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

loved it

If you like the Allman Brothers you will love this book!! Gregg pulls no punches and is brutally honest!!

Great read even if not a fan

Moving story. What a life. Tragedy, talent and love. So glad he found his way.

I have always loved the Allman Brothers!

Thought I had heard almost everything I could about him. Loved hearing his story! A must read!

Excellent

Would you consider the audio edition of My Cross to Bear to be better than the print version?

I dont know never read it.

What other book might you compare My Cross to Bear to and why?

I dont know, its the first bioagraphy I have ever been interested in.

Which character – as performed by Will Patton – was your favorite?

Duane Allman

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

No

Any additional comments?

No

An interesting backstory to one of my favorite bands

Really enjoyed this listen. Brought to light many of the things these ‘kids’ were going through as they developed into masterful musicians. Such a shame to lose Duane and Berry so early on in their rise. We can only imagine how things might have been with them along for the ride. I enjoyed Mr. Patton’s narration very much, fit just right IMO.

What a story!!

Being from the south, who doesn't love The ABB. What a life this guy has lead. I am fascinated he is still alive today. Good for him and his family, I hope he lives a long life and continues to write songs. I would love to hear Dickey Betts side of the story. Will Patton is on his A game as usual.

Killerr Redemption Story!

Greg is a serious survivor. He goes on by the grace of God and he knows it!

Best Book I've Heard In My Life!!!!

Man, let me tell you something...this book is amazing! not only does, Gregg Allman, have some fantastic stories... the narration of, Will Patton, is tremendous. He brings this book to life. It's like, Gregg Allman, is actually talking to you. That's why I have listened to this book 12 times. It's that good. If you're an Allman Brothers fan...then you need this book. You will not be sorry.

Excellent Excellent Excellent

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely! Great narrator! Great story! Overall execellent!!!

What did you like best about this story?

EVERYTHING!!

Have you listened to any of Will Patton’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Surprised me!!! The honesty and story... And the tale about my favorite hit "Melissa"

Any additional comments?

Great book!!! Great Narrator!!!

Lots of history---fascinating trip

If you are a fan of the ABB, you will love the story of how the band was formed. The group's struggles are well documented, but you will likely learn a few things along the way. Any discussion of the ABB invariably includes "what ifs" and we are again left to wonder what music could have been created had Duane lived longer. Gregg's personal account appears to hold nothing back. I confess to being a fan and have worn out multiple vinyl copies of Fillmore East before finally switching to CDs. It is still one of the finest sets every produced. The story behind the cover photos was interesting--and probably not what you might have imagined. This is but one of many nuggets along the way. Will Patton's reading is spot on. He seems to capture Allman's soulful expression from the text to match what Allman delivers in performance. Patton's delivery adds tremendously to the story, giving it great realism. I would have given this an overall of 4.5 had that option been available.