OSPREY, FL (CelebrityAccess) — Dickey Betts, the singer, songwriter, and guitarist who co-founded the seminal southern rock band The Allman Brothers has died. He was 80.
His passing was announced by a statement from his family shared via social media: “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 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. 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.”
A cause of death was not provided in the statement but his manager David Spero told Rolling Stone that Betts suffered from cancer and obstructive pulmonary disease.
A founding member of the Allman Brothers Band, Betts and performed on some of the band’s biggest hits, including their signature song “Ramblin’ Man” as well as the band’s biggest commercial hit, “Jessica” which was inspired by Betts’ daughter.
A native of Florida, Betts grew up in a musical family, listening to traditional country, Bluegrass, and Texas Swing. Starting in his teens, he began performing with regional rock bands in Florida, including Second Coming which he launched with Berry Oakley in 1967.
In 1969, he joined a group of artists affiliated with FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, including Duane and Gregg Allman, to form the Allman Brothers Band. In the early years of the band, Betts held the co-lead guitar role with Duane Allman, helping to define the band’s distinctive sound in the era. Following Allman’s death in a motorcycle accident in 1971, Betts stepped to the fore as the Allman Brothers lead guitarist as the band moved towards a more mainstream pop sound.
Despite the band’s commercial success, creative differences and legal challenges caused strife internally and after Gregg Allman testified against a member of the band’s security team on a drug charge, the band parted ways.
During the Allman Brothers hiatus, Betts pursued a solo career, performing as Dickey Betts & Great Southern but rejoined the Allmans for multiple revivals but was increasingly distanced from his former bandmates, being replaced on multiple dates due to alleged substance abuse issues until they split permanently ahead of a planned tour in 2000.
Betts, along with the rest of the Allman Brothers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995 and he won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance for his hit “Jessica” in 1996.
After news of Betts’ passing became public, his former Allman Brothers bandmembers released a statement on social media:
