Melissa

About Melissa

"Melissa" is a song by American rock band the Allman Brothers Band, released in August 1972 as the second single from the group's third studio album, Eat a Peach. The song was written by vocalist Gregg Allman long before the founding of the group. It was first written in 1967, and two demo versions from those years exist, including a version cut by the 31st of February, a band that featured Butch Trucks, the Allman Brothers' later drummer. Allman sold the publishing rights later that year, but they were reacquired by manager Phil Walden in 1972. The song's title is frequently referred to incorrectly as "Sweet Melissa" due to the lyric being sung at the end of each of the first two choruses. The version on Eat a Peach was recorded in tribute to Duane Allman, who considered the song among his brother's best and a personal favorite. He died in a motorcycle accident six weeks before its most famous rendition was recorded. more »