Title: Please Be with Me: A Song for My Father, Duane Allman
Author: Galadrielle Allman
Genre: Biography
Please Be with Me: A Song for My Father, Duane Allman is more the story about a daughter's journey to know her father rather than a straight biography, and it's a fascinating journey. Galadrielle Allman was only 2 years old when her father, Duane Allman, was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident in October 1971. Duane Allman was 24 years old when he died, but the influence he's had on generations of guitarists is enduring. Along the way, the reader gets to know all about the legendary musician - warts and all. He struggled with drugs, wasn't the best husband or father, and always lived life on the edge. Galadrielle Allman also paints a picture of a man completely devoted to the guitar and fiercely protective and loyal to his friends, family and band mates. In an incredibly short span he worked with Aretha Franklin and Wilson Pickett as a session player, joined Eric Clapton as a member of Derek and the Dominoes - resulting in the classic album, Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs - and was the driving force behind the Allman Brothers Band. Sadly, he would not live to realize the impact that his talents had on the music world. The author visits with and interviews her father's associates (the title of the book is drawn from a song written by Scott Boyer who played with Allman), friends and family to gain a better perspective on who Duane Allman was. At the same time, Galadrielle Allman provides the reader with the story of her mother Donna, and struggles between loyalty and love she has for her and the mythical figure of the father she never knew. Ms. Allman does an excellent job of engaging the reader and shares her own frustrations with sorting out the relationship she never could realize. At times heartbreaking, and others redemptive, Please Be with Me: A Song for My Father, Duane Allman, is worthy of any reader interested in biographies and a daughter's genuine quest to know her late father.
- Mike
