Dickey Betts, Allman Brothers Band Founding Member, Dies at 80

Dickey Betts, a founding member and guitarist of the Allman Brothers Band, died on Wednesday at his home in Osprey, Florida. He was 80 years old. Betts was a pioneering figure in Southern rock music, known for writing and performing iconic songs like "Ramblin' Man," "Jessica," and "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed" that helped establish the Allman Brothers' signature sound.

Betts formed a legendary lead guitar duo with Duane Allman in the Allman Brothers Band, which he co-founded in 1969. He assumed lead guitar duties following Allman's death in a motorcycle accident in 1971. Betts was the writer and singer on the band's biggest hit single, 1973's "Ramblin' Man," which reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

The Allman Brothers Band released a statement mourning the loss of their founding member: "Dickey Betts, a founding member of The Allman Brothers Band, passed away peacefully at his home in Sarasota, Florida, surrounded by his family. Dickey was not only a great guitarist and songwriter, but most importantly, he was a beloved friend, brother and partner to so many people in our organization throughout the years. His contributions to the band and to music history are permanent and unparalleled."

Betts was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Allman Brothers Band in 1995 and won a Grammy Award for Best Rock Instrumental Performance for "Jessica" in 1996. Rolling Stone magazine ranked him #58 on their list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.

Why this matters: Dickey Betts was a pioneering force in Southern rock music whose guitar playing and songwriting left a permanent mark on the genre. His death marks the end of an era for one of the most influential and iconic rock bands of all time.

Fellow musicians paid tribute to Betts' legacy upon news of his passing. Joe Bonamassa called him "one of the greatest guitarists of all time," while Doug Gray of The Marshall Tucker Band said, "Dickey Betts was one of the most innovative guitar players to have ever lived." His nephew Berry Duane Oakley added, "Dickey changed the course of music—not just Southern rock. The Allman Brothers Band changed music."

Key Takeaways

• Dickey Betts, co-founder of Allman Brothers Band, died at 80 in Florida.
• Betts was a pioneering Southern rock guitarist known for iconic songs like "Ramblin' Man".
• Betts formed a legendary guitar duo with Duane Allman and assumed lead duties after Allman's death.
• Betts was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and won a Grammy for "Jessica".
• Betts' death marks the end of an era for one of the most influential rock bands.