Many a country star list Southern Rock pioneer Gregg Allman as their hero, which is why no one was surprised that he was being honored at the CMT Music Awards on June 7, 2017.
The biggest country stars were in Nashville for the awards show which featured some of the year’s best live performances. Allman passed away on May 27 at the age of 69 and was just laid to rest on June 4, 2017.
“Gregg Allman and The Allman Brothers Band helped create the bedrock foundation of modern Southern music. This tribute will celebrate Gregg Allman’s soul, charisma and enduring artistry,” CMT President Brian Philips said.
CMT tapped Jason Aldean, Darius Rucker and Lady A’s Charles Kelley to team up for an incredible tribute to a legend, and surprised everyone with a special guest, Derek Trucks!
Trucks was a member of The Allman Brothers Band from 1999-2014 and is the nephew of the late Butch Trucks.
Aldean was a known fan of the late rocker, posting an emotional message on social media after Allman’s passing. See his full tribute below.
https://www.facebook.com/jasonaldean/posts/10155126561781539
Kelley was a huge fan of his as well, and just hours after Allman’s passing, he, along with his Lady A bandmates, paid tribute to him with a cover of “Midnight Rider” at their show.
In what some people are calling the best opening the show has had in years, the three country singers began “Midnight Rider” a cappella with superb three-part harmony. Trucks came out shredding on the guitar, and had the entire crowd on their feet. Fans are calling the tribute “perfect”. What did you think of it?
Watch part of the tribute below.
Wow what a way to kick off the #CMTAwards @Jason_Aldean @charleskelleyla @dariusrucker honoring #greggallman —@973stephanie pic.twitter.com/BVFC6t8ln0
— 973theeagle (@973theEAGLE) June 8, 2017