BRADENTON, Fla. — David “Frankie” Toler — a drummer for the Allman Brothers Band, Gregg Allman Band and Marshall Tucker Band — died Saturday 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 1994.
“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.” Gray paused and added, “There are a lot of people who love Frankie. I’m just one.”
Toler is survived by his wife, Marsha; their daughter, Aja Kayle; and his older brother, guitarist Dan Toler, who played with Frankie in the Allman Brothers Band, the Gregg Allman Band and several other projects.
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 band rehearsals.
