Allman Brothers’ Dickey Betts Dies at 80

Dickey Betts, co-founder, guitarist, singer and songwriter of the Allman Brothers Band has died. He was 80 years old and passed away in his Florida home. His family confirmed the sad news on social media and wrote, “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.”

Betts was the genius behind Allman Brothers’ classic hits “Ramblin’ Man,” “Jessica and “Blue Sky” among others. The band, which also originally included Duane and Gregg Allman, Barry Oakley, Butch Trucks and Jaimoe (the band experienced several member changes over the years) was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995. They were said to inspire other Southern rock bands including Lynyrd Skynyrd and Blackfoot.

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The Allman Brothers first LP, released in 1970, did not achieve the success they hoped. However, their next album came nine months later and featured their first song on the charts, “Revival” written by Betts. Betts grew up inspired by many different genres of music including country, bluegrass and jazz, and learned to play the ukelele at age five. Soon after, he learned the banjo, mandolin and guitar.

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In 2019, Betts said of his early influences, “I studied Chuck Berry, B.B. King, Albert King. I also hung around this western-swing guitar player that was so, so good. He’s the one who influenced me, and that’s how I really learned to play.” He toured with a few bands before forming one of his own called the Second Coming. Eventually, he joined the newly formed Allman Brothers in 1969. After Duane Allman’s death in 1971, Betts became the lead guitarist.

He added about his experience, “I’m very proud though that the Allman Brothers music still stands on its own and there’s a new generation with my son, Duane, Gregg’s son Devon and Berry Oakley’s son keeping it alive.” Maye he rest in peace.