What a character and what a talent! Maybe the most complex of the Brothers? Zen-like, poetic, lyrical and beautiful compositions, soaring and searing solos and the, uhh, unpredictable demeanor? I loved seeing Dickey play and did many times including his early solo tour at NY’s famed Bottom Line and outdoor shows. I wanted to meet him and came close on two occasions including backstage only to be told - or warned - (in so many words), “I wouldn’t go there right now.” Ha! I always felt that Berry was Duane’s musical soul-brother (and friend), but without Dickey, there is no eternal legacy of their on-fire greatness. Duane needed Dickey and his future stewardship of the band can never be discounted. Happy Birthday, Dickey!
"I could write a hell of a lot more about Dickey and one day I will ..." reminds me of the email exchange you and I had back in the summer of 2021. I had written you to express my fervent hope that you and Andy Aledort might collaborate again to do a long overdue biography of Dickey Betts. Your gracious replies included information on the work in progress that culminated in "Brothers And Sisters" and reasons that it was not feasible at that time to pursue a Betts' book. I still hope that someday that project will happen. In the meantime, Happy Birthday, Dickey and thanks, Alan, for all the work you've done and continue to do to further the legacy of this band. I've read "Brothers And Sisters" twice now and turned a number of people on to this masterful work. Wishing you continued success and a wonderful holiday season.
His music is legendary. The instrumentals alone were legendary then the songs about happiness and love like Blue Sky, Revival and Rambling Man were Iconic. But we have a spirtual warfare between good and evil and unfortunately alcohol can be a real problem that so many have succumbed too. Hopefully Dickey has come to peace with that side of his life. Because the true Dickey Betts is a good man that has humbly helped many with his wisdom and generosity in the music business and life in general. He never was looking for praise so much of his generosity is unknown to the public at large. Happy Birthday Dickey Betts.
Thanks Alan, I thoroughly enjoyed B&S and this article and hope the ugly stories don't come out as he's definitely been one of my fave all-time guitarists who I believe has always been underrated (if that's possible). I really liked your playlist and downloaded it - some of Dickey's songs that I would add include Pony Boy, Desert Blues, Kind of Bird, Rock Bottom, Change My Way of Living, Duane's Tune, Hell and High Water, You Don't Love Me (killer version from Live at the Fillmore West, Night 1). Thanks again for all you do keeping their music and stories alive.
I’m happy that Dickey had a wonderful birthday that he got to share with his son. Cool to see his guitar cake too. They brought one out for him when I saw a show of his in NYC. I’ve met the man twice and both times he was warm and humble. Always considered Gregg the soul of the band (post-Duane) and Dickey its heart. I think he deserves more credit for not only his integral contributions to the Allman Brothers but to rock and roll.
Great stuff! Thanks for sharing this as always! Like so many other guitar players, Dickey was one of the main reasons why I picked up an electric guitar. To this day, I find myself drawn to play those major runs like on Blue Sky, Jessica and Melissa. He played powerfully and beautifully at the same time. He deserves to be remembered as the legend that he is! Happy Birthday Dickey!
Great adaptation! Thanks for sharing. Can't believe he's 80... But that's the way of the world. All of our musical heroes from the '60s and 70s are getting up there, as are we slightly younger Boomers in our 60s!
What a character and what a talent! Maybe the most complex of the Brothers? Zen-like, poetic, lyrical and beautiful compositions, soaring and searing solos and the, uhh, unpredictable demeanor? I loved seeing Dickey play and did many times including his early solo tour at NY’s famed Bottom Line and outdoor shows. I wanted to meet him and came close on two occasions including backstage only to be told - or warned - (in so many words), “I wouldn’t go there right now.” Ha! I always felt that Berry was Duane’s musical soul-brother (and friend), but without Dickey, there is no eternal legacy of their on-fire greatness. Duane needed Dickey and his future stewardship of the band can never be discounted. Happy Birthday, Dickey!
"I could write a hell of a lot more about Dickey and one day I will ..." reminds me of the email exchange you and I had back in the summer of 2021. I had written you to express my fervent hope that you and Andy Aledort might collaborate again to do a long overdue biography of Dickey Betts. Your gracious replies included information on the work in progress that culminated in "Brothers And Sisters" and reasons that it was not feasible at that time to pursue a Betts' book. I still hope that someday that project will happen. In the meantime, Happy Birthday, Dickey and thanks, Alan, for all the work you've done and continue to do to further the legacy of this band. I've read "Brothers And Sisters" twice now and turned a number of people on to this masterful work. Wishing you continued success and a wonderful holiday season.
His music is legendary. The instrumentals alone were legendary then the songs about happiness and love like Blue Sky, Revival and Rambling Man were Iconic. But we have a spirtual warfare between good and evil and unfortunately alcohol can be a real problem that so many have succumbed too. Hopefully Dickey has come to peace with that side of his life. Because the true Dickey Betts is a good man that has humbly helped many with his wisdom and generosity in the music business and life in general. He never was looking for praise so much of his generosity is unknown to the public at large. Happy Birthday Dickey Betts.
Thanks Alan, I thoroughly enjoyed B&S and this article and hope the ugly stories don't come out as he's definitely been one of my fave all-time guitarists who I believe has always been underrated (if that's possible). I really liked your playlist and downloaded it - some of Dickey's songs that I would add include Pony Boy, Desert Blues, Kind of Bird, Rock Bottom, Change My Way of Living, Duane's Tune, Hell and High Water, You Don't Love Me (killer version from Live at the Fillmore West, Night 1). Thanks again for all you do keeping their music and stories alive.
Dickey Betts is one of my favorites of all-time.
Happy Holidays Alan! you keep teasing about the night with Dickey. When will you write about it?
One of the best ever seen him live with the outlaws in Philadelphia in 1975 never forget it Moe!
RIP xo
Really enjoyed reading about this mercurial talent. He is complicated. Thanks Alan for another great article.
I’m happy that Dickey had a wonderful birthday that he got to share with his son. Cool to see his guitar cake too. They brought one out for him when I saw a show of his in NYC. I’ve met the man twice and both times he was warm and humble. Always considered Gregg the soul of the band (post-Duane) and Dickey its heart. I think he deserves more credit for not only his integral contributions to the Allman Brothers but to rock and roll.
Great stuff! Thanks for sharing this as always! Like so many other guitar players, Dickey was one of the main reasons why I picked up an electric guitar. To this day, I find myself drawn to play those major runs like on Blue Sky, Jessica and Melissa. He played powerfully and beautifully at the same time. He deserves to be remembered as the legend that he is! Happy Birthday Dickey!
Great adaptation! Thanks for sharing. Can't believe he's 80... But that's the way of the world. All of our musical heroes from the '60s and 70s are getting up there, as are we slightly younger Boomers in our 60s!