According to his family, renowned guitarist and Allman Brothers Band co-founder Dickey Betts has yesterday at the age of 80 after battling cancer. Known for his major contributions to Southern rock, Betts made a lasting impression on the music business.
In an announcement that his longtime manager shared with CNN, Betts’ family revealed that he passed away peacefully at home in Osprey, Florida, surrounded by his loved ones.With Betts described as a “legendary performer, songwriter, bandleader, and family patriarch,” the family asked for quiet and prayers at this difficult time.
The musical styles of bluegrass, country, and rock & roll, among others, impacted Betts, who was born in West Palm Beach, Florida. Betts helped to shape the sound of Southern rock when she co-founded the Allman Brothers Band in 1969 with Gregg and Duane Allman.
The band’s hits, including “Ramblin Man,” which Betts composed and sung and which went on to become one of their most famous songs, demonstrated his skill as a songwriter and musician. The song was written with Johnny Cash in mind, but it wound up in the band’s repertoire due to its widespread appeal.
Betts wrote other great Allman Brothers classics, like “Blue Sky” and “Jessica,” in addition to “Ramblin’ Man,” which enhanced his reputation in the music industry. But after bassist Berry Oakley and guitarist Duane Allman passed away tragically, the band was left with only Gregg Allman and Betts to take over as leaders amid conflicts over creative direction and drug usage.
Betts’ musical talents endure and inspire future generations of artists, even in light of the turbulent voyage of the band. His influence on the music industry is immense, as his legacy as a pioneer of Southern rock and virtuoso guitarist continues to this day.