Dickey Betts, Allman Brothers guitarist, dead at 80

Dickey Betts, a singer, songwriter and guitarist of the Allman Brothers Band, died Thursday in Osprey, Florida.

He was 80.

In an Instagram submit, his household stated, “It is with profound unhappiness and major hearts that the Betts household announce the tranquil passing of Forrest Richard ‘Dickey’ Betts (December 12, 1943 – April 18, 2024) at the age of 80 many years outdated. 

“The famous performer, songwriter, bandleader and family members patriarch handed away before now at his dwelling in Osprey, FL., surrounded by his family. Dickey was more substantial than everyday living, and his loss will be felt world-huge.” 

Together with Duane and Gregg Allman, drummers Jai Johanny “Jaimoe” Johanson and Butch Vans and bassist Berry Oakley, Betts formed the Allman Brothers Band in 1969. 

Following Duane and Oakley died in different motorcycle mishaps in 1971 and 1972, Betts turned the band’s de variable chief and sole guitarist and stayed with them until they split up in 1976. 

Ahead of they went their independent means, he wrote the hit music “Ramblin’ Man” and “Jessica.”  

He also introduced numerous solo albums, like 1974’s “Highway Call” and 1976’s “Dickey Betts & Terrific Southern.”

The Allman Brothers Band experienced sporadic reunions and toured throughout the 1980s and ‘90s. But Betts was fired by Duane, Gregg and Jai Johanny “Jaimoe” Johanson in 2000 owing, they claimed, to a decline in his participating in. 

Betts, alongside with the Allman Brothers Band, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995.

In September 2018, Betts underwent brain medical procedures following a fall, and suffered a moderate stroke afterwards that 12 months.

Rolling Stone writer Cameron Crowe toured with the band, and largely primarily based his 2000 movie “Almost Famous” on that formative expertise. 

Russell Hammond, performed by Billy Crudup, was based on Betts.

“Crudup’s appear, and substantially a lot more, is a tribute to Dickey,” Crowe told Rolling Stone in 2017. “Dickey appeared like a tranquil dude with a massive volume of soul, attainable hazard and playful recklessness powering his eyes. He was a huge presence.”