Happy Birthday Berry Oakley: Performing With The Allman Brothers Band In 1970

The Allman Brothers Band co-founding bassist Berry Oakley was born in Chicago on this date in 1948. He was just 24-years-old when a motorcycle accident in Macon, Georgia took his life on November 11, 1972 – only nine days after his final performance with The Allmans. Oakley was buried at Rose Hill Cemetery in Macon, resting beside fellow late ABB member Duane Allman.

In celebration of what would have been Oakley’s 70th birthday today, here’s a look back at a performance featuring both Berry and Duane from 1970. The bassist and guitarist were joined on September 23, 1970 for a short set at the Fillmore East in New York City by keyboardist Gregg Allman, guitarist Dickey Betts, drummers Butch Trucks and Jaimoe and guest Tom Doucette supplying harmonica.

Legendary promoter Bill Graham assembled several acts to perform for the In Concert television series. The Allman Brothers Band was on the bill alongside Chuck Berry and others, each making brief appearances that would air months later on the short-lived program. Oakley and the group can be seen performing three songs, including “Don’t Keep Me Wonderin’” (that included issues with Gregg’s vocal microphone), a sublime “Dreams” and a blistering “Whipping Post.”

Watch Berry and the brothers in action thanks to the Music Vault below:

[Originally Published: April 4, 2017]