Dickey Betts, a founding member of the iconic rock band the Allman Brothers Band, passed away at his residence in Osprey, Florida, on Thursday. The influential guitarist, songwriter, and vocalist had been battling two types of cancer along with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). He was 80 years old. The announcement was made on Betts’ official website through a statement from his family.
“Dickey’s presence was larger than life, and his departure will resonate deeply around the world,” the statement conveyed.
Betts’ distinctive blend of blues, rock, and country guitar playing played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of Southern rock during the 1960s and ’70s.
“Dickey possessed one of the most distinctive guitar styles in the world, and his presence was unmistakable whether on record or onstage,” remarked Chuck Leavell, a longtime member of the Allman Brothers and current music director/keyboard player for the Rolling Stones, in a statement shared with NPR. “He leaves behind a lasting and admirable legacy that will be celebrated for generations to come.”
Betts is most renowned for his composition “Ramblin’ Man.” Initially met with hesitancy from the Allman Brothers Band, who felt it leaned too heavily towards country music, the song, released in 1973 and sung by Betts, became the band’s first and only top 10 single on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The slender, mustached guitarist left such an indelible mark that director Cameron Crowe modeled the rock star protagonist of his 2000 film Almost Famous after him. The character, portrayed by Billy Crudup, embodied Betts’ essence.
“In many ways, Crudup’s portrayal pays homage to Dickey,” Crowe revealed in a 2017 Rolling Stone interview. ” Dickey projected a subdued demeanor with a profound soul, suggesting underlying hints of danger and playful charm in his gaze. He commanded a formidable presence.”
Forrest Richard “Dickey” Betts, born in 1943 in West Palm Beach, Florida, hailed from a musical lineage. He embarked on his musical journey at the tender age of 5, initially mastering the ukulele before progressing to the mandolin, banjo, and ultimately, the guitar. Launching his career in various rock bands across Florida, his lifelong commitment to his home state culminated in his pivotal role as a founding member of the Allman Brothers Band in 1969.