The myth has persisted that the Allman Brothers’ classic album Eat a Peach was named in honor of Duane Allman, who was killed when he drove his Harley-Davidson into a truck – presumably a peach truck.

The story’s not true. The title came from a comment Allman made to a reporter when asked what he was contributing to the peace movement. His reply was “there ain’t no revolution, it’s evolution. But every time I’m in Georgia I eat a peach for peace.”

The ultimate tragedy is that Allman did, indeed, die in the wreck after striking a flat-bed lumber truck. That was 38 years ago today, when Allman, who was just shy of his 25th birthday, was at the pinnacle of his already brilliant career.

(photo courtesy of rollingstone.com)

The Allman Brothers Band had just released At the Filmore East, their legendary live album, when Duane was killed on Oct. 29, 1971. The prior year, Allman was invited into the studio by Eric Clapton, contributing to Derek and the Dominos classic album, Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs. The Clapton/Allman collaboration makes the album one of the most enduring rock masterpieces of all time.

Unfortunately, it was then, at the height of his success and acclaim, that Allman died.

When it was released in 1972, Eat a Peach included some of Duane Allman’s last recorded tracks, which had been put down in the studio during the early stages of the album. The band, of course, would go on with brother Greg Allman and guitarist Dickey Betts.

Fortunately, Duane Allman’s own work remains available to fans today. It certainly stands the test of time.

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