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Dickey Betts
1943 - 2024
Dickey Betts
1943 - 2024
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1943
DIED
2024
Dickey Betts Obituary
Dickey Betts was a guitarist, singer and songwriter best known as one of the founding members of the iconic classic rock act the Allman Brothers Band and the writer of classics like "Ramblin' Man," "Blue Sky" and "Jessica."
We invite you to share condolences for Dickey Betts in our Guest Book.
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(Photo: Ed Perlstein/Redferns/Getty Images)
173 Entries
Bob Sloane
December 13, 2024
Miss and love YOU Brother Dickey!!! God bless you and your family and friends!!! RIP my friend!!!
James A. Cabeceiras
December 12, 2024
Dickey The night I was at the Living Room in Prov. R.I. when you played set 2 with Gregg Allman's band playing 1st, was the best show I've ever seen in my life! I met Gregg at the bar while you were on stage, he told me "kid wait until the last set" clicked beers with me and went back to the bands back room. Damn, When you all came out for the last set, I was blown away by the talent shining up there, I almost went Blind everyone back to back with no room for a mouse on stage. I was up front, I wouldn't have missed a second of that show. I've been listening to you guy's ripping up those strings since the 70s when my older brother Wayne turned me on to the Allman Bro's band I still jam along with Jessica all the time. I can't hear it without picking up one of my guitar's and hit the grove with the best Rocking Band in the World! I know you are all Resting in Peace, brothers.
Forrest Bishop Jr
September 17, 2024
Very sad over losing you. I wish we had known each other. I followed your career from piedmont park days at the beginning of it all to now. It kinda freaked me out when I found we had the same first names. You did very good . I love your music.
Fly on gypsy, fly on brother ...
Forrest Bishop Jr
Don Buh
May 30, 2024
A good friend and brother, I will miss you.
How you can show support
Joni Russ
May 30, 2024
Dickey Betts,
Your music meant the world to me, from the time I was 15 years old and started playing guitar. I adored the Allman Brothers. I would like to make a pilgrimage to Macon, Georgia to see where it all began. Sending love to you in rock and roll, heaven. You will always stay in my heart
Gavan Reynolds
May 28, 2024
Dicky created a guitar sound that had something to do with the angels above !
RIP Dicky, your sound was true and beautiful.
Gavan Reynolds
DERRY- Ireland
G Garner IV
May 23, 2024
Way too many Thanks to detail however, certainly appreciated the many many shows and talent both with The Allman Brothers Band & Great Southern. Once a Brother always a Brother. Rest well & High ole friend, Thank You!
Doug powell
May 12, 2024
He said it all. ....... Do I need to say more?
M A Smith
May 9, 2024
First saw the ABB at the Overton Park Shell in Memphis spring of `71 when Duane was still alive. Have been a huge fan and seen up-teenth ABB concerts since then and also have grown old with them. Dickie was a fluid and masterful guitarist and songwriter. He had big shoes to fill when Duane passed of which he did without a doubt. Thanks for the memories and rest in peace.
Jim Baird
May 5, 2024
Dickey, thank you for the wonderful music and memories!
Charles Patch
May 5, 2024
Charles Patch
May 5, 2024
Charles Patch
May 5, 2024
Katherine Bell
May 4, 2024
ABB caught my attention as a little girl on our family's tiny Pye TV - those wild free angelic guys playing quality guitar like my Dad, but rock and roll! ABB exemplified that living on the edge between worlds approach to life, combining good quality and common decency, with a refusal to be bound by mainstream normality. Dickey's Ramblin Man and Gregg's Midnight Rider tried to capture it, but it's in the music - ABB's unique fusion of rock with blues, jazz and classical Spanish influences. They had quality up there with the greatest rockers - The Stones. Made my life so much more ethereal and still does. Thanks Dickey. How wonderful the sons all maintain the vision.
Billy Johnson
May 4, 2024
Thanks for all the music, the licks and the love you passed our way! Duane A. once said in a radio interview: "Music is the greatest gift anyone can give you." "To think that someone loves you enough to share their music with you. Man, that´s just the most beautiful thing." I´m paraphrasing, but I´m close!!!
I thank God everyday that I lived in the times of the Allman Brother´s Band.
Jennie Blair
April 29, 2024
Jennie Blair
April 29, 2024
Jennie Blair
April 29, 2024
Duane, I want you to have this. If you come back to Osprey, I could get it to you, or I could send it to you.
I´ve had this vintage cast iron GreyHound bus for years & it is most fitting for you to have it.
"I was born a Ramblin´ man", now
"Momma married a Ramblin´ man"
Love & Peace. Contact me when you are able.
Amy Jo Jennings
April 27, 2024
Allman Brothers and Dickey defined my youth. Have Loved all of them since the 70s
.His music and guitar genius always make me smile. Rip Dickey. Fly Free Legend you will be missed.
Mike Gaetano
April 27, 2024
High Falls what a great tune Dickey wrote RIP
Michele Reissmann
April 27, 2024
Highway Call, especially love Kissimmee Kid. Blue sky , Dickey was the quintessential Ramblin Man. Before one of the Beacon shows, my friends ask him for a kiss and he was happy to oblige. Thanks for the music, and memories. We were all blessed to have him. He's gonna be a long time gone, on his way back home.....
Ed Tschopp
April 27, 2024
I'll remember Dickey as the melodic genius he was. Songs Like Blue Sky and Jessica are truly masterpieces. Thank You, Dickey Betts !!! I met Dickey backstage at the Capital Theather Passaic NJ when he had Vassar Clemmens in his band. What a gentleman. Got on his Tour bus in Clinton NJ. Great Memories and again what a kind gentleman. RIP Dickey Betts.
Steve Wilson
April 26, 2024
I was 10 years old when I first listened to the Eat A Peach album with my Dad and older brothers growing up in Atlanta Georgia. We just stared at one another while it was playing. We never said a word - it was that powerful. I'm almost 63 years old now and that album still remains timeless. 30 years ago, this spring, my wife and I started an organic farm in North Carolina and what did we decide to name it.. Blue Sky Farms. It was apropos to the life my wife and I have been living. I hope our friend Lana was able to get you one of our t- shirts to you some years ago, and told you thanks for the inspiration, but I would just like to say thanks again for the miracle and the magic of your music. You were the best of the best.
Wayne Heet
April 25, 2024
Rest in peace Dickey Betts. You will always be remember as a great guitarest, singer and writer. You and the brothers are #1 in my book.
JennieB
April 25, 2024
Love to Duane & the extended family.
Momma she married a Rambin´ Man What you know you don´t understand.
Back and forth and around again
where we start is where we end.
God love your heart. Carry on.
The Roxy marquee photo I took for you. Leaving LA
By Gawd
April 24, 2024
RIP Dickey.
Adam Silverman
April 24, 2024
Music has always been there to bring joy, and get you through the rough patches that come in life. Dickey your music has done both for me. Rest in peace Dickey.
Laurie Thompson
April 24, 2024
Thank You for the beautiful music!!!
Charles Patch
April 24, 2024
God Bless Maistro! R.I.P. THANKS FOR ALL THE JOY!!
Jean Yaro
April 24, 2024
Rest in peace to my favorite musician. Sending prayers to the family. I am grateful I got to meet you. You will be missed
Joe Nania
April 24, 2024
DICKEY BETTS thank you for the decades of music - love from your pal forever - Hollywood Joe -
C L Patton
April 23, 2024
ABB wrote & sang the songbook of my life. What a beautiful life with my favorite band!! Dickey is a great storyteller, a good man. Condolences to. All his family & all of us that are members of the "Brothers & Sisters" life has changed for ever. Holding on to the faith, "The Road Goes on Forever"
Gerry Buschor
April 23, 2024
You and Gregg are jamming one way out with Duane and Berry now
Ann Gallo
April 23, 2024
April 23, 2024
Ann Gallo
Thanks for the years of great music. You were part of the soundtrack to my life. rest in peace Ramblin´ Man
Chip Walker
April 23, 2024
I grew up with the Allman Brothers....they were better than great and gave us fantastic music for so many years!
Rest in peace, Dickie!
M. Montana
April 23, 2024
Grew up in Daytona, HS in Jax, FL - first time I had seen the ABBI recall thinking Dickey was dragon slayer (on guitar). Was in the bay area in 2005 and before going back to FL saw Great Southern was gonna play in SF. Stuck around for that show and saw his son play for the first time (Duane Betts). I was fortunate enough to hang out after the show and got autographs from everyone. BUT - Dickey's playing is the equivalence to watching Tom Brady win in football. The same as seeing Michael Jordan killing it in basketball. People can watch tape now or past videos and you can clearly see how exceptional he was at playing guitar. I think this is the PROBLEM with society today - they do NOT understand what greatness is in the moment. Like all the other fans on here - I am so very blessed to have seen the ABB so many times, and one of the greatest days of my life was when I got to meet Gregg Allman and his mom thanks to the kindness of Devon Allman when I was the House of Blues in Orlando and gifted Devon and Gregg a guitar. I gave the gifts to Devon whom I was interviewing and he gave Gregg his guitar and Gregg said "Bring this guy to see me so I can thank him." Gregg's mom was there since she lived in Daytona - At any rate - The Allman Brothers Band are perhaps, the kings of legendary Rock N' Roll. Rest in peace to all the brothers.
Denise Long
April 23, 2024
Thank you for the music, Rest In Peace.
Faye Carter
April 23, 2024
Fat city Club Beach Jax FL Ray Mosier & wife Rita owners. Allman Brothers came in after concert Gregg & Dickey. It closed up so they could listen & play music & have hot food. Visit with friend. First of many visit. Rambling Man Dickey love. Great music Faye Carter
Doug Foulis
April 23, 2024
Dickey was my idol. No one played the guitar and make that pure sound as he did. His music hit my soul
Thank you Dickey, RIP
HJW
April 22, 2024
I have had the good fortune to see many of the great ones. Dickey was the single guy who inspired me to learn to play guitar. (Capitol Theater, Passaic NJ).
RIP Mr. Betts you are truly missed.
Jim Dove
April 22, 2024
I grew up in Macon...Capricorn Records, the Allman Brothers Band, and especially Dickey Betts provided the soundtrack of my life! I was fortunate to see ABB jam and live in concert on many occasions. Rest in Peace Dickey...and Thank You my friend for a million great memories!!!
Jonathan Leander
April 22, 2024
The last time I saw him play live was at the spirit of the Suwannee music park with his own band and with his son duane he played " third stone from the sun " by Jimmy hendrix remarkable stuff having stood by Elizabeth reed's grave in rose hill only a few days before my dear mother passed away by myself with the orange and emerald poplar flowers littering the ground around there after a wind storm and recalling the haunting part of his song " in memory of Elizabeth reed " that he thought up playing an acoustic guitar there that incredible timeless riff absolutely completely and totally captures rhe timeless mystery of that place rose hill cemetery thanks for all the great concerts and true musical inspiration God bless ya thanks dicky
Denise noone
April 22, 2024
Denise noone
April 22, 2024
Denise noone
April 22, 2024
Denise noone
April 22, 2024
Denise noone
April 22, 2024
Denise noone
April 22, 2024
Well this will make a smile appear..my which then was my future husband at the time got the pleasure to be on tour with dickey betts great southern. Working for the company showco.. that was his next assignment.it was grand so much fun great music we bonded in friendship s paulette dickey and jessica.. i so enjoyed her..but one time i came to Sarasota and was staying a day or so with paulette and dickey. They had cute duane he was around two ish..i was always shy. At the breakfast table..dickey kept asking paulette..does denise talk ha ha..i will never forget him teasing me..and him calling when David was passing with cancer that made David smile as he loved Dickey so. Now i hope you are making music in the big house together..i love you Dickey Betts.
Chris Dougherty
April 22, 2024
Saw him twice with the Allman Brothers and once with Great Southern. Very talented musician and charismatic person. His range of music writing from jazz rock (Elizabeth Reed) to country (Rambling Man) to Americana (Pony Boy) to folk (Nancy, Bougainville) was a treat to follow. R.I.P. Rambling Man those Blue skies are right in front of you.
Mike Rich
April 22, 2024
I got to hear Dickey play at Georgia Jam in `74. It was sensational!! It was an experience I will never forget. ABB has always been my favorite band largely because of Dickey´s guitar play. He will be sorely missed but he will live on in his music and also in his son, Duane (I wonder where he got that name).
M.R.
David Barnett
April 22, 2024
I hope Dickeys family knows how much we all loved him.
Kenneth Bentley
April 22, 2024
Piedmont park atlanta was The days.
David D
April 22, 2024
There may be sadness in missing his earthly presence & live performances, but there is joy in every moment I listen to Dickey's music. That will last forever. As one of the two most influential guitarists for my own playing, he gifted me with the forever company of my guitar through good times and bad. Thank you brother. Now you can play ceaselessly as there is no existence of time in eternity. Life to life.
Tom nowicki
April 22, 2024
Thank you!
Darrell Sandy
April 22, 2024
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Susan Livesey
April 22, 2024
In July 1971 so grateful my first concert was The Allman Brothers at South Mountain Arena in West Orange,NJ I will never ever forget that image of Duane, and Dickey Betts dueling back-and-forth with their guitars! I knew I was watching royalty! The whole band!
My heart is very sad here. But I know Dickeys bandmates were waiting to greet him and there´s and there´s a helluva reunion going on somewhere!
Thank you for leaving us such wonderful music!! Rest in peace brother
Rich & Angie Dussliere
April 22, 2024
All our best to Duane and the entire family of D-man. Remember the good times, smiles and hugs.
Jean Yaro
April 22, 2024
Rest in peace to this incredible musician that I had the pleasure of meeting. You will be greatly missed and your music lives on forever.
Dannia Taylor
April 22, 2024
Rest in Peace.
Kyle
April 22, 2024
One of the all-time greats. I heard "Long Time Gone" on a Colorado radio station once, way up in the mountains, just after it rained, the station came through the static and the sun came up, thanks for that one Dickey.
Vernon Urie
April 22, 2024
A guitar great gone...so sad...heard him with the Allman Brothers Band three times in the '70s....was just awestruck by their perfection in music...I still play their music even today.....missed a chance to talk with him.....fate, I guess. Got all of Allman and Betts albums, still listen to them....man, what a one of a kind guitar player and music writer.....Godspeed, Dickey. Loved your playing always.
Kevin Wilson
April 21, 2024
I started playing guitar in about 1980. Learning to play "Ramblin´ Man" back in those early years was a milestone. It is one of those songs that puts me in that feeling to this day. And "Blue Sky". Just amazing. Thank you for those songs Dickey.
Don Godwin
April 21, 2024
As the band reunites in Heaven, we here on Earth will remember you always and will continue enjoying the legacy of your skillful guitar play and wonderful writing. You filled my entire life with musical wonder and joy. I celebrate your life and keep your family in my prayers.
Nan Nielsen
April 21, 2024
My prayers for all his loved ones. When I was in my twenties , had a profound effect on me. His playing was like nothing I had heard. Listening now, all these yrs later, it is art.
K L Ryan
April 21, 2024
Lots of great memories and great shows over the years thanks Dicky for bring lots of happiness to many lives.
Cathetine Diwney
April 21, 2024
Sincere condolences to family and friends of Dickey.Thanks for sharing your talent and changing peoples lives. Love and prayers.Catherine.
Walt Simpson
April 21, 2024
First met him in 1968 in Jax when he played with Second Coming. In early 70's, along with 2 other friends, went to his place in Love Valley, NC. In late 70' s my wife and I were his guests back stage and on stage at the Philadelphia Spectrum.
Gary Gall
April 21, 2024
We saw Dickey & great southern in May 2002 at the Stone Pony, great night...
His shows with the Brothers
At the Beacon we´re incredible... I will miss him
Dearly
G
Linda B
April 21, 2024
You´re free now... fly high on gentle winds
Kate Timoshenko
April 21, 2024
Loved seeing you at Robarts Arena in 2015. RIP Dickey. Thanks for the great music
Michael O'Brien
April 21, 2024
What a great man shame all the good ones are all going to heaven to bad there won't be another one like him now one can fill his shoes
Edward Shavelson
April 21, 2024
My favorite memory was when I met him in Reading PA after a show that was flat out awesome. I had him sign my Gritz Magazine with him on the cover. I was like a kid in a candy store. I met my musical hero. Dickey gave me more joy in my life from his music than anything else in my life. Play it loud Dickey for the Angels !
Frank Laquidara
April 21, 2024
The Road Goes On Forever
Jennifer Rayhill
April 21, 2024
Thank you for sharing your gifted talent. Shine on! Sending love and light to your loved ones!
Karen Moon
April 21, 2024
RIP, Ramblin´ Man.
Larry Handwerger
April 21, 2024
The road goes on forever. I first saw the Allman Brothers in the NY Filmore East in 1970. Saw them at least 4 more times before the Fillmore closed. Damm what a hot smoking Band! Such a blend of styles, talent and such stage presence! Was there the night Live at the Fillmore was recorded! Hid in men's room for the late show. LOL Like yesterday it seemed! Duane and Dickey trading licks just leaves you in awe how those two played and the band just laid it down so nicely! Just hit after hit! I cried when I heard the news about Duane and then Berry. Dickey, so many songs, so much melody so much feeling, you are terribly missed already. Now your playing with 5 out of 6 of your brothers of the road.
S. G
April 21, 2024
Tremendous performances he mastered at guitar and as a very talented bandmate who will truly be missed by millions. To add some comfort to his sad family and relatives: " Most truly I say to you, the hour is coming, and it is now, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who have paid attention will live. " With deepest sympathy and condolences.
Doug Ammann
April 21, 2024
Remember seeing the ABB New Year´s Eve in New Haven Ct. Dickey Betts wrote some of my favorite songs of any band.. memories that I will carry with me through the rest of my life..
Laura Osenni
April 21, 2024
God Bless and rest in peace
Paul Glanzman
April 21, 2024
I remember being blown away by the Fillmore album when I was 10 being turned on by my older cousin. I was particularly drawn to the guitar player who took you on a journey when it was his turn that guy was Dickey. Duane was right when he said "I'm the famous one " Dickey was a real storyteller both Lyrically and Musically.
Kate Lord
April 21, 2024
How do you say goodbye to someone who's music you grew up with, fell in love to..... it's hard. My boyfriend and I, back in the mid seventies snuck into Rose Hill Cemetery and enjoyed our own memories there. Long before they put up barricades. I've always associated the ABB with him, as we reconnected almost 8 years ago. Queen of Hearts. But I made a move ironically from Sarasota back to the Raleigh area of NC, Blue Sky was sung the whole way. Dickey, thank you. Indeed may the road go on forever and you guys are jamming now. Blessings
Kate Lord
Peri Jetton
April 21, 2024
I saw the brothers in Piedmont Park when I was 8 years old. I fell in love with the music and it shaped my life. I spoke with Duane and Dickey that day and I was in awe. Thanks for the music and thank God as Jerry Wexler said "The music is imperishable". RIP
Joel
April 21, 2024
ABB in Park 1969
Saw ABB many more times snd Dickey Betts /Great Southern with Cowboy at Fox Theatre.
Met ABB at record store in Atlanta; early 80s
Created best ABB instrumentals.
Rest in Peace and Power!
Jennie Blair
April 21, 2024
My first memories were my late husband, Don, playing pool at Hoosiers.
Jennie Blair
April 21, 2024
God bless you Dickey. You lived a life that leaves a legacy. You touched many lives, including your puppy dog.
My condolences to the family. Rest in Peace .
Bob McNeil
April 21, 2024
Dickey Betts was a great musician and song writer. I met him in Tallahassee where he was featured as one of Florida's Rock and Roll Legends in the exhibit at The Museum of Florida History. He loaned us one of his custom made guitars for the exhibit. He was a great guy!
PatrickBetts
April 21, 2024
I met Dickie at Fogts Music store in Sarasota Florida I was in charge of the drum department there he came in and we talked for a while we have the same last name Betts do he was interested about where we were from i think we are some kind cousins we laughed . My name is Pat Betts. Rest in peace Mr. Betts
Elaine
April 21, 2024
Thank you for the music! RIP Dickey Betts. You were and are my favorite guitarist of all times. I saw you live at San Diego State University when I was 15 and was hooked on you forever. I will choose to remember you everytime I see a blue sky.
Bonnie L Whitlatch
April 21, 2024
My condolences to the family. My love and prayers are with you!!! R.I.P. Dickey!!!
Capt. Charlie Williams
April 21, 2024
First saw Dickey and the ABB in 1969 at Buddy Clarks Aragon in St Petersburg and many, many times through the years. He was the best in my book. Will surely be missed.
Mary Fife
April 21, 2024
Rest in Peace, Dickey You are loved and missed. Thanks for the best, uplifting, comforting music. God bless and keep you.
Bob Sloane
April 21, 2024
RIP my Brother. Your music is timeless.
Doug Herdman
April 21, 2024
To Dickey Betts family I am very sorry for your loss.
I'm only a fan and felt very moved by his passing. I hope that's OK that I leave a message!
Mr Betts thank you for how much of you was required to be one the best musicians ever!
Doug Herdman
Canada
RC Woodward
April 21, 2024
Not many who could make a guitar sing, like him! Your Brothers await you Dickey. A grand reunion indeed!
Jeanne Bass
April 21, 2024
You were always so kind to me Dickey! your wife is a sweetheart! it meant so much for my love wally gator Sirotich to play with you. we will miss you. your music and memories will stay in our hearts ❤ always! RIP
Rick Reichard
April 20, 2024
I saw him play at Willowbranch Park in Riverside, Jacksonville, Fl in 1968 or 69, met with several times over the years. Always kind respectful, you in spired me to become a guitarist, of which I've been for over 50 years. Ride well my friend and say hello to the boys! You've left a perpetual legacy for we that remain.
Sue Swanson
April 20, 2024
Thanks for sharing your gift. Blue skies...........
Timmy Underwood
April 20, 2024
The best ever. Never in my life have I been without AAB
I feel lost.
Debbie Rossi
April 20, 2024
The ABB has been a part of my life since 1969 the first time I saw the band... the music is in my soul...,thank you! Godspeed Ranger
Anne ATinsley
April 20, 2024
Jacksonville Fla.The place to be in 60s.I grew up running the road between Brunswick Ga.and Jacksonville.Place where the greatest music was taking off. God what a great time to grow up in.Dickey was the best. Lots of good musicians played as ABB.BUT there was only one real ABB .The 6 .
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