Remembering Berry Oakley III, Allman Brothers Band Founding Member

Raymond Berry Oakley III was the original bassist of the Allman Brothers Band, who were founders of the "Jam Band." Berry Oakley, is credited as being the driving force in the band, sometimes holding it together during long improvised jams. Along with Duane Allman, Berry Oakley was a co-founder of the Allman Brothers Band; his musical innovation has inspired many other musicians. Oakley modified a Fender Bass and aptly named it the "Tractor." This guitar has been described as a jazz bass with the neck pickup moved back and a Guild Starfire pickup put in its place. On November 11, 1972 he passed following a collision with a bus near his home "The Big House" in Macon, Georgia. Berry Duane Oakley, son of Oakley III, describes his father's music as having a "good family vibe." The Allman Brothers Band was an extended family, living and working together.

Berry Oakley Jr. carries on his father's tradition playing bass, singing, and keeping the classic sounds alive by exploring "vintage music." Sometimes Berry brings out the "Tractor" which he inherited. The original "Tractor" was replicated under Berry's supervision by master builder Todd Krause. Oakley III is survived also by his loving daughter Brittany, who he called "Bebop." Brit's photo is on the inside of the album cover of "Brothers and Sisters."

The breakthrough album for the Allman Brothers Band was "Idlewild South" in 1970, becoming a Billboard hit. The Allman Brothers were the last act to play the Fillmore East before it closed in 1971. The doulble live album "At Fillmore East" is ranked as number 49 in "Rolling Stone" magazine's Best 500 Albums. Just months later, the bands co-founder and lead guitarist, Duane Allman met an untimely end of life. Oakley's death occurred a year later, after recording the album "Eat a Peach," which including more live tracks from Fillmore East and new innovative rock. Berry Oakley III had played on finished recordings of "Wasted Words" and "Ramblin' Man" for the "Brothers and Sisters" album. Oakley can be heard on "Mountain Jam", "Hot 'Lanta", "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed", "Whipping Post", "Jessica", "Little Martha", "Melissa", "Midnight Rider", "Pegasus", and "Soulshine."

The Georgia state legislature named a bridge on State Highway 19 in Macon, the "Raymond Berry Oakley III Bridge" in his "honor and remembrance." Raymond Berry Oakley is buried next to Duane Allman in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Macon, Georgia. "Please Call Home" is a recent documentary of the original Allman Brothers Band, including their life in "The Big House."