Dickey Betts, Founding Allman Brothers Guitarist, Dies at 80
Betts was an equal half – along with the late Duane Allman – of the blazing guitar-harmony sound that defined southern rock
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Dickey Betts, founding member of The Allman Brothers Band who, along with the late Duane Allman, created the searing guitar-harmony sound that would elevate southern rock into an enduring mainstream sensation, has died, his family announced Thursday. He was 80.
“It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that the Betts family announce the peaceful passing of Forrest Richard ‘Dickey’ Betts. … The legendary performer, songwriter, bandleader and family patriarch passed away earlier today at his home in Osprey, FL., surrounded by his family,” the family wrote on Instagram. No cause of death was given.
Betts was among the original members of the band, which formed from a series of jam sessions in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1969. After two largely unsuccessful studio records, the band’s signature sound struck gold with the live album “At Fillmore East,” which showcased the Allmans’ extended jamming led by Betts and Duane Allman’s interlocking, harmonized guitar lines.
Allman was killed in a 1971 motorcycle accident, but the band soldiered on, dedicating their seminal southern-rock record “Eat a Peach” to his memory. The record featured Betts’ “Blue Sky,” one of the band’s most enduring hits; he was also responsible for classic-rock staples “Ramblin’ Man” and the instrumental “Jessica.”
More to come …
More to come …
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