R.I.P.: Dickey Betts, Founding Member Of the Allman Brothers Band

Dickey Betts (1944-2024)

Dickey Betts, co-founding member of The Allman Brothers Band who was responsible for the band’s biggest hit “Ramblin’ Man,” has died at the age of 80.

Betts’ manager told Rolling Stone that the musician passed away on Thursday, April 18th, from cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

“The legendary performer, songwriter, bandleader and family patriarch was at his home in Osprey, Florida, surrounded by his family,” they said in a statement. “Dickey was larger than life, and his loss will be felt worldwide. 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.”

Betts was a co-founding member of The Allman Brothers band alongside brothers Duane and Gregg Allman, Butch Trucks, Jaimoe Johanson, and Berry Oakley. When Duane Allman was killed in a motorcycle crash in 1971, Betts assumed the role of the group’s lead guitarist and also took over more of a singing role. In addition to writing and singing lead on “Ramblin’ Man,” Betts composed beloved instrumentals including “Jessica” and “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed.”

Allman Brothers Band first disbanded due to inner turmoil in 1976. They reformed for a brief four-year run in 1978, before permanently getting back together in 1989. Betts was fired from the band in the late 1990s, reportedly due to issues related to his use of drugs and alcohol. Though his dismissal was initially described as only temporary, Betts filed suit against his former bandmates, leading to his permanent separation.

Betts was later inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Allman Brothers Band in 1995.