ROCK trailblazer* Gregg Allman, a founding member of The Allman Brothers Band, has died aged 69.

Allman died at home in Savannah, Georgia, on Saturday, his official website announced.

The musician first found fame in the band he started with older brother Duane in the late 1960s.

In its heyday*, the band was a staple on radio stations and released albums ranked among the best in rock history.

Allman, the band’s lead singer and keyboardist*, wrote several of their biggest hits, including “Whipping Post,” “It’s Not My Cross to Bear” and “Midnight Rider.”

Among The Allman Brothers Band’s best-known songs is “Jessica,” from 1973, which was used as the opening theme tune to “Top Gear.”

After news of his death was announced, singer Cher, to whom he was married in the 1970s, tweeted “words are impossible,” before sharing a picture of the two together.

(SD-Agencies)