Ramblin' Man (Allman Brothers Band song)
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| “Ramblin' Man” | |||||
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| Single by The Allman Brothers Band from the album Brothers and Sisters |
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| B-side | Pony Boy | ||||
| Released | 1973 | ||||
| Format | 7" 45 RPM Single | ||||
| Genre | Rock | ||||
| Length | 4:58 | ||||
| Label | Capricorn Records | ||||
| Writer(s) | Dickey Betts | ||||
| Producer | Johnny Sandlin, The Allman Brothers | ||||
| The Allman Brothers Band singles chronology | |||||
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"Ramblin' Man" is a 1973 song (written by Dickey Betts, who also sang lead vocals.[1]) by The Allman Brothers Band, featured on their album Brothers and Sisters.
The song, based on a 1951 song of the same name by Hank Williams, was The Allman Brothers Band's first and only top ten single, topping out at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart; it was held out of first place ironically by Gregg's future wife Cher's "Half-Breed". The song is sung by Betts and also features his lead guitar work, with support from session musician Les Dudek. Allmusic Guide writes that "the chorus is perhaps the catchiest and prettiest hook in all of Southern rock".[2]
The song forms part of the canon of American classic rock, and more specifically southern rock and has been featured in several movies, including The Exorcist, Big Fish, and When Harry Met Sally.
Despite being the band's biggest chart hit, since the mid-seventies it has only rarely been performed live by the band. Betts has said the song's structure doesn't lend itself well to improvisation, a key aspect of the band's live performances.
The song "Ramblin' Man" is part of the The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll list.[3]
Cover versions include one by country musician Gary Stewart, who had a minor hit with the song in 1973.
