My Cross to Bear

By: Gregg Allman, Alan Light

Narrated by: Will Patton

Length: 10 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's summary

Audie Award Nominee, Biography and Memoir, 2013

As one of the greatest rock icons of all time, Gregg Allman has lived it all and then some. For almost 50 years, he's been creating some of the most recognizable songs in American rock, but never before has he paused to reflect on the long road he's traveled. Now, he tells the unflinching story of his life, laying bare the unvarnished truth about his wild ride that has spanned across the years.

The story begins simply: with Gregg and his older brother, Duane, growing up in the South, raising hell with their guitars, and drifting from one band to another. But all that changed when Duane and Gregg came together with four other men to forge something new - a unique sound shaped by soul, rock, and blues and brimming with experimentation; a sound not just of a band, but of a family.

Bringing to life the carefree early days of the Allman Brothers Band, Gregg holds nothing back - from run-ins with the law to meeting girls on the road, from jamming at the Fillmore East to experimenting with drugs. Along the way, he goes behind the scenes of some of greatest rock music ever recorded, without shying away from the infamous and painful deaths of his brother, Duane, and Allman Brothers bassist Berry Oakley. Speaking for the first time about the profound impact that his brother's death had on him, Gregg offers a tribute to Duane that only a younger brother could write, showing how, to this day, he still confronts the grief of losing his big brother, even as Duane continues to guide and inspire him.

Setting the record straight about the band's struggles in the face of death, Gregg shows how the decision to persevere came with a heavy price. While the rock-and-roll excesses of drugs, alcohol, and personality clashes led to a series of breakups that culminated with the band's permanent reunion in 1989, Gregg fought his own battle with substance abuse, going to rehab no less than 11 times and floating through a string of failed marriages, including his tabloid-frenzied relationship with Cher, before finally cleaning up once and for all.

Capturing the Allman Brothers' ongoing, triumphant resurgence as well as his own recent fight against hepatitis C, Gregg presents a story as honest as it is fascinating, providing a glimpse inside one of the most beloved and notorious bands in the history of rock music and demonstrating how, through it all, the road goes on forever.

©2012 Gregg Allman (P)2012 HarperCollinsPublishers

Gregory

AMAZING book, amazing man, amazing human being. Couldn't put this book down. Read it in 24 hours. There's nothing like a true old school southern Floridian gentleman. If you've never had the chance to know one from Gregory's generation you have missed out. RIP Gregory LeNoir "Gregg" Allman.

Sex, drugs & Southern Rock

What made the experience of listening to My Cross to Bear the most enjoyable?

Been a fan since Laid Back was released--was interested in his life's journey.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Well, duh, Gregg!

What about Will Patton’s performance did you like?

Yeah, it was fine, but would have preferred to hear it from Gregg himself.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

I'm No Angel

Any additional comments?

Heartbroken over his addiction struggles--why must talented people also be such tortured souls?

Wonderful biography

I've read/listened to a lot of biographies in the last few years. This is one of the best. Amazing life told in down-to-earth terms with plenty of humor. Also plenty of dark-side when talking about the drug and alcohol abuse. A great read/listen even if you dont know the music of Greg Allman and the Allman Brothers. If you do no the music...even better.

Gregg Allman fans must read

If you are like me and love Gregg Allman and all the music he was involved in
You will enjoy this

excellent

Narrator is fantastic. the ABB story is fascinating and GA memories of his brother were the most insightful.

Absolutely perfect!

Gregg’s story told by Wills voice is perfect! Simple, genuine, and heartfelt. I would strongly recommend for anyone who has the slightest interest in the blues or rock.

Great history of Rock n Roll

What did you love best about My Cross to Bear?

The Allman Brothers were starting up during my late and early 20's and being a guitarist, I could appreciate their powerful ability to make music that moved my soul. This book gives a wonderful history of the good bad times in the music business and also shows the damage that drugs can cause in a person's life.

What did you like best about this story?

The book gave a inside history of the evolution of music and the information was presented in a way that kept my interest from cover to cover.

Any additional comments?

Whether you are interested in music or not. This is a very well presented history of a time when music was changing and provided a accurate inside view of the difficult lives of musicians.

A real treasure.

I had a feeling I needed to listen to this book. I am so glad I did.

Mr. Allman pulls back the curtain and allows the reader/listener a long hard look into the life of the Allman Brothers band and all the good and bad that came with it. Will Patton does a magnificent job of breathing life into the words, so much so you swear you're listening to Mr. Allman himself at times.

Bravo.

best thing ive ever listened too.. man

thanks guys, this was awesome. will be a repeat listen gor sure. tom, scott et alll great job

What a great book

This is a wonderful amazing journey with Gregg Allman. With or without being a fan it’s most definitely a recommended listen. Will Patton’s performance is flawless and he really puts you in story. Why 4 stars? To me 5 stars is the best of the best.