Skydog: The Duane Allman Story

by Randy Poe

Book Overview

Now in paperback - revised and expanded, with a new afterword by the author - this is the definitive biography of Duane Allman, one of the most revered guitarists of his generation. Skydog reveals the complete story of the legendary guitarist: his childhood and musical awakening; his struggling first bands; his hard-won mastery of the slide guitar; his emergence as a successful session musician; his creation of the Allman Brothers Band; his...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0879309393
• ISBN13: 9780879309398
• Release Date: August 2008
• Publisher: Backbeat Books
• Length: 328 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.4" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

The definitive book written (to date) on Duane Allman

To anyone with even a passing interest in one of the truly great guitar players of all time "SkyDog" by Randy Poe which was released late last year is a must read. Poe takes you behind the scenes to Tennessee where the young Allman brothers grew up, the tragic murder of their father, Daytona Beach start up bands, and the ultimate result in 1969 of Duane finding the right mix of musicians to fulfill his life dream of expressing a music form that had not yet been heard before. The details in the book are engrossing, interesting (ie: a 21 year old unknown long haired musician convincing Wilson Pickett to cut a version of "Hey Jude" in Muscle Shoals Alabama studio) and informative. Another tidbit is the story of Boz Scaggs' first album in 1969 recorded at another legendary studio in Muscle Shoals and a song called "Loan Me A Dime". Duane's guitar work on that song has become legendary and for good reason. Summing it all up, "SkyDog" will give the reader a clear idea of just how incredibly talented and ahead of his time Duane truly was. His influence on music will be felt for a very long time and he did it all at such a ridulously tender age. Think about what you were doing at age 22 to get some perspective! Enough said........go right out and get this book.

Sail on Skydog!

To the general public, Duane Allman is known either as a long dead guitar player or Gregg Allman's older brother. To his legions of fans, however, Duane is a revered messianic figure who is remembered and thought of on a daily basis despite his death 35 years ago. This book is a must read for anyone who wants to know why. You see Skydog was not just a revolutionary guitarist, though he was. He was the founder, and spiritual force behind the great Allman Brothers Band. The Allmans remain a force to this very day and Duane still remains the guiding spirit. Poe's book traces Duane's story from his birth through his childhood and into his growth as a musician. There is much that has never been written before, especially about Duane and Gregg's early groups the Escorts, The Allman Joys and the Hour Glass as well as Duane's year as a studio player at Muscle Shoals which led to his meeting Phil Walden which led to history. There is much about the Allman Brothers Band and about Duane's great work with Derek and the Dominos. It is almost unbelievable that Duane died before his 25th birthday and his death seems so foolish and unecessary. Allt his is chronicled in the book. Poe finishes up by tracing the aftermath as the continued without Duane through a rise, a collapse, a comeback, another collapse and finally a triumphant resurgance in 1989 that continues to this day. All this is a trubute to the vision that Duane had back in 1969. My only complaint is that the book is too short. I read it in one day. Rock fans will love this book and those who are not Allman Afficianados will learn a lot and be surprised by the life and times of Skydog. Don't miss it!

CONNECTING THE DOTS IN THE GREAT SKYDOG'S JOURNEY !

Finally, Duane Allman gets the biography he deserves, and one his fans have been waiting for. This book is well written, easy to read and hard to put down. Full of facts I've never read anywhere else (including Midnight Riders), the pieces really come together for those of us wanting to know more about the original leader and inspiration of The Allman Brothers Band. The book is also full of ironies, like Duane and Gregg's early band, The Escorts, getting their "big break" opening for The Beach Boys, and then a few short years later when The Beach Boys demanded to close the show on The Fillmore East's final concert, they were told by Bill Graham that The Allman Brothers Band were closing the show, take it or leave it. Also, imagine what Duane felt when he was told the California music executives weren't interested in the band (The Hour Glass), but he was welcome to audition for Gregg's studio band. It was then he stayed in Muscle Shoals to work as a session guitarist, and eventually form the ABB. The book takes us from his birth through childhood, his early struggles as a young musician, the triumphs of the ABB, the "Layla" sessions, his untimely death in a motorcycle accident, and then a concise history of the ABB from there to the present. We also learn where his nickname came from (Wilson Pickett dubbed him "Skyman", later it was changed to "Skydog"). The last paragraph in the book, titled "And a Final Word from Gregg Allman", is a nice touch. I also enjoyed the photos in the book. Definitely recommended.

Precise Doses Of Passion And Power

This is one of those rare books that make me wonder what had more impact. Was it the truly worthy subject of Duane "Skydog" Allman or was it the superb writing? Truth is, I read this book in two sittings because the story is so terrific and the way it's told completely spellbinding. It's my favorite rock book of 2006 thus far. Any genuine rock or blues guitar lover has a giant love affair with Mr. Allman's recorded legacy, which was surpassed only by the live shows. I'm no exception, especially having heard the original band perform about 10 times - each an indelible memory of precise doses of passion and power. Imagine my joy at learning the backstage environments of such classic shows as the 2nd Annual Atlanta Pop Festival (I'm looking at the poster and my "unused" tickets on the wall right now). Mr. Poe is balanced perfectly on the editorial tightrope. He affords all due respect to the colossal talents of Skydog, whilst never turning a blind eye to his many character faults. Loved as Mr. Allman was, his appetite for drugs of all manner and his relentless professional drive combined to make him all-to-human. We get both perspectives in this book and ultimately come away with an honest representation of Duane the guitar God and Duane the youthful. In a short time, Skydog became equal to the most prominent musicians of his time. His work with Clapton, Aretha, Wilson Pickett, John Hammond Jr., Herbie Mann, and King Curtis displays Mr. Allman's breadth and scope of ability. Equally vital is the insight of the offstage talents: Tom Dowd, Jerry Wexler, Rick Hall, etc. Best of all was the book's examination of his relationships with the Brothers, both musicians and road crew, and the extended "family." What's particularly nice for me is the book's continuation of Mr. Allman's influence. It'd have been easy to fade-to-black after Skydog's death. However, Mr. Poe's book brings us current. And that leaves me feeling warm rather than recalling the hollowness inside that followed Duane Allman's early death.

A Straight-Ahead, No-Nonesensel History of Duane Allman

WoW! Duane would have approved. A no-bull history of Duane Allman, the musician. For the music lover who wants to know Duane's musical history, this book is for you. This account gives the reader great insight into how he approached life and music. And that was what it was all about with Duane. It wasn't about being a star, but being an artist. Constantly woodshedding and making each opportunity to play memorable. The history of his guitars and the recordings he was a part of is also well documented and is icing on an already delicious cake. Duane's intensity and passion for living in the moment is certainly evident. It is very obvious that this writer had a passion and an eye for detail in getting Duane's story told. And what a story it is!