What happened to Dickey Betts? Legendary Allman Brothers guitarist passes away at 80

Allman Brothers Band co-founder and guitarist Dickey Betts passed away on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at the age of 80. The news of the musician's death was revealed by his manager David Spero during a press statement. Spero said that Betts passed away due to cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The news was confirmed on Dickey Betts' Instagram account on April 18, 2024, with a throwback image of the musician. The post noted that Betts died at his house in Osprey, Florida.

“Dickey was larger than life, and his loss will be felt world-wide. At this difficult time, the family asks for prayers and respect for their privacy in the coming days,” the caption added.

In the press statement, David Spero, who had been the musician's manager for over 20 years stated that he had been battling cancer for over a year. He added that at the time of his passing, Betts was surrounded by his family and it is believed that he wasn't in any pain when he passed.

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Where was Dickey Betts born? Details revealed as Allman Brothers Band member passes away

Dickey Betts was born in West Palm Beach in Florida on December 12, 1943, and was raised in Bradenton, Florida. However, he left home at the age of 16 to join a circus and join a band.

He was inspired by Canadian folk music and began listening to string bands at a very young age. Betts went on to play the ukelele and banjo while listening to Western swing, country, and bluegrass music in the background.

In 1969, he created the Allman Brothers Band alongside Berry Oakley and Duane Allman. The band has since included several members, like Gregg Allman, Butch Trucks, Warren Haynes, Jack Pearson, Oteil Burbrudge, Dan Toler, Allen Woody, and Jimmy Herring.

Their hit track, Ramblin’ Man, reached the second spot in the singles charts while their other song Jessica became an FM radio staple owing to its melodic hook.

Original band members Duane and Berry passed away in 1971 and 1972, respectively, leading to the band going through difficulties and eventually breaking up. However, they were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1995.

Dickey Betts left the band in 2000 and took on other projects, including Great Southern and The Dickey Betts Band. It is worth noting that he was ousted from the band due to his alcohol and substance use.

Following Dickey's death, the Allman Brothers Band took to their website to release an official statement about the same.

“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,” the statement read.

The band’s drummer, Jaimoe, is now the only last living founder, as several other members have passed on.

In 2018, Dickey Betts got into an accident at his Sarasota residence and was in a critical but stable condition. At that time, his manager, Spero, exclusively told People magazine that his fans were assured that they would see Dickey soon. Speaking about what exactly happened, Spero said that the musician went into his backyard where he was playing with the family dog.

“He went out to his backyard on Little Sarasota Bay and while playing with the family dog, slipped and cracked his head causing bleeding from the brain,” Spero said.

Dickey Betts is survived by his wife, Donna. Additional information about his death and funeral will be made available at a later time.