Where Did All Of Gregg Allman’s Money Go After His Death
via @Rounder Records / YouTube
When Gregg Allman passed away in 2017, fans mourned the loss of one of Southern rock’s founding icons. Known for his role in the Allman Brothers Band and his gritty, soulful voice, Allman left a lasting musical legacy. But behind the scenes, questions swirled about how his wealth—estimated between $5 to $25 million—would be distributed.
During his final days in Georgia, Allman spent time reflecting on his past, surrounded by his wife Shannon Williams, his children, and his closest friends. His death came after a long battle with liver cancer, which he faced with a calm dignity. Amid the jazz music playing in the background and intimate goodbyes, preparations for his estate were already in motion.
Despite his history of substance abuse and multiple marriages, Allman had taken steps to put his financial life in order with the help of his longtime manager, Michael Lehman. These efforts ensured that not only his family, but also aspiring young musicians, would benefit from his legacy.
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The Children and the Inheritance
Gregg Allman had five children, each from different relationships, and each with a unique relationship to music and to him. Michael, Devon, Delilah, Elijah Blue, and Layla Brooklyn represent a complex family tree that reflects the often-chaotic life of a rockstar. While not all of them pursued music, most followed in their father’s footsteps in some way.
All indications suggest that his children received part of his estate. However, the most attention-grabbing development came from his third son, Elijah Blue Allman, whose inheritance became the center of controversy. His mother, Cher, attempted to gain control of his finances after claims that he squandered his share of Gregg’s wealth.
The legal battle between Cher and Elijah revealed just how difficult it can be to manage a celebrity’s legacy, especially when addiction and mental health struggles are involved. Although the two eventually settled the dispute privately, it highlighted how fragile family ties can become when millions of dollars are on the line.
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The Role of Shannon and Close Friends
At the time of his death, Gregg Allman was married to Shannon Williams, his seventh wife. The couple had grown close in the final chapter of his life, and Shannon was one of the people present at his deathbed. Her role wasn’t just emotional—she was also one of the beneficiaries of his estate.
Another central figure in Allman’s life was Huell “Chank” Middleton, his lifelong friend who was also by his side when he died. Allman had reportedly asked his manager, Michael Lehman, to ensure both Shannon and Chank were taken care of financially. Lehman confirmed that Allman’s wishes were honored.
Their inclusion in his financial plans speaks volumes about the people Allman considered family beyond blood. It also shows that his estate planning wasn’t purely about legacy—it was also deeply personal, aimed at protecting those who stood by him through the highs and lows.
A Lasting Gift to Young Musicians
One of the most overlooked aspects of Gregg Allman’s financial legacy is his philanthropic contribution to music education. With the guidance of Michael Lehman, Allman established scholarships and endowments to support aspiring musicians at various universities.
Before his death, Allman had already used proceeds from his 2014 tribute concert, All My Friends, to fund scholarships at the University of Georgia and Syracuse University. After his passing, another scholarship was created at Belmont University’s Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business.
These endowments reflect a lesser-known but deeply meaningful part of Allman’s legacy. Rather than simply distributing his wealth among family and friends, he also made a commitment to help the next generation of musicians—ensuring that his impact on the music world will continue far beyond his time.
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