On April 18, Dickey Betts passed away. He was 80 years old when he died Thursday morning in Osprey, Florida. News of his passing comes from his family. His death has been attributed to cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, as shared by his manager David Spero with Rolling Stone. He was 80 years old.
Born as Forrest Richard Betts on December 12, 1943, he is remembered as a founding member of the Allman Brothers Band. In his music career, Betts was a composer, singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Betts served as lead guitarist at the apex of the band’s commercial success in the mid-1970s.
The world of music mourns the passing of guitarist Dickey Betts
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
“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 family shared in a statement.
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The statement continues, “The legendary performer, songwriter, bandleader, and family patriarch was at his home in Osprey, Florida, surrounded by his family. 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.”
Soon after, the band’s social media page sted a message in tribute to the departed founder. The post, accompanied by a solo image of Betts, links to a fuller statement that credits Betts with writing “quintessential” Allman songs such as “Blue Sky,” “Rambling Man,” “Jessica,” “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed,” and “many others.”
Singing for the unsung hero
Betts kicked off his career in music in 1960 and soon found himself collaborating with one Duane Allman. The collaboration saw the use of melodic twin guitar harmony and counterpoint that has been credited with totally changing the rules for how two rock guitars might work together.
Upon its formation in 1969, the Allman Brothers Band lineup consisted of Duane Allman, along with his brother Gregg, Betts, Berry Oakley, Butch Trucks, and Jai Johanny “Jaimoe” Johanson. Duane died in ’71, prompting Betts to take up the mantle as lead guitar. With Betts passing, Jaimoe is the last surviving founding member.
As a duo, Betts and Duane conversed with one another with their guitars in ways unseen by instruments before and even after, in a mix of masterful composition and improvisation alike. Betts’ unique approach to guitar playing saw him incorporate fresh waves of jazz and Swing into the rock band. In 1995, Betts was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Allman Brothers Band.
Rest in peace, Dickey Betts.
