Dickey Betts Dies: Allman Brothers Guitarist, Singer & Songwriter Was 80
deadline.comDickey Betts, the Allman Brothers Band‘s co-founding guitarist, singer and songwriter behind such classics as “Ramblin’ Man,” “Blue Sky” and “Jessica,” died today at his home in Osprey, FL.
He was 80. His family posted the news on social media. “Dickey was larger than life, and his loss will be felt world-wide,” the family wrote on Instagram. “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.” A post shared by Dickey Betts (@dickeybettsofficial) Born Forrest Richard Betts on December 12, 1943, in West Palm Beach, FL, Betts was leading a band called the Second Coming in 1969 when he began jamming with future guitar legend Duane Allman and others in what would coalesce into the Allman Brothers Band.
Also made up of lead singer-keyboardist Gregg Allman, Betts’ Second Coming bandmate and bassist Barry Oakley, and drummers Butch Trucks and Jaimoe, the group would go on to define Southern rock and become Rock and Roll Hall of Famers in 1995.
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