Dickey Betts, Guitarist of The Allman Brothers Band, Dead at 80

Dickey Betts — the longtime guitarist from the Allman Brothers Band — has died after some well being points … this in response to his household.

The musician’s family members introduced the unhappy information Wednesday, saying he handed away at his house in Osprey, Florida, Thursday … sharing, “Dickey was larger than life, and his loss will be felt worldwide.” He died from most cancers and persistent obstructive pulmonary illness.

Dickey’s previous couple of years had been marred with illnesses — he had a light stroke in 2019 and was recovering when he fell and hit his head whereas taking part in along with his canine the next month. The fall precipitated a mind bleed … forcing him to bear surgical procedure.

Betts was one of many founding members of the Allman Brothers Band — generally known as their lead guitarist, and serving to write two of their greatest hits, “Jessica” and “Ramblin’ Man.”

Dickey left the band in 2000 and targeted on his solo profession all through the 2000s, retiring in 2014. He briefly returned to touring in 2018 along with his son, however his fall later introduced his profession to an official finish.

Jai Johanny Johanson is now the one surviving OG member of the Allman Brothers Band — Gregg Allman handed away from liver most cancers battle in Could 2017, and drummer Butch Vans additionally died that very same yr.

Tragically, Duane Allman — one other founding member of the band — died in a motorbike accident in 1971 at age 24. Bassist Berry Oakley additionally died at 24 in a motorbike crash, eerily near the place Duane’s accident occurred.

Betts was 80.