Allman Brothers Band co-founder and legendary guitarist Dickey Betts dies at 80
Guitar legend and Allman Brothers Band co-founder Dickey Betts has died at age 80
By STEVEN WINE and RUSS BYNUM
Published - Apr 18, 2024, 09:12 PM ET
Last Updated - Apr 18, 2024, 09:12 PM EDT
Dickey Betts, who died Thursday at age 80, really was born a ramblin’ man.
He left home at 16 to join the circus and became a renowned guitarist touring the world with the Allman Brothers Band. He wrote the group’s biggest hit, “Ramblin’ Man,” and remained on the road until he reached the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Betts died at his home in Osprey, Florida, his manager of 20 years, David Spero, said by phone. He had been battling cancer for more than a year and had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Spero said.
“He was surrounded by his whole family and he passed peacefully. They didn’t think he was in any pain,” he said.