Rock Legend Gregg Allman Has Died At 69

News just broke that inspirational rock legend Gregg Allman has died at age 69. On Saturday, The Hollywood Reporter was one of the first outlets to report that one of the founding members of The Allman Brothers Band passed away. At this time, his cause of death is not yet confirmed.

A statement was posted to Allman's official website confirming the news that reads, "It is with deep sadness that we announce that Gregg Allman, a founding member of The Allman Brothers Band, passed away peacefully at his home in Savannah, Georgia." The statement continued,

Gregg struggled with many health issues over the past several years. During that time, Gregg considered being on the road playing music with his brothers and solo band for his beloved fans, essential medicine for his soul. Playing music lifted him up and kept him going during the toughest of times.

While Allman's family has not yet released a statement of their own, the message on the website noted that they will soon, and that they request privacy in the meantime. THR further reported that Allman is survived by his wife, Shannon Allman, four children, and three grandchildren.

Billboard, another outlet which has confirmed his passing, noted the great contribution to rock music The Allman Brothers Band — consisting of Allman and his brother, Duane — made, ever since their first album debuted in 1970. Their hits, like "Rambling Man," "Midnight Rider," and "Whipping Post," were songs that contributed to The Allman Brothers Band's great success over the years.

Coming into popularity during a period in the 1970s when Southern rock was massively popular (think Lynard Skynyrd and Creedence Clearwater Revival), The Allman Brothers Band helped to define the sound of the '70s. However, the very public success of the band was matched by the equally tragic circumstances which plagued the Allman brothers in their private lives. In 1971, Duane Allman was killed in a motorcycle accident; his brother is remembered during this time for soldiering on and continuing to create the music he and his brother had been making since they were children. Allman continued on with The Allman Brothers Band, while bringing on other musicians and finding great success with albums Eat A Peach and Brothers and Sisters.

Whether associated with The Allman Brothers Band or remembered for his work as a solo artist, there is no doubt that Allman's 40-plus years in music have meant a great deal to the industry and musicians everywhere. His influence will be felt and celebrated for a long time to come.