Dickey Betts (Photo from his website)
Allman Brothers Band founding member Dickey Betts, who wrote such classic rock favorites as “Ramblin’ Man,” “Blue Sky” and “Jessica,” died today, April 18, 2024, at age 80, at his home in Osprey, Fla. The cause was cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The legendary guitarist had never fully recovered from a 2018 stroke and dangerous fall that he suffered at his Florida home. Betts had brain surgery days after his 2018 injuries. News of his passing was announced by his family on his website. They wrote, “Dickey was larger than life, and his loss will be felt world-wide.”
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. Our full statement at: https://t.co/Y29oYg3YEJ Photo (c) 1991 Kirk West Photography pic.twitter.com/7pqZFKvbtT
— Allman Brothers Band (@allmanbrothers) April 18, 2024
With Betts’ passing, drummer Jaimoe now becomes the only surviving member of the classic late ’60s/early ’70s Allman Brothers Band lineup.
On Sept. 19, 2018, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune revealed that Betts fell while playing with the family dog in his backyard and “cracked his head, causing bleeding in his brain.” The paper added, “Brain surgery, to relieve swelling, has been scheduled for Friday.” The guitarist’s website confirmed the story.
At the time of his 2018 stroke, David Spero, Betts’ longtime friend and manager, said the beloved rock legend was “listed as in critical but stable condition.” Donna Betts was by her husband’s side with Dickey’s children. “The family appreciates all of your thoughts and prayers during this very trying time,” she said. “We are by his side giving him the strength to pull through this.”
“It was just a few days ago that Dickey was telling me how excited he was to get back in front of the fans on November 1,” Spero said at the time.
It was not known whether the fall had anything to do with the stroke that Betts suffered the previous month that caused him to cancel several concerts. Just days earlier, on September 14, the musician’s Facebook page noted he is “raring to go” following the “minor stroke” he suffered in late August.
At the time, the Allman Brothers Band’s social media accounts urged fans to “Please say a prayer for brother Dickey.”
The original news of his stroke came on August 24: “After describing to his physicians certain post-stroke repercussions, he was strongly advised to give himself more time to recuperate. Doctors have assured Betts that after three to five weeks he will be 100 percent recovered and can resume his touring schedule.”
On August 28, 2018, Spero provided an update to the news of his client’s stroke: “Dickey is responding very well to treatment and is very encouraged by the results. He was overwhelmed by the good wishes and prayers sent his way. He told me today that he can’t wait to see his fans on November 1st!”
Related: Betts made a final stage performance on December 31, 2018
“Ramblin’ Man” was an anomaly for the Allman Brothers Band. The rock band, never known for Top 40 singles, reached #2 with the song in 1973.
Watch Betts perform his biggest hit at the Peach Music Festival on July 22, 2018
Forrest Richard Betts was born December 12, 1943, in West Palm Beach, Fla., and was raised in Bradenton, Fla. He began playing stringed instruments during his childhood and joined the band Second Coming with future Allmans bassist Berry Oakley in 1967. The Allman Brothers Band took shape in 1969 with Betts and Duane Allman sharing guitar duties, Gregg Allman on keyboards and lead vocals, Oakley on bass and Jaimoe and Butch Trucks both playing drums.
Duane Allman passed away in 1971, followed by Oakley in ’72. Trucks and Gregg Allman both died in 2017.
In addition to “Ramblin’ Man,” Betts authored such Allman Brothers Band perennials as “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed,” “Blue Sky” and “Jessica.” He released his first solo album, Highway Call, in 1974. Dickey Betts & Great Southern followed in 1977, with several others in subsequent years.
The Allmans disbanded and re-formed several times, with Betts sometimes participating and other times excluded. Other guitarists, including Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks (nephew of Butch), became band members in later years while Betts went on to pursue various solo projects. Betts remained estranged from his former bandmates for over 15 years in the 2000s, but reportedly reconciled with Gregg Allman prior to the latter’s death.
RIP Dickey Betts – not sure what to say. Such a huge loss. Not only for our musical family, but for the world of music in general. Aside from being a huge, major influence on my music from before I picked up a guitar, Dickey was the one person I credit for everything amazing that… pic.twitter.com/xQhqrFT25U
— Warren Haynes (@thewarrenhaynes) April 18, 2024
We just heard the news of the passing of Dickey Betts, a legend and our longtime brother. We send our love and sympathy to his family. The memories hit me hard this morning after learning of his passing. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/UljtcLWMYn
— Marshall Tucker Band (@MarshallTucker) April 18, 2024
Rest in Peace.. My first concert was Dickey Betts at Coleman’s in Rome, New York in 1983. Blew my mind and made me want a Les Paul. My thoughts and prayers go out to Duane and the entire Betts family. pic.twitter.com/IbEZ9T8ulS
— Joe Bonamassa (Official) (@JBONAMASSA) April 18, 2024
The Outlaws were among those paying tribute. “Dickey more than anyone had an impressionable impact in shaping and defining the genre of music that has come to be known as southern rock,” they wrote. “The influence of his musicianship and songwriting skills are immeasurable, and his passing marks the end of an era. It’s with the utmost respect and sadness that we share our condolences with his family and loved ones.”
From noted Allman Brothers Band author, Alan Paul…
Forrest Richard “Dickey” Betts
12/12/43 – 4/17/24Betts was a musical giant whose melodic sense, bone-deep guitar playing and fantastic songwriting -“Blue Sky,” “Jessica,” “Liz Reed” formed the backbone of the Allman Brothers Band, the greatest American rock band.
1/3 pic.twitter.com/PiTdL8pD4r— Alan Paul (@AlPaul) April 18, 2024
RIP #DickeyBettshttps://t.co/esHzw6xzsf
— Slash (@Slash) April 18, 2024
Steve Winwood wrote, “What a beautiful, soulful writer and player he was.”
Legendary Dickey Betts of the Allman Brothers Band was kind enough to lend me his guitar strap for this tour. So honored to wear it and so sad that he’s gone. All of our love to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/zJmRVfRpH5
— Tim McGraw (@TheTimMcGraw) April 18, 2024
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of the great Dickey Betts. Our thoughts are with Dickey's family, friends, and fans today. Rest easy, Dickey. Our tribute: https://t.co/E4MEs8SRRG pic.twitter.com/vmc6w9twqL
— Gibson (@gibsonguitar) April 18, 2024
We send our condolences to the family of Dickey Betts, co-founder of the Allman Brothers Band. President Carter loved their music, and the band campaigned on his behalf. Betts is pictured here with Carter & publisher Don Carter at Capricorn Records.
Photo Credit: Herb Kossover pic.twitter.com/HbO2MuuFrs
— The Carter Center (@CarterCenter) April 18, 2024
We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Dickey Betts, an original member of the Allman Brothers Band. He was 80 years old. His local newspaper reports the news: https://t.co/Kf9SK1ZwDt pic.twitter.com/hOLcpVSK6Q
— Capricorn Sound Studios and Museum (@CapricornMacon) April 18, 2024
Betts’ solo recordings, including many live releases, are available here. Alan Paul’s acclaimed 2023 book, The Allman Brothers Band and the Inside Story of the Album That Defined the 70s, is available in the U.S. here and in the U.K. here.
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R.I.P. Dickey – Your soaring solos will endure forever.
Give our regards to Duane, Gregg, Butch, and Berry.
You, and all the Brothers have been, and will continue to be, an important musical enjoyment aspect of many of our lives.
The Road Goes On Forever.
A sad day mourning the passing of Dickey, but the joy his music brought to so many will live on.
His live performances of Jessica were the most emotionally evocative guitar instrumental performances I ever witnessed. With the Brothers cooking behind him in the 70’s or with his band in the 2000’s, when Dickey hit the opening notes of his closing solo, the audience always responded with unrestrained positive energy. Jessica is a masterpiece and received a standing ovation every time I was privileged to see Dickey in concert.
Thanks Brother Dickey, you gave us joy… you done good.
Few could match Dickey on the strings. Thanks for the years of great tunes and memories.
Gonna miss you brother. RIP Mr Betts