Butch Trucks, Allman Brothers Band Drummer and Co-Founder, Dies at 69
Today is a sad day for the music community, as we have lost one of the greats. Butch Trucks, drummer and co-founder of the iconic Allman Brothers Band, has passed away at the age of 69 in West Palm Beach, Florida. The cause of his death is unknown. “The Trucks and Allman Brothers Band families request all of Butch’s friends and fans to please respect our privacy at this time of sadness for our loss,” Trucks’ rep said in an official statement. “Butch will play on in our hearts forever.”
Claude Hudson “Butch” Trucks has been a drummer since he was in 8th grade growing up in Jacksonville, FL. He played in numerous bands throughout his career, but most notably with the Allman Brothers Band, which he formed with Gregg and Duane Allman in 1969 after meeting them at another gig. Their dual-drummer format perfectly complemented their soulful, Southern rock sound between Jaimoe Johanson and Trucks.
Throughout the years the Allman Brothers Band broke up and got back together several times, but Butch remained a fixture in the scene, especially in his home state of Florida. Most recently he has been playing with Butch Trucks and the Freight Train Band. They had shows booked through the summer, but sadly Butch played his last show on January 6.
Even though he is gone, his musical legacy lives on through the work he did the Allman Brothers Band, his own projects, and through his family and his proteges. Butch’s nephew, Derek Trucks, also played with the Allman Brothers and continues to work on his own projects with The Derek Trucks Band and the Tedeschi Trucks Band, his band with wife Susan Tedeschi.
Butch also took a special interest in another young Florida musician (and great friend of MusicFestNews) Heather Gillis, who often played with Butch in his Freight Train band. In a heartfelt dedication to him on her Facebook page, Heather said:
“Uncle” Butch, You were one of the most intelligent, musical, and passionate people I have ever known. Thank you for continuously pushing me to better myself both as a musician and bandmate. You had more faith and confidence in me than anyone ever has. I can’t thank you enough for the life lessons and teachings you have gifted me. You have touched many lives and left a strong legacy. Love you Butch!
Thank you.
His presence, smile, and unwavering dedication to supporting the music community will be sorely missed by all who knew him and by all his fans. Rest easy, Mr. Trucks.
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