Thank You, Gregg Allman. You’re Bigger Than Southern Rock.

I’m saddened to hear that Rock luminary, elder and Allman Brothers Band co-founder, Gregg Allman, has passed on.

It’s not hard to say that at 69 years of age — with a willingness and skill to create music that matters — Allman’s earthly departure is a life cut short of inspiring additional thousands of future musicians, as well as forging deeper explorations into Rock and Roll.

My last point about Rock and Roll is important. People shortchange their musical experiences by lazily slapping the “Southern Rock” label on the Allman Brothers Band. As we music headz always say, folks need to “dig deeper.”

Allman is one of a vanishing breed of musicians who chased the flavor of good music, regardless of genre.

In the performance world of the Allman Brothers band, there was a clear understanding of how the “Roll” fits into Rock.

Gospel turned into foot-tapping Jam Rock. Soulful Country leanings transformed into Jazz Fusion chords. Banjos and African percussion shared same stage.

And Blues remained the mother of all of the band’s creations.

I think about ABB Blues and “Not My Cross to Bear” starts playing in my head:

So, I now want to start sharing Allman Brothers songs. “Midnight Rider” is one of those have-a-beer-chill-with-your-peeps-and-listen songs:

The Fusion Jazz-flavored “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed” has to be one of the most memorable tunes in music history:

I love the twin-guitar charm of “Blue Sky.” I’m equally in love with the song’s chord progressions …

And there’s the Funky Blues mix slathered across “Southbound”:

Rest in Love, Gregg. And thank you …