Dickey Betts, a singer, songwriter and guitarist of the Allman Brothers Band, died Thursday in Osprey, Florida.
He was 80.
In an Instagram post, his family said, “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.
“The legendary performer, songwriter, bandleader and family patriarch passed away earlier today at his home in Osprey, FL., surrounded by his family. Dickey was larger than life, and his loss will be felt world-wide.”
Along with Duane and Gregg Allman, drummers Jai Johanny “Jaimoe” Johanson and Butch Trucks and bassist Berry Oakley, Betts formed the Allman Brothers Band in 1969.
After Duane and Oakley died in separate motorcycle accidents in 1971 and 1972, Betts became the band’s de factor leader and sole guitarist and stayed with them until they split up in 1976.
Before they went their separate ways, he wrote the hit songs “Ramblin’ Man” and “Jessica.”
He also released several solo albums, including 1974’s “Highway Call” and 1976’s “Dickey Betts & Great Southern.”
The Allman Brothers Band had sporadic reunions and toured throughout the 1980s and ‘90s. But Betts was fired by Duane, Gregg and Jai Johanny “Jaimoe” Johanson in 2000 due, they claimed, to a decline in his playing.
Betts, along with the Allman Brothers Band, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995.
In September 2018, Betts underwent brain surgery following a fall, and suffered a mild stroke later that year.
Rolling Stone writer Cameron Crowe toured with the band, and largely based his 2000 movie “Almost Famous” on that formative experience.
Russell Hammond, played by Billy Crudup, was based on Betts.
“Crudup’s look, and much more, is a tribute to Dickey,” Crowe told Rolling Stone in 2017. “Dickey seemed like a quiet guy with a huge amount of soul, possible danger and playful recklessness behind his eyes. He was a huge presence.”
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