most humble, pleasant, and honest musicians there was. Zumic's thoughts and prayers go out to Butch Trucks' family and friends during this time.