Alan Paul knows as much about the ABB as anyone and just posted this on facebook.
"Forrest Richard “Dickey” Betts
December 12, 1943 – April 17, 2024
(Photo, copyright 1991, Kirk West)
A full-length obituary to come, but let's take a moment to tip our hats to this musical giant, whose incredible melodic sense, bone-deep playing and fantastic songwriting, including but by no means limited to "Blue Sky," "Jessica," "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed," His ideas and concepts formed the backbone and musical DNA of the Allman Brothers Band, the greatest American rock band ever. (That's a subjective statement, of course, so don't argue. You have a right to your own opinion, too. For me, the Dead is the only rival and then it's just a matter of taste.)
Dickey's reputation as a hell raiser was well earned, but sadly obscured the depth, vision and intellectual curiosity at the core of his being. He had a deep love and knowledge about a wide range of music, including jazz, country, Western Swing, acoustic and electric blues and folk.
On a personal level, he was my favorite guitarist and an absolutely essential part of my career. My relationships with him and Warren Haynes led to my friendship with Kirk West, which lef me to become more of an ABB insider and it all grew from there. But the reason all that happened at all is I LOVED THE MUSIC. it impacted me in a way nothing else ever has, engaging my heart, body and soul and taking me on emotional and intellectual excursions that both helped form who I am and understand who I am. I know that many of you feel the same.
As we mourn in our own ways, let's think first of his family: Donna, Duane & Lisa, Christy & Frank, Jessica, and Kim. As the ABB said in their official statement, "Play on Brother Dickey, you will be forever remembered and deeply missed."
Kirk West gets credit for this great photo of Dickey...
