Allman Brothers Band guitarist Betts dies at 80
By Ian Youngs
Dickey Betts, a lynchpin of The Allman Brothers Band, one of the most popular and influential US rock groups of the 1970s, has died at the age of 80.
The guitarist and vocalist also wrote classic songs including their biggest hit, 1973’s Ramblin’ Man.
His other compositions included Blue Sky and the instrumental Jessica, which won a Grammy Award and was used as the theme for BBC TV series Top Gear.
The band announced “with deep sadness” that he died on Thursday.
“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,” a statement said.
“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.”
He “passed away peacefully in his home” following “a period of declining health”, the statement said.
