Remembering former Allman Brothers Band drummer David “Frankie” Toler
My debut story for international publication Blues Revue about the celebratory Frankie Toler memorial.
Older sibling Dan Toler, the guitar hero who played with Frankie in the Allman Brothers Band, the Gregg Allman Band, Dickey Betts’ Great Southern group, and several other projects, led the righteous send off. He took the stage not long after the sun had dipped below the dense tree line in rural Southwest Florida. Although barely able to speak because of a swollen vocal cord, Dan began his set with a moving prayer that ended with a message of gratitude. Seated due to other health issues, the grieving brother then blessed everyone packed into and around the juke joint-style shed with one sizzling, emotive guitar lick after another on the ABB classic “Hot ’Lanta.”
