JUST IN: Dickey Betts, lead guitar player and founder of Allman Brothers Band dead at 80

Dickey Betts, the lead guitarist and founder of the Allman Brothers Band, passed away at 80 years old on Thursday. 

Betts' family posted to social media and wrote, “It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that the Betts family announce the peaceful passing of Forrest Richard ‘Dickey’ Betts."



"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 family added. 

Betts’ manager told Rolling Stone that the guitarist had cancer as well as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. 

The lead guitarist was known for some of the band’s greatest hits such as “Ramblin’ Man.” He wrote and sang it for the Allman Brothers Band. He initially wrote the song for another artist.  

In 2020, during an interview, he said it was a great song for Johnny Cash. He added, “Everybody liked that song. Even my dad liked the song, before we recorded it or anything. And I’m thinking I’m going to send this to Johnny Cash and see if he wanted to do it.” 

Some other big songs written Betts for the group “Blue Sky” and “Jessica.” 

Betts left the Allman Brothers Band in a split up during 2000 and afterwards Betts and the band toured separately. The now deceased artist went around with his Great Southern group that featured his son, Duane.