BRADENTON, Fla. - David "Frankie" Toler - former Allman Brothers Band, Gregg Allman Band and Marshall Tucker Band drummer - died Saturday in hospice care 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 when reached by phone Monday. "I didn't know anybody who couldn't talk to him."
His older brother, guitarist Dan Toler, who played with Frankie in several bands, said in a statement: "Frankie was absolutely the best drummer I have ever played with in my entire life. He was a part of my life for the past 60 years, and to lose him now is just devastating."
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Toler's health had been in decline for several years and had prevented him from recording and going on tour. But after receiving a liver transplant two years ago, he had been able to play at some rehearsals.
