Allman Receives 'Tremendous Response' From Fans

Georgia music legend Gregg Allman made an appearance at the Tuesday afternoon to sign copies of his new book “My Cross to Bear.” Fans came out in droves, some arriving as early as 7 a.m., for what representatives from Barnes and Noble considered to be a very impressive turnout. 

“We are overwhelmed by the tremendous response by Gregg’s fans,” Karen Kirk, community relations manager at Barnes and Noble said. “They obviously adore him.”

All 350 available copies of “My Cross to Bear,” which recounts intimate, oftentimes tragic details of the 64-year old Allman’s life, sold out at his first-ever signing. This fact isn’t surprising to anyone who saw the line that stretched around the entire left side of the bookstore.

Several fans took time while waiting in line to share their thoughts about what Allman’s music has meant to them.

Chris Colhard, who currently resides in Brookhaven, said he grew up in the Allman Brothers home base of Macon and has been a fan for many years. The Macon connection helped create a special bond between Colhard, both as a teen and now well into his adult years, and Allman’s special brand of southern rock.

“It always hit close to home for me,” he said. “Its the southern roots.”

Lea Kelly from Sharpsburg recounted a special bond she has with Allman’s music as well.

“The first time I ever saw Gregg was when I was five-years-old. My mom took me and sat me up on the stage by his organ,” she said. “That was the first time I had ever seen him and I’ve seen him every year since.” 

For Kelly, Tuesday marked the first time she would actually get to meet Allman despite seeing him in concert more times than 30 times. There was no doubt this was a special day.

“It completely changed my life,” she said. “Its uplifting music.”