Butch Trucks, a founding member of the Allman Brothers Band, has died at age 69, JamBands.com reports.
Born Claude Hudson Trucks in Jacksonville, Florida, Trucks is best known for drumming in the Allman Brothers Band throughout the group's entire career. After playing in bands including the Vikings and the 31st Of February, Trucks formed the Allman Brothers Band in 1969 with Duane and Gregg Allman, Dickey Betts, Berry Oakley and Jai Johanny Johanson. Teaming with fellow drummer Johanson, Trucks helped supply the Southern rock heroes with an inventive rhythmic foundation. He continued to perform with the band all the way up to their 2014 disbandment and had been touring with a new project called Butch Trucks & Very Special Friends. He also performed with Butch Trucks & The Freight Train Band.
Trucks leaves behind several relatives in the music world. His son Vaylor Trucks plays in Atlanta's the Yeti Trio, and his nephews include Tedeschi Trucks Band singer-guitarist Derek Trucks and Widespread Panic drummer Duane Trucks.
