# Dickey Betts, singer, songwriter and guitarist for the Allman Brothers Band, dies aged 80: Video, Photo

- Link: https://jazzblues.eu/2024/04/20/dickey-betts-singer-songwriter-and-guitarist-for-the-allman-brothers-band-dies-aged-80-video-photo/
- Published: 2024-04-20T00:02:21+01:00
- Author: https://JazzBlues.EU

**The Southern blues – rock pioneer wrote and sang the band’s biggest hit, “Ramblin’
Man.” Dickey Betts, the highly iconic singer, songwriter and guitarist for the Allman
Brothers Band, has died at the age of 80. Rolling Stone reported that Betts’ cause
of death was cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, per the late artist’s
manager David Spero.**

A statement confirms, “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.”

Continuing, “Dickey was larger than life, and his loss will be felt world-wide. 
At this difficult time, the family asks for prayers and respect for their privacy
in the coming days.”

Born Forrest Richard Betts, he grew up in the Bradenton, Florida, area. He left 
home at 16 and joined the circus to play in a band. Betts co-founded Allman Brothers
Band in 1969 along with brothers Duane and Gregg Allman, Berry Oakley, Butch Trucks
and Jaimoe Johanson, with the self-titled debut released that same year. He played
lead guitar in addition to writing and singing lead on such classics as “Ramblin’
Man” and “Blue Sky.”

He composed the band’s instrumental tunes which include favorites “Jessica” and “
In Memory of Elizabeth Reed.” Betts would later focus on a solo career as well as
forming other bands like Great Southern; Betts, Hall, Leavell and Trucks; and the
Dickey Betts Band.

As a member of the Allman Brothers Band, he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall
of Fame in 1995. Drummer Jaimoe Johanson remains the last living co-founder.

![](https://i0.wp.com/www.americanbluesscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Dickey-
Betts-041824-tout-4cca3af0f6134bacb2905c51984f4944.jpg?w=640&ssl=1)

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