When talking about jam bands oozing blues and country rock goodness, there’s no better band than the Allman Brothers Band. They’ve been a staple in the music industry for over 50 years, establishing their reputation with hits like “Ramblin’ Man” and “Midnight Rider.”
However, they’re not the only bands who can jam or provide us with eargasms of Southern rock music. So if you favor this genre, you’re in the right place.
In this post, we’ll dive into the works of 14 incredible bands like The Allman Brothers Band. Let’s get started.
1. Lynyrd Skynyrd
In 1964, a group of high school friends came together to play music. Eventually, they became known as Lynyrd Skynyrd. This band, just like the Allman Brothers Band, played an essential role in developing the Southern rock genre during the 1970s.
With their blend of blues, country, and rock, Lynyrd Skynyrd’s career skyrocketed with the release of their debut album, featuring their most iconic song, “Sweet Home Alabama.” Over the years, they released five studio albums and one live album, each contributing to their growing fame and success.
However, Lynyrd Skynyrd’s career was tragically interrupted in 1977 when their chartered airplane crashed, resulting in the loss of several band members. Despite this devastating event, the surviving members eventually regrouped and continued to create music, honoring their fallen bandmates’ legacy.
Related: Up next, check out our list of bands similar to Lynyrd Skynyrd here.
2. Grateful Dead
Next up is a band that emerged from the cultural revolution of the 1960s. Hailing from Palo Alto, California, Grateful Dead embarked on an extraordinary musical journey that would change the face of rock music.
One of the band’s most significant achievements came in 1970 when they released two albums, Workingman’s Dead and American Beauty. These albums were commercial successes and are considered some of the finest country records ever released.
Like The Allman Brothers Band, Grateful Dead was a pioneer in improvisation and lengthy jam sessions during live performances. This approach allowed them to explore various musical landscapes within a single song, creating a unique and immersive concert experience for their audiences.
Related: For more, see our post on other bands similar to The Grateful Dead.
3. Creedence Clearwater Revival
Formed in 1959 by John Fogerty, his brother Tom Fogerty, and Stu Cook, Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) would soon evolve into one of the greatest American rock bands.
Although originally formed in California rather than the South, like The Allman Brothers Band, CCR’s sound was heavily influenced by rhythm and blues, as well as folk-rock styles.
Some of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s most popular songs are “Proud Mary,” “Fortunate Son,” and “Bad Moon Rising.” If albums are what you’re looking for, check out their multi-Platinum hits Green River and Cosmo’s Factory.
Creedence Clearwater Revival’s contributions to music did not go unnoticed. They were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1993, a testament to their influence.
Related: Check out our list of bands that sound like Creedence Clearwater Revival.
4. ZZ Top
Another well-known Southern rock band that shares similarities with The Allman Brothers Band is ZZ Top. Formed in Houston, Texas, the group was known for its classic lineup, which remained unchanged for over five decades: Billy Gibbons (vocals/guitar), Frank Beard (drums), and Dusty Hill (bass).
Influenced by early blues legends such as B.B. King and Muddy Waters, ZZ Top has created some of the most iconic music in modern history. Their biggest hits include “Legs,” “Sharp Dressed Man,” and “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” which show off their unique blend of hard-hitting rock riffs and blues-inspired rhythms.
This Lil’ Ol’ Band from Texas has managed to maintain their distinctive sound and style throughout their musical journey. Even with the passing of Hill in 2021, the band continues to tour and release music.
5. The Marshall Tucker Band
Hailing from Spartanburg, South Carolina, The Marshall Tucker Band emerged in 1972 as a force in the American rock scene. Blending blues, country, and jazz like The Allman Brothers Band, they carved out a niche for themselves that set them apart from their contemporaries.
One of their most popular songs, “Can’t You See,” recorded live in 1973 at the Grand Opera House in Macon, Georgia, continues to captivate audiences. The song embodies the band’s talent for storytelling and creating music that resonates with listeners.
The band’s dedication to their craft has not gone unnoticed. On June 9, 2022, South Carolina’s governor proclaimed it Marshall Tucker Band Day across the entire state, an honor that speaks volumes about their lasting impact on the music scene and their home state.
Related: Have you seen our list of famous Southern rock bands here?
6. Little Feat
American rock band Little Feat is similar to The Allman Brothers Band in their music—a combination of rock, jazz, country, and blues. Formed in Los Angeles in 1969 by Lowell George and Bill Payne, they went on to become purveyors of funky southern boogie.
Active now for over 40 years, Little Feat has released 16 studio and 12 live albums and 30 singles. Notable tracks are “Willin’,” “Spanish Moon,” “Roll Um Easy,” “Dixie Chicken,” and “Long Distance Love.”
Despite facing adversity and changes in line-up over the years, the band has remained a significant force in the music industry, continuing to captivate audiences with their distinct blend of styles. Bill Payne, the keyboardist, and co-founder of Little Feat, celebrated the band’s 50th anniversary in 2019.
Related: Next, read our list of the best American rock bands of all time.
7. The Band
Formed in Toronto, Ontario, in 1967, The Band was a Canadian-American rock group that started as the backing band for Bob Dylan. They were known for their catchy mix of country, folk, blues, and rock music, which brought them critical acclaim in the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s.
The Band’s discography is extensive, including top tracks and albums that have earned them a place in rock history. To name a few: “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down,” “Up on Cripple Creek,” and “The Weight.”
In addition to their music, they are also remembered for their contribution to concert films, like Martin Scorsese’s The Last Waltz.
Despite their disbandment in 1999, their influence continues to be felt in the music industry. They’ve been inducted into both the Rock and Roll and Canadian Music Halls of Fame.
8. The Eagles
Country rock was never the same the moment The Eagles emerged from the sun-soaked landscape of Los Angeles in 1971. Soon after their start, their harmonious melodies and profound lyrics soon captured the hearts of listeners.
The breakthrough moment arrived in 1972 with their self-titled debut album, which featured the hit “Take It Easy.” After this, The Eagles continued to release several more chart-topping hits, including “New Kid in Town,” “Best of My Love,” and Grammy Record of the Year “Hotel California.”
Throughout their illustrious career, The Eagles received numerous accolades, including five American Music Awards and six Grammy Awards. In recognition of their immense contribution to music, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.
Related: For more, read our list of bands like The Eagles here.
9. Gov’t Mule
Born out of a musical experiment in 1994, the Southern rock jam band Gov’t Mule emerged, which would soon captivate the music scene with their improvisational concerts spanning rock, blues, jazz, and funk.
It all started when guitarist Warren Haynes and bassist Allen Woody, both former members of The Allman Brothers Band, teamed up with drummer Matt Abts to form a powerful trio.
The band’s rise to fame was anything but ordinary. Initially conceived as a side project, it quickly took on a life of its own, carving out a unique niche in the world of Southern rock and jam bands with works such as their Deep End series.
Despite the untimely death of Woody in 2000, the band decided to carry on and continue making music.
10. Derek & The Dominos
Next up is Derek and the Dominos, a British-American rock group that formed in 1970, composed of Eric Clapton, Carl Radle, Jim Gordon, Bobby Whitlock, and of course, Duane Allman. They were known for their blues-rock style and the hit single “Layla.”
Considered one of the most influential blues-rock bands of all time, Derek and the Dominos only released one studio album before disbanding in 1971: Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs.
However, its members went on to pursue successful musical projects individually. Eric Clapton continued his solo career while Bobby Whitlock collaborated with other musicians, such as George Harrison.
Despite their short-lived lifespan as a band, Derek and the Dominos has had an enduring impact on music history through their influential sound, which still resonates today among fans of classic rock and blues music alike.
11. Atlanta Rhythm Section
Serving as a quintessential example of the Southern rock sound is Atlanta Rhythm Section (ARS), with a style very similar to The Allman Brothers Band.
The band was formed in 1970 and originally consisted of Rodney Justo, Barry Bailey, J. R. Cobb, Paul Goddard, Dean Daughtry, and Robert Nix.
The band’s music has seen significant success, with a string of hit albums and singles throughout the ’70s. Their most popular tracks include “So Into You” and “Spooky,” both of which showcase the band’s signature blend of Southern rock, country rock, and pop rock.
Sadly, over the recent years, many of the original members have passed away: Cobb in 2019, Bailey in 2022, and Daughtry in 2023. Though the future of the band is unclear, their legacy endures in their beloved music.
12. Stevie Ray Vaughan And Double Trouble
Hailing from Austin, Texas, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble was an influential blues rock band. Stevie Ray Vaughan, the group’s namesake, was a blues guitarist and singer known for his raw talent and passionate performances; and Double Trouble served as his backing band.
This group is best known for their dynamic live performances. Videos of their performances, like “Pride and Joy,” garner millions of views on YouTube. Other notable live performances include “Texas Flood,” “Crossfire,” and “Cold Shot.”
Tragically, Vaughan died in a helicopter crash in 1990, marking an abrupt end to a highly successful career. Despite this, Vaughan and Double Trouble have left a legacy in the world of blues and rock music. Their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015 stands as a testament to their enduring influence.
Related: For more on Stevie Ray Vaughan, see our list of the greatest American guitarists.
13. The Black Crowes
Often likened to The Allman Brothers Band for their bluesy and soulful sound is The Black Crowes. This American rock band has been around since 1984, hailing from Atlanta, Georgia.
Their most popular songs, such as “She Talks to Angels,” “Twice As Hard,” “Hard to Handle,” “Jealous Again,” and “Remedy,” have garnered hundreds of millions of streams on Spotify, reflecting their widespread popularity.
The Black Crowes have been particularly celebrated for their live performances. Fans of The Allman Brothers Band will enjoy The Black Crowes’ energetic shows that showcase their musical prowess and charisma. They currently have many tours planned, so go ahead and check them out!
14. Wet Willie
Up next is a band known for their Southern rock sound not dissimilar to that of The Allman Brothers Band. Wet Willie hails from Mobile, Alabama, and has been giving us memorable songs since 1970.
One of their most notable achievements was the success of their 1974 single “Keep On Smilin’,” which reached #10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. This song became a signature track for the band and solidified their place in the rock music landscape.
Wet Willie took a break in 1980, but they came back a decade later to continue touring. In 2014, their work was acknowledged with an induction into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.
15. Tedeschi Trucks Band
Hailing from Jacksonville, Florida, Tedeschi Trucks Band is a dynamic group formed in 2010 and has become a magnetic force in the world of blues and blues rock, similar to The Allman Brothers Band back in their time.
At the heart of Tedeschi Trucks Band are Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks, a married couple whose harmonious personal relationship translates into a powerful musical partnership.
They debuted in 2011 with Revelator, and they have since released four more successful albums. In 2022, they released their most ambitious project to date, an album titled I Am The Moon.
This monumental work is an epic undertaking that spans four albums, four films, and 24 original songs. Each song tells its own story, creating a tapestry of sound that reflects the band’s depth and diversity.
Summing Up Our List Of Bands Like The Allman Brothers Band
And there you have it, folks! A delightful journey into the world of Southern rock, exploring bands that share a similar sound and style with the legendary Allman Brothers Band.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this musical exploration as much as we’ve enjoyed guiding you through it. Hopefully, you were able to find new favorites here!
We’re all ears for your thoughts and suggestions. If there’s a band that you think deserves a spot on this list, or if you feel we’ve missed an important name, please let us know so we can add them here!
