Allman Brothers Band co-founder and guitarist Dickey Betts has passed away at 80.
The musician died on Thursday morning after battling cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In 2018, he suffered a stroke, which further led to health complications. His manager, David Spero, confirmed the news to Rolling Stone.
Betts' family issued a statement regarding his death on his Instagram account, writing: "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 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."
The "Ramblin' Man" writer first teamed up with Gregg and Duane Allman in 1969, after the brothers had split from their earlier band, the Allman Joys. Along with drummers Butch Tracks and Jaimoe, Betts played lead guitar, along with bassist Berry Oakley, whom he had worked with in the band Second Coming. Betts also shared vocals with Duane and Oakley before Gregg became the lead singer and primary songwriter.
Although he was a founding member, Betts became estranged from the group when he was fired for "creative differences" after a performance in May 2000 at the Music Midtown Festival in Atlanta. He filed a lawsuit against his former bandmates, never touring with them again.
Throughout his time with the Allman Brothers, he garnered songwriting credits for several of their lengthy tunes, including "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed" and "Revival." He can also be heard on the legendary 22-minute version of "Whipping Post." He continued to write albums with the team up until his involvement with them ceased.
While performing with the band, Betts also released a series of solo albums. His debut solo record was released in 1974, Highway Call, which was followed by the 1977 release of Dickey Betts & Great Southern. During the group's first official hiatus, he dropped Atlanta's Burning Down in 2019.
Born and raised in Florida, Betts grew up inspired by music genres like country, traditional bluegrass, and Western swing. In 1989, he married his fifth wife, Donna, and has five kids: Kimberly, Christy, Jessica and Duane. The latter, named after his former Allman Brothers member, is also a musician and has recorded with his father.
The Allman Brothers Band has released a statement regarding the loss of the founding member, remembering that he was "all in on and excelled at anything that caught his attention."
"Our condolences to his immediate family, Donna, Duane & Lisa, Christy & Frank, Jessica, and Kim," the band wrote. "Play on Brother Dickey, you will be forever remembered and deeply missed."
