Ex-Allman Bros. drummer David Toler dies

BRADENTON, Fla. -- David "Frankie" Toler -- former Allman Brothers Band, Gregg Allman Band and Marshall Tucker Band drummer -- died Saturday at Tidewell hospice care in Bradenton after a prolonged illness following a liver transplant.

Toler, a key player in the Southern rock scene, was 59.

Marshall Tucker Band lead singer Doug Gray worked with his friend from 1992 to '94.

"Frankie's personality was so big -- it stuck out farther than his mighty drumsticks," Gray said Monday. "I didn't know anybody who couldn't talk to him."

Toler's health had been in decline and had prevented him from recording and touring. But after receiving a liver transplant two years ago, he had been able to play some rehearsals.

Toler came to national attention as the drummer on Dickey Betts & Great Southern's 1978 album "Atlanta's Burning Down." He was then asked to be the drummer for the Allman Brothers Band and appeared on their 1981 album "Brothers of the Road."McClatchy Newspapers