Allman Brothers Hitmaker Dickey Betts Passes Away At 80

A co-founder of The Allman Brothers Band and writer of its biggest hit, “Ramblin’ Man,” has died. He was 80.

Dickey Betts died Thursday from cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He was a renowned guitarist, singer, and songwriter, best known for his role as a founding member of The Allman Brothers Band. Born as Forrest Richard Betts in 1943 West Palm Beach, Florida, he made significant contributions to the Southern rock genre.

Betts was pivotal in shaping the band’s sound with his distinct blend of rock, country, and blues, notably leading to the creation of iconic tracks such as “Ramblin’ Man” and “Blue Sky,” which showcased his skillful guitar playing and songwriting abilities. His work on the instrumental “Jessica” is also highly celebrated, earning him widespread acclaim. Over the years, Betts’ style evolved, characterized by his melodic, smooth guitar riffs and improvisational flair.

“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,” Betts’ family said in a statement to Rolling Stone.

“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.”

“I learned about girls and rock & roll and Chuck Berry,” Betts once told Rolling Stone, reflecting on reaching seventh grade. As a teenager, he formed his own band while working as a house painter and mail carrier. In the mid-1960s, a member from a Midwestern band called the Jokers was impressed by Betts and brought him on for tours outside the state.

Later in that decade, back in Florida, Betts started the Second Coming, which included bassist Berry Oakley. Both eventually met and played with Duane Allman, who in 1969, invited them to join the newly formed Allman Brothers Band.

“It took a lot of talking and getting along,” Betts recalled in a 2017 Rolling Stone interview, “but we all knew this was something we had heard in our heads for a long time. We had to talk Duane into calling Gregg because they were having a brotherly fight, and Duane didn’t want Gregg. Oakley and I said, ‘Come on, Duane, the band is too goddamn powerful. We need Gregg’s voice in there.’”

The relationship between the Allmans and Jimmy Carter, who received their support during his 1976 presidential campaign through benefit concerts, extended personally to Betts as well. “I remember going to a jazz concert at the White House [1978],” Betts recounted to Rolling Stone last year. “Of course, I got there and I left my damn ID at home.”

“But the Marines said, ‘Oh, go ahead in.’ They knew me very well and knew I wasn’t going to do any harm. Jimmy was walking around the premises and someone said to me, ‘Go over and talk to him,’ but I didn’t want to bother him. Then I went to use the men’s room in the White House, and as I was coming out, I ran into Jimmy with a group of people and he said, ‘Ladies and gentlemen, this is Dickey Betts, one of the best songwriters around nowadays.’ That just floored me.”

Despite facing personal and professional challenges, including his departure from the band in 2000 due to personal disputes, Betts continued to influence music through his solo career and later collaborations. His legacy in music is marked by his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Allman Brothers Band in 1995.