One of the great guitar-slingers of all time has gone up the long trail.
Dickey Betts of The Allman Bros. and Great Southern died yesterday, at the age of 80. His family posted a message:
“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.”
Dickey Betts penned the Allman Bros. biggest hit, Ramblin’ Man, and his vocals and playing offered a melodic country counterpoint to Gregg Allman’s blues growls and the howl of Duane Allman and eventually Warren Haynes’ slide. I always particularly liked Betts’ contributions, especially Seven Turns.
I also liked Betts’ style. For obvious reasons.
A tip of the hat to a great one — and I hope that he’s jammin’ in Valhalla.
Rick+Schwertfeger says
Certainly one of the great ones – who I had the fortune and pleasure to see perform live. He was a core member and essential piece of one of the tightest, yet smoothest bands of our time. RIP Dickie Betts – you brought beauty to us with your art. You’ll live on in all the marvelous recordings of your playing.
Ugly Hombre says
RIP Sir- thanks for the good times, God bless you and your family.
Mark Wilmoth says
Thank you Jim, for recognizing Forrest Richard Betts today. As a 16 year old boy in 1974, he changed everything about music for me.
I’m not sure I would have ever discovered Merle Haggard , Billy Joe Shaver, Guy Clark – maybe even Robert Johnson (you know how the rabbit hole goes!) without the Brothers & Sisters album.
I really enjoy your webpage/blog & hope you continue!
JimC says
Thank you Mark. My wife and I were just talking about how many people Dickey Betts and the Allman Bros. influenced so profoundly — just like you describe.
Paul McNamee says
These days I can’t tell all these shredders and arpeggio slingers from one another. Betts was from that generation where you knew a guitarist from the way he played a solo, not how fast or flashy.
He stood out from the pack the way he favored the major pentatonic over the minor. Not something easy to do with blues and blues-rock.
Definitely made this own recognizable sound. RIP.
JimC says
Well said Paul. Distinctive style and touch. I listened closely to In Memory of Elizabeth Reed last night. Extraordinary.
Reese Crawford says
Always loved his Atlanta’s burning down
David A Larew says
Nice tribute, thanks!