Earlier this week, founding Allman Brothers Band member Dickie Betts passed away at his home in Florida at the age of 80. This tribute is going to be mostly from my prospective.
Back in 1991 The Allman Brothers Band were playing two days before Thanksgiving in Utica, NY. Little Feat was the opening act. Tickets were $15. Open seating. A friend of mine convinced me to go. I knew of the typical songs played to death on the radio: “Statesboro Blues,” “Ramblin’ Man” and “Whipping Post.” Little Feat killed. Then it was time for the Brothers. They came out and the whole arena smelled like Downtown Washington, DC. The Allmans opened up with “Statesboro Blues” followed by “Blue Sky.” I was hooked. The Allmans immediately became my third favorite band behind the Doors and Led Zeppelin. It was a show for the ages! The next summer I caught the Allmans at the Weedsport Speedway. The Spin Doctors opened for them. The Doctors were blown away by the Allmans.
When I went away to college, I remember moving in wearing my Allman Brothers Band tour shirt. In 1994, The Allman Brothers Band were playing at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC). The Brothers were promoting the Back where it begins album. Earlier that week, I saw them at the Jones Beach Ampitheater! This was a special concert as I had childhood friends, a buddy from college and even my first girlfriend there! It was a hell of a show (of course). In Spring, 1995 I saw The Allman Brothers Band at Radio City Music Hall. Later that year it was back at Jones Beach. August 15, 1995. The day Jerry Garcia died. Me and two of my buddies were in rough shape. Dickey came out and said that the show was dedicated to Garcia. It wasn’t their best show. I had the privilege to see the Allman Brothers Band 15 times!
Later in life, I still incorporated The Allmans in my life. During my wedding reception, I greased the DJ a dub and he played “Blue Sky.” When I started the Cesspool spinoffs, Red 42 had “Ain’t wasting time no more.” 75 Radio has “Black Hearted Woman.” Still does and its not going anywhere.
In terms of Betts’ skills, as a guitarist he is way underrated. Unfortunately he was overshadowed by folks like Duane Allman, Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks. He can hold his own and then some. Betts was also a good singer with his smooth southern voice like on “Blue Sky” and “Back where it all begins.” Betts was also a hell of a songwriter. He wrote “Blue Sky,” “Jessica,” and “Ramblin’ Man.” My favorite Allman Brothers Band song is “Nobody Knows” written by Betts and sung by Gregg Allman.
Over the years the band had its share of troubles. Towards the bands Swan Song, Betts was kicked out of the band! The others thought his playing was sub par. But; evenutally Betts and Allman made up. When Gregg died Betts attended the funeral which to me was touching.
In terms of style; there is no other band that sounds like the Allman Brothers Band. People may ask: Is the Allman Brothers Southern rock, hard rock, jazz, blues, a jam band? The answer: yes.
Like I have been saying for a couple of years now, you need to see these legends before they are called home to the Lord. Time waits for no one.
I want to thank Dickey Betts, Gregg Allman, Duane Allman, Barry Oakley, Butch Trucks, and Jaimoe for changing the face of American Rock and Roll.
SEVEN FIVE RADIO 