Dickey Betts, the influential singer, songwriter, and guitarist of the Allman Brothers, has died at age 80 in Osprey, Florida. Betts’ manager David Spero confirmed to Rolling Stone that the cause of death was cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
“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,” his family shared in a statement on Instagram. “The legendary performer, songwriter, bandleader and family patriarch passed away earlier today at his home in Osprey, FL., surrounded by his family. Dickey was larger than life, and his loss will be felt world-wide.”
The original lineup of the Allman Brothers Band came together at a jam session in 1969, where Duane and Gregg Allman joined forces with two members of the band the Second Coming: bassist Berry Oakley and guitarist Dickey Betts. He became the group’s second lead guitarist, pioneering the powerful sound that would define Southern rock for the era. In 1995, Betts was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame as a member of the band.
Following the tragic death of Duane Allman in an October 1971 motorcycle accident, Betts became the group’s sole lead guitarist and took on more responsibilities as a songwriter, instrumentalist, and even lead vocalist. Betts would pen some of the group’s biggest hits, including “Ramblin’ Man,” which peaked at number two on the charts, and featured his vocals. He also composed the instrumental pieces “Jessica,” named after his daughter, and “In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed.”
He released his first solo album, Highway Call, in 1974. After the group disbanded in 1976, Betts continued to focus on solo material as Dickey Betts & Great Southern. The band would continue to reform and dissolve as time went on, but Betts officially left the group in 2000.
His influence wasn’t limited to his music: his look also had an impact on film history. In his iconic 2000 film Almost Famous, Cameron Crowe based the 70s rockstar played by Billy Crudup on Betts. “Crudup’s look, and much more, is a tribute to Dickey,” Crowe told Rolling Stone in 2017. “Dickey seemed like a quiet guy with a huge amount of soul, possible danger and playful recklessness behind his eyes. He was a huge presence.”
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