10 Best Covers Of Allman Brothers Band Songs

Feature Photo: Carl Lender, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Our 10 best covers of Allman Brothers Band songs present a collection of tracks that pay tribute to one of the greatest bands of all time. I haven’t met many people in my life who weren’t fans of the Allman Brothers Band if they were into rock and roll. How could you not love these guys? The group merged so many different styles of music—jazz, blues, soul, rock and roll, and country—to form their own unique and original sound that inspired countless bands that came after them.

Originally formed in Jacksonville, Florida, in the late 1960s, the band’s original lineup consisted of Duane Allman on guitar, Dickey Betts on guitar, Gregg Allman on lead vocals and keyboards, Berry Oakley on bass, Butch Trucks on drums, and the only remaining member still alive, Jaimoe Johanson, on drums. Their self-titled debut album, The Allman Brothers Band, was released in 1969, followed by Idlewild South in 1970. However, it was their third album, Live at Fillmore East, that truly put the group on the map. The band continued through the 1970s despite the tragic loss of their virtuoso guitarist, Duane Allman, and then Berry Oakley.

The Allman Brothers Band broke up in the early eighties but reformed later in the decade, in 1989, fueled by the addition of up-and-coming guitarist Warren Haynes. Rock fans everywhere celebrated the band’s return, and over the next couple of decades, The Allman Brothers Band attracted a whole new, younger audience who grew up listening to jam bands like Phish, Dave Matthews Band, Widespread Panic, and many others. With the addition of Derek Trucks, the band sounded phenomenal, with Haynes and Trucks trading off solos night after night. After Gregg Allman’s passing in 2017, the band ceased to exist, though they had stopped performing a few years earlier after their final shows at the Beacon Theater in 2014.a

This article pays tribute to the band’s music by showcasing 10 wonderful covers of their songs, featuring some truly original takes on their biggest hits.

# 10 – Ramblin Man – Blackberry Smoke

We open our list with a cover of one of the most famous Allman Brothers Band songs of all time, “Ramblin’ Man,” written by Dickey Betts. While this particular version may not have the best audio quality due to it being an audience recording, it showcases one of the best rock and roll bands of the past 20 years—Blackberry Smoke. You might wonder why we’re including them in an Allman Brothers Band list, but if you haven’t heard of Blackberry Smoke, we highly recommend you check them out.

They’ve kept the spirit of Southern rock alive since their debut album, Bad Luck Ain’t No Crime, was released in 2003. Led by the phenomenal Charlie Starr, alongside Paul Jackson, Richard Turner, Brandon Still, and Brit Turner, this band has released some truly special records. Their cover of “Ramblin’ Man” is a faithful tribute to the Allman Brothers Band, and that seems to be exactly what they intended. Just listen to that guitar work!

# 9 – Dreams – Buddy Miles

“Dreams” is the only Allman Brothers Band song to appear twice in this article, and for good reason—both versions are so sensational that we wanted to share them with fans. The first is Buddy Miles’ smoking, soulful rock and roll rendition. Miles recorded his version fairly early on, releasing it in 1970 on his Them Changes album. His take on “Dreams” is highly original, blending his signature style with the song’s powerful melody. The Allman Brothers’ original version of “Dreams” first appeared on their debut album in 1969, setting the stage for the band’s legacy.

# 8 – Southbound – Commander Cody & Sonny Landreth

Commander Cody and Sonny Landreth bring their own unique flavor to the Allman Brothers Band classic “Southbound,” delivering a lively and spirited rendition. Their version captures the song’s Southern rock essence while adding a distinct mix of boogie-woogie and slide guitar mastery that both artists are known for. Sonny Landreth’s incredible slide guitar work shines throughout, adding a fresh dynamic to the track, while Commander Cody’s rollicking energy brings the song to life. This collaboration pays homage to the Allman Brothers’ original, but also stands as a vibrant, standout cover in its own right.

# 7 – Come And Go Blues – Alison Krauss

Alison Krauss’s version of “Come and Go Blues” offers a refreshing take on the Allman Brothers Band classic, originally released on their 1973 album Brothers and Sisters. Krauss recorded her rendition for the 2014 tribute album All My Friends: Celebrating the Songs & Voice of Gregg Allman, a compilation honoring Gregg Allman’s work. Krauss is accompanied by notable musicians like Jerry Douglas on dobro, Viktor Krauss on bass, and Jay Bellerose on drums, adding a subtle, rootsy backdrop to her delicate vocals. Krauss’s version transforms the song from a gritty blues-rock piece into an introspective, haunting ballad, staying true to her bluegrass and Americana roots while honoring the original’s emotional depth.

# 6 – Blue Sky – Joan Baez

Joan Baez’s version of “Blue Sky” was featured on her 1975 album Diamonds & Rust. The original song, written by Dickey Betts, was first released by the Allman Brothers Band on their 1972 album Eat a Peach. Baez’s cover offers a fresh interpretation of the Southern rock classic, transforming its jubilant guitar harmonies into a more reflective and folk-driven rendition. Known for her crystalline voice, Baez strips the song down to its emotional essence, delivering a version that is tender, intimate, and uniquely her own while still paying homage to the Allman Brothers’ original.

# 5 – In Memory of Elizabeth Reed -John Pizzarelli

John Pizzarelli’s cover of “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed” appears on his 2012 album Double Exposure. Originally written by Dickey Betts and first released by the Allman Brothers Band on their 1970 album Idlewild South, the song is a beloved instrumental that blends rock, jazz, and blues influences. Pizzarelli’s rendition on Double Exposure presents a very stripped-down version, fueled by incredible jazz guitar playing that highlights the brilliance of the original’s melody and chord changes in such a mesmerizing fashion.n

# 4 – Dreams – The Black Crowes

I love the Black Crowes, so finding this cranking live version was fun. Moving along on our list, we present The Black Crowes’ rendition of “Dreams.” Originally written by Gregg Allman and first appearing on the Allman Brothers’ self-titled debut album in 1969, ” The Black Crowes covered the song during their live performances, bringing their own soulful style to the track while remaining faithful to the original’s emotional depth. Rich Robinson’s guitar work, combined with Chris Robinson’s raspy, heartfelt vocals, creates a powerful interpretation.

# 3 – Midnight Rider – Stephen Stills

Like the Allman Brothers Band, Stephen Stills is a true musical treasure. He has given us countless great songs and performances throughout his storied career, from his early beginnings with Buffalo Springfield to his work with Crosby, Stills & Nash, and of course, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. Stills’ talents have also shone through in the Stills-Young Band and his magnificent solo career. His cover of the Allman Brothers Band’s “Midnight Rider” on his Thoroughfare Gap album is a standout. Stills reinterprets the classic track with his own signature style, blending rock, folk, and a bit of country flair, delivering a performance that both honors the original and showcases his unique artistry.

# 2 – Kind Of Bird – Gov’t Mule featuring John Scofield

While we tried to avoid including many Allman Brothers Band offshoots in this covers list, we simply couldn’t leave this one out. The addition of Warren Haynes in 1989 was one of the smartest moves the band ever made. Hands down, Warren Haynes is one of the greatest guitar players of the past 30 years. But it’s not just his work with the Allman Brothers that stands out—he has also built an impressive catalog of albums with his band Gov’t Mule, as well as a solid collection of solo records. In this particular version, Haynes teams up with Gov’t Mule and legendary guitarist John Scofield, who has become a beloved figure in the jam band scene in recent years. These two guitar virtuosos light it up together, creating one of the most remarkable fusions of jazz and rock we’ve ever heard.

# 1 – Whipping Post – Frank Zappa

The world lost a brilliant musical mind in 1993 with the passing of Frank Zappa. As one of the greatest composers of the 20th century, Zappa left behind a vast and brilliant catalog of some of the most original music ever created. It’s a true joy to close out this list with Zappa’s sensational and uniquely inventive cover of the Allman Brothers Band’s “Whipping Post.” We’ve included two versions here: the studio version, which appeared on Them or Us, and a lively, dynamic live rendition from his album Does Humor Belong in Music? Zappa’s interpretation of “Whipping Post” showcases his unparalleled ability to fuse rock, jazz, and avant-garde elements, creating a bold and fresh take on the Allman Brothers’ classic.

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