The state of Georgia has officially approved a $2.6 million budget to erect a statue honoring the late Gregg Allman, co-founder of the legendary Allman Brothers Band and one of the most influential figures in Southern rock history. The statue will be placed in Macon, Georgia—a city deeply intertwined with the band’s roots and legacy.
Approved unanimously by the Georgia State Arts and Cultural Heritage Committee, the project aims to commemorate Allman’s profound impact on American music and his enduring contributions to blues, soul, and rock. The statue is expected to be unveiled in the summer of 2026 and will be located near the historic Capricorn Sound Studios, where the Allman Brothers recorded much of their groundbreaking music.
Governor Tyrese Holloway praised the initiative in a public statement: “Gregg Allman was more than a musician—he was the voice of a generation, a Georgia son, and a symbol of creative resilience. This monument will stand as a permanent reminder of his artistic brilliance and cultural significance.”
The statue, tentatively titled Midnight Rider, will be sculpted by acclaimed artist Zenos Frudakis and is set to depict Allman seated with his iconic Hammond B-3 organ, surrounded by elements reflecting the spirit of Southern rock—magnolia flowers, guitars, and musical notes etched into the base. The design was chosen through a collaborative effort involving fans, historians, and members of the Allman family.
Gregg Allman, who passed away in 2017 at the age of 69, helped pioneer a genre that blended blues, country, gospel, and jazz into a unique sound that defined the Southern rock movement of the 1970s. His deeply soulful voice, introspective songwriting, and blues-infused keyboard style earned him a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995.
Allman’s son, Devon Allman, responded to the news with gratitude: “It means the world to see my dad honored like this. Georgia was always home for him. He gave so much of himself through his music, and this statue will ensure that his spirit lives on for future generations.”
Local businesses and cultural groups in Macon are already preparing for an influx of visitors surrounding the statue’s unveiling, with plans for concerts, exhibits, and educational tours to coincide with the event.
As Georgia moves forward with this tribute, the statue promises not just to honor Gregg Allman’s legacy but to remind the world of the soulful, gritty, and revolutionary music that began in the heart of the South and echoed around the world.
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