After over three years opening for other bands as The Allman Joys and then The Hour Glass, The Allman Bothers were formed in 1969 around the wicked slide guitar of Duane Allman and the soulful vocals and keyboards of his brother Gregg. They soon grew into a formidable jam band with their concerts featuring half-hour long excursions into improvisation and jazz influenced jams. After several crushing tragedies, including Duane's death, they split up only to reform in 1989 under Gregg's leadership. They continue to be one of the most beloved live acts in all of rock.