Forrest Richard Betts, widely recognized as Dickey Betts, one of the founding members of the Allman Brothers Band, died on April 18, 2024, at the age of 80. His manager, David Spero, announced that Betts passed away due to complications from cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) at his residence in Osprey, Florida. His family was by his side when he passed away.
Born in the Bradenton, Florida area, and the descendant of Canadian fiddlers, Forrest Richard Betts, was more commonly known as Dickey. He was a pivotal figure in the Southern rock movement. Betts and Duane Allman, his fellow guitarist, played a major role in defining the sound and success of the Allman Brothers Band.
Following the death of Allman in 1971, Betts assumed the role of the band’s lead guitarist and composed some of the band’s most iconic songs, such as “Ramblin’ Man” and “Blue Sky.”
Kim Betts, his daughter, expressed, “Daddy always saw himself as part of a team, and he had an incredible love for music that seemed to energize him daily. His passion was not just in playing music but crafting the stories each song told.”
The Allman Brothers Band began in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1969. They became well-known for their unique fusion of rock, blues, and country music. This new genre, now referred to as Southern rock, featured the dual guitar leads of Betts and Allman, which became their signature sound.
Betts’ relationship with the band was often turbulent, involving periods of separation and reunion. He was eventually expelled from the group in 2000 due to problems related to drug abuse.
After leaving the Allman Brothers Band, Betts continued his musical journey with his band, Great Southern. He stayed active in the music world until his retirement in 2014. His health started declining after a mild stroke in 2018, which worsened due to his existing health issues.
Gregg Allman, who was a band member and a close friend of Betts until his death in 2017, once described Betts as “the brother I never had but wished I did.” This sentiment echoes the strong relationships that were formed through their shared love for music and the intricate dynamics within the band.
In 1995, Dickey Betts and the Allman Brothers Band were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. In memory of his contributions, the band members and crew expressed their condolences: “Play on, Brother Dickey. You will be forever remembered and deeply missed.”
Betts is survived by his wife, four children, and several grandchildren.
