Dickey Betts, Allman Brothers Band Singer-Guitarist, Dead at 80
Source: Rolling Stone
Dickey Betts, the singer, songwriter and guitarist of the Allman Brothers Band whose piercing solos, beloved songs and hell-raising spirit defined the band and Southern rock in general, died Thursday morning at the age of 80. The cause was cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Betts manager David Spero confirmed to Rolling Stone.
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 announced 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.
Although he was often overshadowed by Gregg and Duane, the brothers who gave the Allmans their name, Betts was as equally vital to the band. His sweetly sinuous guitar style introduced elements of Western swing and jazz into the bands music, especially when he was duetting with Duane. As a singer and writer, Betts was responsible for the bands biggest hit, 1973s Ramblin Man, as well as some of their most recognizable songs: the moody instrumental In Memory of Elizabeth Reed, the jubilant Jessica and their late-period comeback hit Crazy Love.
From his trademark mustache to his bad-ass demeanor, Betts was so iconic that he inspired the character of Russell (played by Billy Crudup) in Cameron Crowes Almost Famous. Goddamn, that guy looks like me! Betts told Rolling Stone of his first reaction to the movie. I didnt do the jumping off the roof or the golden god, but I knew Cameron.
Read more: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/dickey-betts-allman-brothers-band-dead-727523/
Damn, damn, damn.
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fantase56
(444 posts)Camaromjr
(42 posts)I was there and can only say that I've lost a small piece of my heart.
PJMcK
(22,040 posts)I was affiliated with a major music company and Dickey was a client. An interesting guy who was nice to everyone on our team.
A great musician!
electric_blue68
(14,923 posts)BumRushDaShow
(129,311 posts)I saw the Allmann Brothers back in '79 or '80 while in college (they performed with Bonnie Raitt). So many classic songs.
Still love "Ramblin' Man" & "Jessica".
R.I.P. and thank you for contributing to the music scene.
SergeStorms
(19,204 posts)Hearing them live was better than listening to the records. Playing together for years before ever recording will do that for 'ya.
BumRushDaShow
(129,311 posts)My dorm buddies knew people who worked the concerts and got us tickets for the field right in front of the stage. Brought some coolers with beverages, snacks, and a couple blankets, and enjoyed the show!
Response to BumRushDaShow (Reply #4)
k0rs This message was self-deleted by its author.
VGNonly
(7,504 posts)three times with the ABB.
maxsolomon
(33,360 posts)No many of the original Brothers left.
japple
(9,838 posts)times. In the early years, they would jam in Central City park for free. Those were the days....
lark
(23,138 posts)That's how I knew about them before their record came out. I was really luck and saw them so many times. I did acid the first time I saw the Brothers at a $1 concert by the beach. I was sitting down, feeling a little weird, when the guys came on. From the first sound of the organ, their energy just pulled me up and I never sat down again. They were so excellent - Gregg, Duane and Dickie were all musical Giants, so freaking good!
They are the band of my life. Whipping Post is my most favorite song ever - it just pulls me in and spins me around every time I hear it - best song ever!
k0rs
(73 posts)cruisin' out of Breckenridge, CO late one night on my way to Colorado Springs to see my girlfriend. I was in a clapped out 70's Ford van with a lousy heater and an 8 track on the dash crankin' "Whipping Post." Coming down Hoosier pass into Alma, CO (world's highest incorporated town!) @ over 10,000 ft I emerged into South Park...yes, that South Park...flat and cold on that winter night. It was so clear and the moon was so bright that I could drive without headlights. Buffalo Peaks on my right and Mt Silverheels on my left. Funny how some isolated moments stick with a person. No particular reason, everything just seemed so apropos. Couple of doobies and a Molson's. "Tie me to the whippin' post..."
I'm a blues fan but the Allman Bros band was just sorta on the periphery of my interest. Pretty hard to escape in those days if one was a partier or pub crawler. Gawd, I remember hearing Rambling Man on the juke at the Catalpa Grove Tavern 'til it nearly set my teeth on edge. I did like Greg's blues voice tho. I probably have a greater appreciation for the band these days than I did then. I still pull 'em up on You Tube every now and then. One Way Out is all time great. Smooth sailing, Dickey...
calimary
(81,420 posts)A big loss for us. Another big one. Bummer for us but I bet hes reconnecting with lost friends Upstairs right now. I like to think so, anyway. It provides some consolation.
ificandream
(9,385 posts)He used to play the 8-track of the Fillmore East album when we used to go to San Francisco for shows, usually at Winterland.
ificandream
(9,385 posts)ornotna
(10,805 posts)TygrBright
(20,763 posts)TexasBushwhacker
(20,209 posts)That's a good long life.