CMT Music Awards Open With Powerful Gregg Allman Tribute

Wednesday night’s CMT Music Awards opened with a star-studded tribute to music legend Gregg Allman, who died last month at the age of 69.

Allman, one of the two brothers from the Allman Brothers Band rock band, died at his home in Savannah, Georgia, due to complications from liver cancer. He suffered from health issues in recent years, cancelling a 2017 tour that was planned for the summer. 

The Nashville-born musician rose to become an icon, famously combining genres including blues, jazz, rock and country to create his signature sound. 

So when the awards show opened with Jason Aldean, Darius Rucker and Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley singing the 1971 Allman Brothers Band classic “Midnight Rider,” viewers knew they were in for a treat. 

As the song continued, former Allman Brothers Band member Derek Trucks joined in with a guitar solo. 

Check out the powerful performance in the video above.

Correction: This article previously called the event the Country Music Awards when it is in fact the CMT Music Awards.