Dickey Betts, a driving force behind the Allman Brothers Band that launched Southern rock and influenced the jam band scene, died Thursday, April 18, at his home in Osprey on Little Sarasota Bay, according to his longtime manager David Spero. Spero tells Rolling Stone that he'd been suffering from cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He'd also had a minor stroke in 2018, that was followed by a fall at home that effectively ended his touring and recording career.
His family released a statement saying, in part, “The legendary performer, songwriter, bandleader, and family patriarch was at his home in Osprey, Florida, surrounded by his family. Dickey was larger-than-life, and his loss will be felt worldwide. At this difficult time, the family asks for prayers and respect for their privacy in the coming days. More information will be forthcoming at the appropriate time.”
And the Allman Brothers Band office also released a statement saying in part, "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.
"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.