Dickey Betts, Allman Brothers Band Co-Founder, Dies at 80
Dickey Betts — the co-founder, guitarist, singer and songwriter for the Allman Brothers Band — has died. He was 80.
Betts’s death was confirmed to Rolling Stone by manager David Spero. He said in a statement, “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 was at his home in Osprey, Florida, surrounded by his family.”
Spero’s statement continued, “Dickey was larger-than-life, and his loss will be felt worldwide. 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.”
Spero also confirmed that Betts’s cause of death was from cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Dickey Betts and the Allman Brothers Band
Betts was a co-founder of the Allman Brothers Band in 1969 along with guitarist Duane Allman, keyboardist/singer Gregg Allman, drummer Jai Johanny “Jaimoe” Johanson, bassist Berry Oakley and drummer Butch Trucks.
The Allman Brothers Band released their self-titled debut in 1969 followed by their second album, Idlewild South, in 1970. Like several other acts after them, the Allman Brothers Band didn’t take off in popularity until the release of their 1971 live album At Fillmore East.
The classic album captured the band in their element and is considered one of the greatest live albums of all time. At Fillmore East was added to the Library of Congress’s National Recording Registry in 2004.
The Library of Congress wrote of the album, “This classic live performance of southern blues rock contains a powerfully emotional rendition of ‘Whipping Post’ sung by Gregg Allman. That song became a touring standard for the band while the album received wide acclaim for its lengthy improvisational jams featuring the distinctive dual lead guitars of Duane Allman and Dickie Betts.”
Sadly, during the making of the band’s next album, 1972’s Eat a Peach, Duane Allman tragically died in a motorcycle accident at age 24. With the passing of Duane, Betts became the lone guitarist of the Allman Brothers Band and took on more singing and songwriting responsibilities.
Following Eat a Peach, the Allman Brothers Band released Brothers and Sisters. This album was also marred by tragedy. During its making, bassist Berry Oakley was killed in a motorcycle accident at age 24. However, the album features the band’s biggest hit, “Ramblin’ Man,” which was written and sung by Betts.
Betts was a unique character in the music world. Rolling Stone notes Betts was the inspiration behind Russell Hammond (Billy Brudup) in the film Almost Famous. He told the publication, “Goddamn, that guy looks like me! I didn’t do the jumping off the roof or the ‘golden god,’ but I knew [writer/director] Cameron [Crowe].”
Betts had a handful of on-again, off-again stints with the Allman Brothers Band, but his time with the band officially ended in 2000. While Betts said he was fired, Jai Johanny “Jaimoe” Johanson told Rolling Stone in 2017 that he quit and said Betts “was more of a loner.”
Betts received a number of honors as a member of the Allman Brothers Band. They were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1995. Additionally, the band received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012.
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