Dickey Betts, a founding member of the Allman Brothers Band, passed away on April 18, 2024 at the age of 80. His manager, David Spero, confirmed that Betts died in his home in Osprey, Florida due to complications from cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). His family surrounded Betts at the time of his passing.
Born Forrest Richard Betts, he became better known as Dickey and became a seminal figure in the Southern rock movement. Betts, along with Duane Allman, his co-guitarist, was instrumental in shaping the sound and success of the Allman Brothers Band.
After Allman died in 1971, Betts became the band’s principal guitarist and contributed some of the group’s most memorable songs, including hits like “Ramblin’ Man” and “Blue Sky.”
“Daddy always saw himself as part of a team, and he had an incredible love for music that seemed to energize him daily,” shared his daughter Kim Betts. “His passion was not just in playing music but crafting the stories each song told.”
The Allman Brothers Band, which formed in 1969 in Jacksonville, Florida, rose to fame through their blend of rock, blues, and country music, creating a new genre now known as Southern rock. Their music featured dual guitar leads by Betts and Allman, a style that became their signature sound.
Betts had a tumultuous relationship with the band, marked by periods of estrangement and reconciliation. He was eventually ousted from the group in 2000 due to issues related to substance abuse.
Following his departure from the Allman Brothers Band, Betts continued his music career with his band, Great Southern, and remained active in the music scene until he retired in 2014. However, his health began to decline following a mild stroke in 2018, which was compounded by his existing medical conditions.
Gregg Allman, a fellow band member and a close friend of Betts until he died in 2017, once described Betts as “the brother I never had but wished I did.” This sentiment reflects the deep bonds formed through their music and the complex dynamics within the band.
Dickey Betts and the Allman Brothers Band were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1995. The Band members and crew expressed their condolences in memory of his contributions: “Play on, Brother Dickey. You will be forever remembered and deeply missed.”
Betts is survived by his wife, four children, and several grandchildren.
