The guitarist and founding member of The Allman Brothers Band, Dickey Betts, has died at the age of 80 at his home in Sarasota (Florida) after a “period of deteriorating health,” as announced by the group itself in a statement.
“It is with deep sadness that the Allman Brothers Band learned today that Betts passed away peacefully at home. Dickey was passionate about life, whether it was music, song writing, fishing, hunting, boating, golf, karate or boxing: participated and excelled in everything that caught his attention,” he announced.
Betts wrote quintessential Brothers songs, including ‘Blue Sky’, ‘Rambling Man’, ‘Jessica’ and ‘In Memory of Elizabeth Reed’, among others. His guitar playing with guitarist Duane Allman created a characteristic sound that became a reference for the genre known as ‘Southern Rock’.
Meanwhile, the musician’s family has also sent another statement lamenting the death of the “legendary performer and composer.” “Dickey was larger than life and his loss will be felt around the world. At this difficult time, the family asks for prayers and respect for their privacy in the coming days. More information will be available at the appropriate time,” he concluded. .