Remembering Dickey Betts
Forrest Richard “Dickey” Betts, left this earthly plane on April 18th in Osprey, Florida. After a battle with cancer. The Allman Brothers Band guitarist left an indelible mark on the world of rock and roll. Let’s talk about his storied life and music.
One of two, dual lead guitarists in the Southern Rock Band, the Allman Brothers Band. Dickey Betts was a founding member of the band, he along with bassist Barry Oakley joined forces with Duane Allman, Gregg Allman, Butch Trucks and John Lee “Jaimoe” Johnson to create the Allman Brothers Band. For those unfamiliar with the gumbo of the Allmans, the band created the signature Southern Rock sound. Paving the way for the likes of Lynyrd Skynyrd, .38 Special and The Marshall Tucker Band.
The Allmans were different, they had two, dual lead guitarists. Duane Allman primarily played slide guitar and Dickey played the structured solos.
But back to Dickey.
Dickey Betts lived two lives, the rocker and roller who fundraised for Jimmy Carter’s Presidential campaign, literally kicking ass and taking names on tour with the Allman Brothers Band, and on the flip side - Dickey was an avid hunter and fisherman, often going on hunting expeditions in between Allman Bros tours. After the death of Duane Allman in 1971, Dickey Betts became the frontman of the band, a role he didn’t want. In the spotlight, he couldn’t kick ass and live a life of seclusion that he would’ve liked.
I remember reading somewhere that when Dickey took the reigns of the Allman Bros, he would’ve liked to have seen them ascend to jam band greatness like the Grateful Dead, after the death of Jerry Garcia in 1995. But to me, a Deadhead, they were right in line with the Grateful Dead, albeit the Allmans had more commercial success then the Dead.
Dickey Betts either wrote or co-wrote a majority of the big hits the Allmans achieved during their career… and some of my favorites. Ramblin’ Man, Jessica, Blue Sky and others. Below is a list of selected listening’s, where his vocals and guitar truly shine.
Selected Listening’s
Blue Sky - Play All Night: Live at the Beacon Theatre 1992
Ramblin’ Man - Allman Brothers Band, no. 4: Nassau Coliseum 5/1/73
Jessica - Allman Brothers Band, no. 4: Nassau Coliseum 5/1/73
One Way Out - Live from A&R Studios 1971
Stormy Monday - Down in Texas 71’
The music of Dickey Betts and the Allman Brothers Band will continue to shape generations for years to come, and inspire guitarists. Dean Ween of the band Ween, has an instrumental track on his first solo album called: Dickie Betts. Dean has often said that when he goes to take a solo, he plays one of two solos: Blue Sky by the Allman Brothers Band or Whippin’ Post by the Allman Brothers Band.
There are primarily two bands carrying on the legacy of the Allmans and Dickey. The Allman Betts Band, made up of the sons of Gregg Allman, Barry Oakley, and Dickey Betts, and Tedeschi Trucks Band - featuring Derek Trucks who was a member of the Allman Brothers Band for years. I have seen Tedeschi Trucks Band a few times in concert and was not disappointed, and see that the Allman Betts Band is touring… maybe I will have to check them out.
I was in Florida at the time of Dickey Betts death. 130 miles away, just over 2 hours. We felt the same sunshine and saw the same blue sky. There will never be another Dickey Betts.