MACON, Ga. — This past March marked the 50th anniversary of the formation of the Allman Brothers Band. The classic southern rock group has deep roots in Macon. Now, there is now a push to make their legacy more visible around town.
CEO of Visit Macon Greg Wheat sometimes chuckles when he travels around town. "I drive down the street and I see people darting across traffic to get a selfie in front of the Duane Allman Boulevard sign," he said.
Wheat knows folks come from all over to see the Allman Brothers museum, the Big House. Now, there is a push to dedicate some roads around Macon to the band.
"In recent years, over the past two-and-a-half, three years, we've seen the passing of Gregg Allman and Butch Trucks from the band, and obviously, with the significance of that 50th anniversary, we want to give that some recognition," Wheat said.
Richard Brent is the director of the Big House. "We've already got a Berry Oakley Bridge and a Duane Allman Memorial Boulevard, so to honor the rest of the members of the band was a no-brainer, Brent said.
This is all in the early planning stages, but here's how it would work. "Well, right outside the museum here going towards I-75, that's Duane Allman Memorial Boulevard, so the conversation is coming back from the Big House would be Duane's brother, Gregg, so it would be Gregg Allman Memorial Boulevard," Brent explained.
Dickey Betts, Jaimoe, and Butch Trucks would also get a space, possibly on the Hardeman I-75 Southbound ramps.
Brent thinks the move could enhance the Allman experience for fans.
"I think it adds to their excitement -- as they're on their way here, it builds up," he said.
Renaming state roads, even off-ramps, would need approval from both the county and the state.
Visit Macon plans to write a proposal, and commissioner Larry Schlesinger says he will sponsor the measure.
Wheat says his goal is to have it all done in one year.