Betts died following declining health

Forrest Richard “Dickey” Betts, founding member of The Allman Brothers Band, has died at the age of 80 due to cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A message on his website confirms he passed away earlier today (Thurs, Apr 18th) at his home in Florida.

“It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that the Betts family announces 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. 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 statement reads.

Betts wrote quintessential Allman Brothers songs including “Blue Sky,” “Rambling Man,” “Jessica,” “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed” and many others. His extraordinary guitar playing alongside guitarist Duane Allman created a unique dual guitar harmony 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,” the Allman Brothers Band shares in a statement. “Play on Brother Dickey, you will be forever remembered and deeply missed.”

Known as one of the most influential guitar players of all time, Betts mastered a seamless style of lyrical melody and rhythm — marrying country, jazz, blues, and rock into one unparalleled sound. Playing since he can remember, Betts joined several bands in the 60s and eventually formed a band with bassist Berry Oakley. One fateful night in 1969, Betts and Oakley’s band jammed with another local group featuring Duane and Gregg Allman, marking the birth of the Allman Brothers Band. In addition to matching band leader Duane Allman’s lick-for-lick, Betts also wrote such memorable songs as “Revival” and the instrumental tour de force “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed.” After Duane Allman and Berry Oakley were killed in accidents a year apart in 1971 and 1972, the ABB worked through their sorrow, with Betts writing and singing the group’s biggest hit, “Ramblin’ Man.”