Born Forrest Richard Betts on December 12, 1943, Dickey Betts, a driving force behind the Allman Brothers Band, died on Thursday, April 18, 2024. The band frontman reportedly died at his Florida home, according to longtime manager David Spero.
“It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that the Betts family announces the peaceful passing of Forrest Richard ‘Dickey’ Betts (December 12, 1943 – April 18, 2024) at the age of 80,” reads the statement from the Betts family.
“The legendary performer, songwriter, bandleader, and family patriarch was at his home in Osprey surrounded by his family.” “Dickey was larger than life, and his loss will be felt worldwide,” the statement continued. “At this difficult time, the family asks for prayers and respect for their privacy in the coming days.”
The statement concluded, “More information will be forthcoming at the appropriate time.” The Allman Brothers performed a singular amalgam of rock, blues, jazz, and country. Dickey Betts and Duane Allman, the pioneering twin lead guitar players, marked their performance.
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After the tragic deaths of Duane Allman and then bassist Berry Oakley, Betts became the de facto leader of the band. He wrote and sang the chart-topping single “Ramblin’ Man” from their platinum-selling 1973 album “Brothers and Sisters.” The album also features key Betts compositions such as “Southbound” and the hit instrumental “Jessica.”
Furthermore, Dickey Betts released several acclaimed solo albums in the 1970s and 1980s. Afterward, he was integral in reforming the Allman Brothers Band in ’89 following a seven-year hiatus. Founding singer/keyboardist Gregg Allman and drummers Butch Trucks and Jai Johanny Johanson (known as Jaimoe) also joined him.
Betts brought his Dickey Betts Band guitarist Warren Haynes into the fold. He wrote most of the material for their 1990 comeback album “Seven Turns.” Notably, the album features him singing the hit title track.
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Betts led the Allman Brothers after Duane Allman’s death despite countless controversies. During the 1990s, he wrote or co-wrote hits such as “Seven Turns,” “Nobody Knows,” and “No One to Run With.” The Allman Brothers Band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995.
A live version of “Jessica” won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Instrumental Performance the following year. In 2000, Dickey Betts and the three surviving original Allman Brothers Band members split acrimoniously. However, the Allman Brothers Band continued for 14 more years.
The group performed Betts’ songs from his 1970s and 1990s hits. Dickey Betts and his Great Southern group toured successfully, playing only Betts’ songs and blues chestnuts. The late singer also performed in Sarasota at Robarts Arena in 2014.
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Many local family members, including his wife, Donna Betts, and his daughter, Kimberly Betts, survive Dickey Betts. Following his successful 2018 brain surgery, Duane Betts, his son, posted a photo of them to social media.
“So grateful today,” Duane Betts captioned the image. “My father has always been my hero, mentor, and favorite guitar player in the world.” The picture showed the father-son duo on stage raising their cowboy hats to the crowd following a performance.
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