Written and first recorded (as “There is a Mountain”) by Donovan (US #11/UK #8 1967).
Also recorded by Dandy Livingstone (1967).
Adapted by The Allman Brothers (1972).
From the wiki: “‘There Is a Mountain’ is a song and single by British singer/songwriter Donovan, released in 1967 and charting in the US and UK. ‘There is a Mountain’ was first covered, in 1967, by Reggae artist Dandy Livingstone (‘A Message to You, Rudy‘).
“‘Mountain Jam’ is the improvised instrumental jam based on the Donovan song. The Allman Brothers were inspired to improvise on it after hearing the Grateful Dead’s jam ‘Alligator’, from the Dead’s Anthem of the Sun album (1968). ‘Mountain Jam’ was recorded at Fillmore East in March 1971 to be included on the mixed live/studio album Eat A Peach, the last Allman Brothers albums to include founding member and lead guitarist Duane Allman before his accidental death in September 1971.
“‘Mountain Jam’ was always intended for inclusion on an album (and the band teased its appearance by including the opening seconds on the fade-out of the final song on At Fillmore East). The Allman Brothers considered it a signature song of the group, but deemed the performance that was published on Eat a Peach to be relatively mediocre. The song’s first known recording is on May 4, 1969 at Macon Central Park. Other live recordings have been released on the albums February 1970, Live at Ludlow Garage: 1970, Live at the Atlanta International Pop Festival: July 3 & 5, 1970, and The Fillmore Concerts.”
Dandy Livingstone, “There is a Mountain” (1967):
The Allman Brothers, “Mountain Jam” first known recording @ Macon, GA (1969):
The Allman Brothers, “Mountain Jam” from Eat a Peach (1972):