Allman Brothers guitarist Dickey Betts dies aged 80: Musician best known for group’s hit song Ramblin’ Man passed away ‘peacefully’ at Florida home

Dickey Betts, the guitarist from The Allman Brothers Band, has died at the age of 80.

His family confirmed on Instagram that the Ramblin’ Man performer passed away in his Osprey, Florida home surrounded by loved ones on Thursday.

‘The legendary performer, songwriter, bandleader and family patriarch passed away earlier today,’  the Betts family said. ‘Dickey was larger than life, and his loss will be felt world-wide.’

Betts is known for writing some of The Allman Brothers most famous songs including ‘In Memory of Elizabeth Reed,’ ‘Blue Sky,’ and their only Top Ten hit, ‘Ramblin’ Man.’

The Allman Brothers Band said in a statement, ‘Play on Brother Dickey, you will be forever remembered and deeply missed.’ 

‘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.’

In 1969, Betts and bassist Berry Oakley formed The Allman Brothers band with Duane and Gregg Allman, according to The Big House Museum.

Members of the band started solo careers in 1973, and when the group officially split up in 1976.

Betts went on to form Dickey Betts and Great Southern, then The Allman Brothers Band briefly reunited in 1978.

Variety reported that Gregg Allman’s testimony against the Allman Brothers Band’s security man Scooter Herring in a federal drug case led to the falling out.

For their 20th anniversary in 1989, The Allman Brothers Band regrouped and saw continued success throughout the ’90s. They were into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and won their first Grammy.

The guitarist was briefly ejected from the band following a 1993 scuffle with police at a tour stop as tension between him and Gregg Allman grew. 

Betts left the group in 2000 after Gregg Allman told him via fax that he was being replaced and he released a solo album in July 2001 called ‘Let’s Get Together.’

Journalist and ‘Almost Famous’ filmmaker Cameron Crowe told Rolling Stone that Betts inspired Stillwater guitarist character Russell Hammond.

‘Crudup’s look, and much more, is a tribute to Dickey,’ Crowe said. ‘Dickey seemed like a quiet guy with a huge amount of soul, possible danger and playful recklessness behind his eyes. He was a huge presence.’ 

In September 2018, Betts had brain surgery following a fall ‘while playing with the family dog,’ as he ‘slipped and cracked his head, causing bleeding from the brain.’

In August of that year he suffered a mild stroke at his home, and was steadily recovering and responding ‘very well to treatment’ at the time of his fall.

Tributes from fans have been pouring in for the iconic guitarist.

‘I can’t imagine what my life would have been like had I never heard the Allman Brothers Band. Their music has been a real blessing in my life. Thank you Dickey for sharing your gift with the rest of us, ‘ Paul D. Zavodnyik said on Instagram.

‘His countless contributions and music will be remembered and felt forever. He was my first mentor on guitar via a cassette tape I made February 5, 1972. What a teacher. His influence on all guitarists was profound,’ said Greg Germino.

Country singer Channing Wilson said, ‘Godspeed brother! One of the greatest to do it.’

The Marshall Tucker Band said, ‘We just heard the news of the passing of Dickey Betts, a legend and our longtime brother.’ 

‘The memories hit me hard this morning after learning of his passing. The monuments that he helped to create for southern rock will never be replicated.’

‘From the beginning, before achieving incredible success, he was a man that stood strong by himself. The things that matter the most to musicians were things Dickey already thought of. His God-given strength would not allow for failure in music or in life,’ the band said.

Guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd said, ‘We truly have lost an icon. Dickey Betts was one of the baddest guitar players on the planet. A member of the “once in a generation” club. His imprint will last forever as well as his music and his memory.’ 

Born Forrest Richard Betts in West Palm Beach on December 12, 1943, the performer has four children, Kimberly, Christy, Jessica and Duane.

His fifth wife, Donna Betts, has her share of run-ins with the law, including serving 30 days in jail for an incident with the Sarasota Crew rowing team.

She was jailed in October 2017 after pleading no contest to one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill, reported the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

In March of that year, she pointed a rifle at Crew members who were in boats near her property and threatened to shoot them.

Jai Johanny Johanson is now the sole living member of The Allman Brothers Band, as Gregg Allman died May of 2017 after a battle with liver cancer, while drummer Butch Trucks died of January in that year. 

The band has a tragic history littered with premature deaths, as Duane Allman was only 24 when he died in a motorcycle crash in October of 1971 in Georgia, while bass player Berry Oakley was also 24 when he died after a motorcycle crash close to the location of Allman’s crash in November of 1972.