The Allman Brothers & More Musicians Mourn the Death of Guitarist Dickey Betts
Betts died at 80 years old on Thursday (April 18).
Dickey Betts of The Allman Brothers Band performs live on stage in New Haven, Connecticut on Sept. 15, 1975.
Fin Costello/Redferns
The music world lost a legend on Thursday morning (April 18) when Allman Brothers Band co-founder and singer-guitarist Dickey Betts died at 80 years old, following a battle with cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
“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,” his family announced on his Instagram account. “The legendary performer, songwriter, bandleader and family patriarch was at his home in Osprey, Florida, surrounded by his family. Dickey was larger than life, and his loss will be felt worldwide. At this difficult time, the family asks for prayers and respect for their privacy in the coming days. More information will be forthcoming at the appropriate time.”
The Allman Brothers also posted a statement to their website mourning the death of their former bandmate, writing in part, “His extraordinary guitar playing alongside guitarist Duane Allman created a unique dual guitar signature sound that became the signature sound of the genre known as Southern Rock. He was passionate in life, be it music, songwriting, fishing, hunting, boating, golf, karate or boxing. Dickey was all in on and excelled at anything that caught his attention.”
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The statement concludes, “Play on Brother Dickey, you will be forever remembered and deeply missed.”
Following the news of Betts passing, musicians took to social media to commemorate his stamp on the music industry. See below.
With deep sadness the Allman Brothers Band learned today that founding member Dickey Betts has passed away peacefully in his home in Sarasota, Florida, following a period of declining health. Our full statement at: https://t.co/Y29oYg3YEJ Photo (c) 1991 Kirk West Photography pic.twitter.com/7pqZFKvbtT
— Allman Brothers Band (@allmanbrothers) April 18, 2024
The Daniels family just heard the sad news about the legendary @DickeyBetts passing. Another one of the founders of Southern rock has gone home, like so many of his road brothers before him. Our thoughts & prayers go out to his family, friends & fans. RiP Richard Betts -CD Jr. pic.twitter.com/UCyGPwDyeI
— Charlie Daniels (@CharlieDaniels) April 18, 2024
Rest in Peace.. My first concert was Dickey Betts at Coleman’s in Rome, New York in 1983. Blew my mind and made me want a Les Paul. My thoughts and prayers go out to Duane and the entire Betts family. pic.twitter.com/IbEZ9T8ulS
— Joe Bonamassa (Official) (@JBONAMASSA) April 18, 2024
RIP Dickey Betts. My pops used to see him live in the early 70’s. Then I got to enjoy him live in the 90’s at Lakewood Amphitheater on so many occasions. Wonderful songwriter and phenomenal improviser. Thank you for the memories. Condolences to the Betts and Allman Bros fam💔✌🏽🧡 pic.twitter.com/O7faQUNJkK
— JJ Boogie (@JJ_Boogie) April 18, 2024
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