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55 years later, this Southern rock hit is still making waves.
In November, Ultimate Classic Rock ranked the top 35 Southern rock songs of all time, compiling a list of some of the greatest country-rock hits ever made. Beating out both Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Free Bird" at No. 2 and ZZ Top's "La Grange" at No. 6, the Allman Brothers Band took the top spot with "Whipping Post."
"Whipping Post" was originally written in late 1968 by Gregg Allman and first appeared on the band's self-titled debut album in 1969. Legend has it that Allman wrote the iconic lyrics on a ironing board cover using burnt matches because he didn't have paper readily available.
Despite its famed reputation, "Whipping Post" was not initially successful. The song only garnered significant recognition after its 1971 release on the band's first live album, At Fillmore East, as a 23-minute long expanded rendition.
While the original studio version is catchy and to the point, the live rendition left room for improvisation, which transformed the track into something even more remarkable. Running over 18 minutes longer than the studio version, the brothers showcased their innate musical talent, blending blues, country, rock and jazz elements into the once clean-cut song.
Since its release, "Whipping Post" has reached insurmountable levels of success and critical acclaim, securing places on other prestigious industry lists including the Rolling Stone's"The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time" and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's "500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll."
The History of The Allman Brothers Band
The group formed in 1969 by brothers Gregg and Duane Allman. Later, guitarist Dickey Betts, bassist Berry Oakley, and drummers Butch Trucks and Jai Johanny "Jaimoe" Johanson joined to complete the band's original lineup. Between 1969 and 2003, the group released 12 studio albums, maintaining a reputation as a pioneering Southern rock band.
Throughout the band's career, they have earned several notable accolades, such as two Grammy Awards (including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award) and a Billboard Touring Award. In 1995, the Allman Brothers Band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, solidifying their legacy as Southern rock trailblazers.
Related: 1992 Hit Ranked Best ‘Alternative Rock Song’ of All Time
