Berry Oakley

Raymond Berry Oakley III (born April 4, 1948, in Chicago, Illinois, died November 11, 1972 in Macon, Georgia), was an American bassist who was one of the founding members of The Allman Brothers Band.

Related Topics:
April 4 - 1948 - Chicago, Illinois - November 11 - 1972 - Macon, Georgia - American - Bassist - The Allman Brothers Band

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Oakley moved from Chicago to Florida where he met and joined Dickey Betts' band Second Coming. He then helped form The Allman Brothers Band in 1969, along with Duane Allman (guitar), Gregg Allman (vocals and organ), Dickey Betts (guitar), and drummers Butch Trucks and Jai Johanny Johanson aka Jaimoe.

Related Topics:
Florida - Dickey Betts - The Allman Brothers Band - Duane Allman - Gregg Allman - Butch Trucks - Jai Johanny Johanson - Jaimoe

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With the Allman Brothers, Oakley was known for his long, melodic bass runs underneath Allman and Betts' furious guitar soloing. "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed" and "Whippin' Post" from the At Fillmore East live album captures Oakley at his best. Oakley was also the band member most involved in establishing domestic unity among the band's extended family.

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On November 11, 1972, Oakley was involved in a motorcycle accident with a Macon bus, just three blocks from where Duane had a fatal accident the year before. Oakley said he was okay after the accident, declined medical treatment, and went back to The Big House. Just three hours later, he was taken to the hospital and died of a skull fracture.

Related Topics:
November 11 - 1972 - Motorcycle - The Big House

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In 1998, the Georgia state legislature passed a resolution designating a bridge on State Highway 19, in Macon, Georgia, as the "Raymond Berry Oakley III Bridge" in memory of the great bassist.

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