Devon Allman has quickly established himself as one of Southern Rock’s best frontmen. As a teenager, he began his musical journey, meeting his dad, the legendary southern rocker Greg Allman, at 16. From that point forward, Devon sought to fulfill his own destiny.

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Along with Duane Betts, the son of Allman Brothers band member Dickey Betts, they formed The Allman Betts Band. The group’s soulful, blues-based sound is reminiscent of their father’s yet contains an original vibe not felt in years by true Southern Rock fans. When Devon was about 17, he was introduced to Duane on a tour bus when their dads played together. Years later, the duo reunited to form their current group.

Devon Allman discusses his music and current tour with The Allman Betts Band, touring with Blackberry Smoke later this summer. (Southern Americana Podcast)

In the early 2000s, Devon Allman’s Honeytribe project kickstarted his career. Then he teamed up with Blackberry Smoke’s Charlie Wooten and others in 2011 to form Royal Southern Brotherhood. The group released two albums between 2012-2014. Before starting The Allman Betts Band with Duane, the sons of two legendary southern rockers discussed writing together, but nothing came of the idea.

When 2018 rolled around, the duo formed their current band, adding musicians Berry Duane Oakley on bass, keyboardist John Ginty, slide guitarist Johnny Stachela, and percussionists R. Scott Bryan and John Lum. The lineup has received rave reviews and is currently touring the Southeast, Northeast, and Plains States, then taking a brief break before kicking off the Spirit of the South Tour with Blackberry Smoke on July 31.

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It’s hard to define Devon’s sound, and he rightfully feels the “Southern Rock” label is overused. However, few can argue that Muscle Shoals, Alabama, is Southern Rock’s breeding grounds. In an earlier interview, Devon described Muscle Shoals, where his father and uncle developed their unique style that Devon refers to as “The United States of Americana.” Fortunately, he believes the Americana sound is alive and well.

“Americana always seems to be a more organic singer-songwriter telling stories and laid back,” Devon said during our Southern Americana episode. There are so many great Americana artists such as John Prime and John Hyatt. It’s such a wide framework that can encompass so many styles.”

I caught up with Devon while working on projects in his St. Louis area studio between tour dates. Listen as Devon discusses how he started playing music and what artists influenced his unique style. Their latest album, Bless Your Heart, released in 2020, contains several outstanding cuts including “Pale Horse Rider,” “Savannah’s Dream,” and “Magnolia Road.”