Dickey Betts, a founding member of The Allman Brothers Band, who, together with the late Duane Allman, developed the intense guitar-harmony style that made southern rock popular, has died, his family revealed. family announced Thursday. He was 80.
“The Betts family expresses deep sorrow over the peaceful passing of Forrest Richard ‘Dickey’ Betts. … The famous musician, songwriter, band leader, and family figure passed away today at his home in Osprey, FL., with his family by his side,” the family shared on Instagram. No reason for his death was disclosed.
Betts was one of the original members of the band, formed through jam sessions in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1969. Following two mostly unsuccessful studio albums, the band found success with the live album “At Fillmore East,” highlighting the Allman brothers’ extensive jam sessions led by Betts and Duane Allman’s harmonized guitar lines.
Allman died in a motorcycle accident in 1971, but the band continued, dedicating their influential southern-rock album “Eat a Peach” to his memory. The album included Betts’ “Blue Sky,” one of their most enduring hits; he also created classic rock songs like “Ramblin’ Man” and the instrumental track “Jessica.”
More to come …
More to come …
