Following the release of their 1969 debut, the Allman Brothers Band toured the United States extensively to promote the album, which had little commercial success.

Their performances, however, did create positive word of mouth exposure that extended to more famous musicians, such as Eric Clapton, who invited group leader Duane Allman to contribute to his 1970 album Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs.

Sales began to grow, however, due to over 300 shows the band put on in 1970, setting the stage for their artistic and commercial breakthrough with 1971's live follow-up album, At Fillmore East.

"Everyone told us we'd fall by the wayside down there," said Gregg Allman,[4] but the collaboration between the band and Capricorn Records "transformed Macon from this sleepy little town into a very hip, wild, and crazy place filled with bikers and rockers.

"[5] In March 1970, Oakley's wife rented a large Victorian home on 2321 Vineville Avenue in Macon, which they dubbed "the Big House".

Initially, the band had asked friend and colleague Johnny Sandlin to produce their second album, but as recording inched closer, it became obvious they wanted him to co-produce with Dowd.

[10] The band was constantly on the road while Idlewild South was developed, leading to a fractured recording process completed in fits and starts.

[8] On days that the band would be available, manager Walden phoned Dowd to inform him; he would often catch their show and spend the rest of the night in the studio.

"[18] The Gregg Allman-penned "Don't Keep Me Wonderin'" follows, featuring Duane on slide guitar and Oakley's friend Thom Doucette on harmonica.

[19] "Midnight Rider" developed quickly and featured lyrics contributed by roadie Robert Payne, who threw out a suggestion to Gregg Allman while together at their equipment warehouse.

[17] Unable to gain a key to the nearby Capricorn Sound Studios, the duo broke in and recorded a quick demo with Twiggs Lyndon on bass and Johanson on congas.

[17] Duane eventually laid down acoustic guitar tracks for both "Revival" and "Midnight Rider", as he was quicker to record and more technically savvy due to his session work in Muscle Shoals.

[20] "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed" was inspired by a woman Betts was involved with in Macon, the girlfriend of musician Boz Scaggs.

[10] Considerable legend developed about the song's genesis, much fueled by a put-on interview Duane Allman gave Rolling Stone.

"[23] The album's title came from the band's nickname for a $165-a-month cabin ($1,333.39 in 2024) it rented on a lake outside of Macon early in its days there, the busy comings and goings at which reminded them of New York City's Idlewild Airport.

[25] It sold only "marginally better, in spite of the band's growing national reputation, and included songs that would become staples of its repertoire—and eventually of rock radio.

"[32] A retrospective five-star review from Bruce Eder at Allmusic deemed it "the best studio album in the group's history, electric blues with an acoustic texture, virtuoso lead, slide, and organ playing, and a killer selection of songs.