Remembering Dickey Betts
• Dickey Betts, founding member of the legendary Allman Brothers Band, and the writer of several of the band’s biggest hits, including “Blue Sky,” “Ramblin’ Man,” and “Jessica,” died Thursday, April 17 in Osprey, FL at the age of 80.
Betts’ family confirmed his passing via an Instagram post that reads: “It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that the Betts family announce the peaceful passing of Forrest Richard ‘Dickey’ Betts (December 12, 1943 — April 18, 2024) at the age of 80 years old. The legendary performer, songwriter, bandleader and family patriarch passed away earlier today at his home in Osprey, FL, surrounded by his family. Dickey was larger than life, and his loss will be felt world-wide. At this difficult time, the family asks for prayers and respect for their privacy in the coming days. More information will be forthcoming at the appropriate time.”
As Variety reports, the Allman Brothers Band was formed in 1969 with Betts and bassist Berry Oakley of the Florida band The Second Coming, who joined forces with members of two other groups — Duane andGregg Allman from The Hour Glass, drummer Butch Trucks of the 31st of February, and percussionist Jai Johanny “Jaimoe” Johanson. The band was based in Macon, GA and signed to Capricorn Records, founded by the Allmans’ manager Phil Walden.
The Allmans made their major commercial breakthrough in 1971 with the two-LP concert set, At Fillmore East. However, Duane Allman’s tragic death at 24 in an October 1971 motorcycle accident thrust Betts into a more prominent role in the group. He contributed “Blue Sky” to 1972’s Eat a Peach, the group’s first album without Duane, which reached No. 4. The band’s follow-up release, 1973’s Brothers and Sisters rose to No. 1 nationally on the back of the Betts-penned single “Ramblin’ Man,” which peaked at No. 2. Due to ongoing conflict between Betts and Gregg Allman, Betts left the group in 2000. However, he and Allman did reconcile before Allman’s death from liver cancer in 2017, and Betts attended Allman’s funeral.
• The Allman Brothers Band website posted a heartfelt tribute to Betts, which reads, “With deep sadness the Allman Brothers Band learned today that founding member Dickey Betts has passed away peacefully in his home in Sarasota, Florida, following a period of declining health. Dickey wrote quintessential Brothers songs, including ‘Blue Sky,’ ‘Ramblin’ Man,’ ‘Jessica,’ ‘In Memory of Elizabeth Reed,’ and many others. His extraordinary guitar playing alongside guitarist Duane Allman created a unique dual guitar signature sound that became the signature sound of the genre known as Southern Rock.
He was passionate in life, be it music, songwriting, fishing, hunting, boating, golf, karate or boxing. Dickey was all in on and excelled at anything that caught his attention.
Betts joins his brothers, Duane Allman, Berry Oakley, Butch Trucks and Gregg Allman, as well as ABB crew members Twiggs Lyndon, Joe Dan Petty, Red Dog, Kim Payne and Mike Callahan in that old Winnebago in the sky, touring the world taking their music to all who will listen. Our condolences to his immediate family, Donna, Duane & Lisa, Christy & Frank, Jessica, and Kim. Play on, Brother Dickey, you will be forever remembered and deeply missed.” — Allman Brothers Band, Family, and Crew
• Benztown has made available its Audio Tribute to Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Dickey Betts, written and produced by Peter Murphy and voiced by MJ Bloch.
• SuiteRadio’s Long Live Rock presents a totally turn-key, inventory-free, six-song retrospective on the late Dickey Betts. The special, hosted by Rowdy Yates, runs 31:21, is free of charge and ready for immediate digital download delivery. Contact jim@suiteradio.net.
