The famous guitarist Dickey Betts, who helped start the Allman Brothers Band and wrote their most popular song “Ramblin’ Man,” has passed away. He was 80 years old.
Dickey Betts, Co-Founder Dies at 80
The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, Dickey Betts, passed away at his home in Osprey, Florida. His manager of 20 years, David Spero, confirmed the news. Betts had been fighting cancer for over a year and also had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, according to Spero.
“He peacefully passed away surrounded by his entire family.They believed he wasn’t feeling any pain,” Spero mentioned over the phone.
Betts and Duane Allman took turns on lead guitar in the original Allman Brothers Band, shaping its unique sound and pioneering Southern rock. Their blend of blues, country, R&B, jazz, and ’60s rock influenced acts like Lynyrd Skynyrd and Kid Rock.
Formed in 1969, the Allman Brothers Band broke the mold of typical pop music by embracing extended jams both live and on their albums. They stood out further as a mixed-race band hailing from the American South.
After Duane Allman passed away in a motorcycle accident in 1971, and founding member Berry Oakley tragically lost his life in a similar crash a year later, the Allman Brothers Band faced a leadership vacuum. Remaining members Betts and Allman’s younger brother Gregg stepped up, but their conflicting personalities and struggles with substance abuse led to frequent disagreements. The band disbanded on multiple occasions before eventually reuniting, going through more than a dozen different lineups over the years.
The Allman Brothers Band joined the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1995 and received a Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award in 2012. Betts parted ways with the band permanently in 2000. After that, he played solo and with his own band called Great Southern, where his son, guitarist Duane Betts, also played.
Forrest Richard Betts, born on December 12, 1943, grew up in Bradenton, Florida, close to Highway 41, the very same highway he mentioned in his song “Ramblin’ Man.” His family had been part of the Bradenton area since the mid-1800s.
Betts grew up loving country, bluegrass, and Western swing music. He started out playing the ukulele and banjo but switched to the electric guitar because he thought it would impress girls. When he was 16, he hit the road for the first time, joining a circus band to play music.
He came back home and teamed up with bassist Oakley to form a band in Jacksonville, Florida, called Second Coming. One evening in 1969, Betts and Oakley had a jam session with Duane Allman, who was already making a name for himself as a session musician, and his younger brother. That’s when they decided to create the Allman Brothers Band together.
The band relocated to Macon, Georgia, and dropped their first album in 1969 with the same name as their group. A year later, they released “Idlewild South,” featuring Betts’ famous instrumental track “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed,” which quickly became a favorite at their live shows.
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The 1971 double album “At Fillmore East” marked a turning point for the Allman Brothers Band. It catapulted them to commercial success and solidified their reputation as an incredible live act. The album showcased the remarkable guitar chemistry between Allman and Betts. Allman’s slide guitar added a bluesy flavor, while Betts’ solos and vocals leaned more towards country music. Together, their contrasting styles created a unique and memorable sound, especially when they harmonized their playing.
The group had two drummers: Jaimoe Johanson, who is Black, and Butch Trucks.
After Duane Allman passed away, the band didn’t falter. Their album “Brothers and Sisters” from 1973 hit the top spot on the charts, boosted by “Ramblin’ Man,” where Betts took the lead vocals, giving the song a country flavor. It reached No. 2 on the singles charts, just missing the top spot, which was held by Cher’s “Half Breed.” Interesting fact, Cher later married Gregg Allman.
Betts’ guitar in “Ramblin’ Man” echoed through bars nationwide for years, showcasing his talent for catchy melodies. While “Ramblin’ Man” was their sole Top Ten hit, Betts’ infectious instrumental track “Jessica,” recorded in 1972, became a fixture on FM radio.
Betts contributed to many of the band’s favorite tunes like “Blue Sky” and “Southbound.” Even as time went on, the band stayed strong on tours, featuring Betts and Warren Haynes rocking the guitars. Sadly, Gregg Allman and Butch Trucks passed away in 2017.
Following his departure from the Allman Brothers Band for good, Betts continued performing with his own band and resided in Bradenton alongside his wife, Donna.
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