Gregg Allman Documentary, ‘Music of My Soul,’ Acquired by Subtext in Association With Rolling Stone Films

Why It Matters

The acquisition gives Subtext a high‑profile launch while reviving Allman's legacy for both longtime fans and a younger generation, reinforcing the commercial viability of music documentaries. It also highlights the cultural significance of the Allman Brothers Band’s role in integrating American rock music.

Key Takeaways

• Subtext's first U.S. release is Gregg Allman documentary
• Film directed by James Keach, featuring rare footage
• Highlights Allman's role in breaking racial barriers in Southern rock
• Rolling Stone Films co-produced, adding editorial credibility
• Release slated summer 2026, targeting legacy fans, new audiences

Pulse Analysis

Subtext entered the competitive U.S. distribution market with a bold statement, choosing a music documentary that blends cultural relevance and star power. By securing "Music of My Soul," the fledgling company aligns itself with premium nonfiction content, leveraging the credibility of Rolling Stone Films and the pedigree of director James Keach. This strategy signals Subtext's intent to build a catalog of high‑impact titles that can attract both theatrical audiences and streaming platforms, a proven growth engine for independent distributors.

Gregg Allman's legacy extends far beyond his soulful vocals; he helped shape Southern rock's sonic identity while actively defying the segregationist norms of the 1970s South. The documentary's emphasis on previously unseen interviews and rare concert footage offers a fresh narrative that positions Allman as a cultural bridge between Black musical traditions and mainstream rock. By spotlighting his collaboration with Black musicians, the film taps into contemporary conversations about diversity and inclusion in music history, resonating with audiences seeking deeper, more nuanced stories.

The broader market for music documentaries has surged, driven by streaming services hungry for content that blends nostalgia with discovery. Partnerships like Subtext's with Rolling Stone Films provide access to extensive archives and journalistic expertise, enhancing production value and audience trust. As legacy acts like the Allman Brothers Band attract renewed interest, documentaries become lucrative assets for licensing, merchandising, and cross‑platform promotion, promising solid returns for investors and expanding the cultural footprint of iconic musicians.

Gregg Allman Documentary, ‘Music of My Soul,’ Acquired by Subtext in Association With Rolling Stone Films

Feb 20, 2026 8:56 am PT · By Jem Aswad · Executive Editor, Music

Photo: Jeffrey Mayer

“Music of My Soul,” the critically praised documentary on legendary Allman Brothers frontman and solo artist Gregg Allman, has been acquired for North America by Subtext, the U.S. independent film production and distribution company launched in January 2026 by industry veterans Danielle DiGiacomo, Brian Levy, and Teddy Liouliakis.

Subtext plans to release the film, which is directed by Grammy‑ and Golden Globe‑winning filmmaker James Keach (“Walk the Line,” “Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice”) and produced by Michael Lehman, this summer; it will be the company’s inaugural release.

Allman died of complications from liver cancer in 2017 at the age of 69.

“Gregg Allman’s music is woven into the fabric of American culture, and this film captures both the artistry and the humanity behind the legend,” says Brian Levy. “We’re proud to bring the film to American audiences, offering devoted fans rare insight and archival material while introducing Gregg’s legacy to a new generation.”

Told through previously uncirculated interviews and rare concert footage, the film “weaves an intimate portrait of Allman, candidly reflecting on the death of his brother and bandmate Duane, his battles with addiction, and the personal demons that shaped both his life and his music,” according to the announcement.

The film also highlights how Allman and the band “rejected the racial divisions that defined much of the American South, grounding their sound in deep respect for Black musical traditions and collaboration with Black musicians at a time when integrated rock groups were rare.”

Keach’s previous credits include the 2005 Academy‑Award‑winning Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash biopic Walk the Line and documentaries such as 2014’s Glen Campbell: I’ll Be Me, 2019’s David Crosby: Remember My Name, and the Grammy‑winning Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice. He co‑produced the film alongside Lehman, who was Gregg Allman’s longtime manager, and Alex Komisaruk of PCH Films, as well as executive producers Justin Falvey and Darryl Frank of Amblin Documentaries, Douglas Banker of Five All in the Fifth, Michael Hughes and Greg C. Lake of DLP Media Group, Robert Stein, and Brian Levy and Theodore Liouliakis of Subtext.

The film was made in association with Rolling Stone Films and is executive produced by Alexandra Dale, Head of Film and Premium Content for Rolling Stone. The acquisition deal was negotiated by Subtext partner Danielle DiGiacomo, with Submarine’s Josh Braun, Dan Braun and Matt Burke on behalf of the filmmakers.

“I am honored to have worked with Gregg and to have called him my dear friend,” says Michael Lehman. “This film captures his true essence, and it’s profoundly meaningful to be able to share his remarkable story with the world. Gregg’s music has outlived him and will bring joy to many generations in the future.”

Keach adds, “I personally connected to Gregg Allman in his close relationship to his brother and his battles with addiction. For me, Gregg’s incredible voice resonates not just in his music but in his humanity, in overcoming the murder of his father, the early death of his brother Duane, and his personal demons. His soulful voice and brilliant songs reflect a life of redemption and hopefully will inspire all who witness his journey.”

“Few bands have shaped the sound and mythology of American music like the Allman Brothers Band, and Rolling Stone has long been honored to chronicle their rise, reinvention, and resilience,” adds Alexandra Dale. “We’re proud to help bring Gregg Allman’s story to the screen in a way that captures the depth, complexity, and soul of his legacy.”