Dickey Betts of The Allman Brothers Band on Writing "Ramblin' Man"

Dickey Betts of The Allman Brothers Band talks to Dan Rather about cofounding the band and writing the song, "Ramblin' Man".
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[@michaelbirke6050]

When one of your favorite members of your favorite band passes away, it hurts. It’s like a brother is gone. The music remains. Thank you Dickey. RIP🎸😢

[@dntamuu76]

Amen to that. He will be missed.

[@david25876]

Well said ❤ agree. It’s tough. These guys were the sound track of some of the best years of our lives me thinks.

[@melodymakermark]

@michaelbirke6050, I hear that. I’ve been stumbling around sad, and wife’s like, “honey, you didn’t actually KNOW him”. Yes baby. Yes I did, although we never met. Some people just don’t understand the importance and what it means to you. She said “you did the same thing when David Bowie and Jeff Beck died. I did indeed. My heros are dropping, and I don’t like it one damn bit.

[@amywolff7465]

And somebody you've listened to for 50 yrs

[@bluemoon472]

I hear ya. 💔🎸 Been listening all day in my time machine, going back to the days of our youth.

[@SilverTower2]

They're mostly ALL together now. In Memory of Duane, Barry, Butch, Greg...now Dickey .... RIP

[@Ronald-hx6zn]

Summer of 71 I was in Fayetteville N.C.The band did a concert there. Ticket cost $5.00 One best concerts I've ever attended.

[@deeznutz7365]

Forgot Dan Toler

[@2112CO]

Allen Woody

[@jinnyjanesik9881]

The road goes on forever...

[@mikehawkes346]

Jamoi the drummer is last member

[@travissmith9451]

One of the finest pickers ever went home this morning. Ride Easy Brother Betts.

[@michaelgavin4568]

When he said he didn’t want to tarnish the band with his story, it brought tears to my eyes!! Very humble man! RIP

[@philcrowley1344]

I also love that moment. We always heard how difficult Dickey could be so I'm very happy that he has such a great outlook. I loved the Brothers til the end but it was never the same without Dickey. Rest easy, my friend, you deserve it.

[@skywoof7]

@@philcrowley1344 First and always, it was NEVER the same after Duane was killed, and then, when Berry died little more than a year later, it was beyond fathomable. Suddenly, tragedy hunted them down like the Kennedy brothers. Over the years, I’ve loved so many great bands, performers, solo artists, songwriters, but the original lineup Allman Brothers Band? A special band for me in a league of their own. Ok, I’d be remiss if I didn’t include the Dead in that league too as NO QUESTION, they belong there, but any and every way i slice it, these two are MY personal all-time faves and stand head and shoulders over all the rest. What would have been had Duane and Berry dodged their early deaths?

[@doctorgarbonzo2525]

Arguably the Two best Guitar player together in One Band! RIP Dickey & Duane

[@joblo6394]

so true

[@mclaine33]

RIP Dickey. Hell of an artist.

[@tracydobbs6108]

Thank you for the music. RIP you had a great run. Dickey

[@216Numbskull]

No bout a doubt it, Dicky really was all that & a bag of chips. Personally, I can't stand when people use words like "underrated & overrated" in relation to music. It doesn't make sense to me at all so I wouldn't dare. However I will say when it comes to a kick-azz guitarist, songwriter & musician like Dicky Betts, you could never really say enough about his talented skills & ability to jam good ole rock n' roll every night on stage. And although Dicky will never grace us with his presence on stage again in this life. Yet even if nobody has ever hipped you to the great Dicky Betts. I suggest y'all too check um' out, no doubt. Just keeping it a buck here! +Peace & Rock n' Roll 4 Your Soul My Friends+ 🤘😜🤘 R.I.P. Mr Betts.

[@pmaloney666]

My heart is officially broken.... So much love for this band.

[@TimBear-px9gj]

My Father was a blues fan and a truck driver. In the spring of 1971, he told me he was going to New York City and asked if I wanted to go with him. He never took me out on the road with him so I jumped at the chance. When we got there he took me to one of the shows at the Fillmore East Auditorium on March 12th. Several of the songs they played in that show ended up on the At Fillmore East album. I play guitar and I can't even guess how many copies of that album I wore out learning those songs and specially the solos. After the Fillmore East Recordings album came out I finally got to know what stuff from the show we had seen was on the album. Stormy Monday was played at the show we saw. And that was the one track I remembered Gregg Allman introducing because he said it was a Bobby Bland song, then a T-Bone Walker song. Since the Recordings album had track listing for each show, I knew which one we had seen based on when Stormy Monday was played. That show turned me from a Classical guitarist to a Blues Rock guitarist... And years after all that, I found out my favorite guitar solos from the At Fillmore East album were Dickey Betts. Rest In Peace, Brother Dickey!

[@stevenjones6780]

That is truly epic. Not many can say 'I was there'...

[@georgrichter9800]

I knew several versions of Stormy Monday Blues before I heard the Fillmore East recording, I never thought this a particularly great song. The version of the Allman Brothers blew me away. To me this is the single best recording of any Blues song ever and it's not something I would say lightly. I was only one year old then but I envy you for having been there. RIP Dickey. One of music's greatest.

[@bobbycox9541]

Dickey Betts and Allman Bros…. Where It all Begins… it’s where Southern Rock all began. A true blessing to us all. RIP Dickey.

[@nikkinonose9316]

Earliest southern rock is Poco and the Flying Burrito Brothers

[@m.maxsween2422]

In summer of 1991 while working for Bill Graham I was blessed with an evening to have dinner with Dicky Betts and Greg Allman. Down to earth musicians. Later that evening had coffee with Joe Cocker. All these men Dicky,Greg, Bill and Joe who befriended me had left me with awesome memories of some humble times. Ramble on my friends.

[@neilgoldsmith5482]

" You're my Blue Sky . You're my sunny day. Lord don't you make me high when you look my way." RIP Dickey!

[@mikefannon6994]

Whenever I'm soaking in the hot tub and a bluebird is at the feeder that song plays in my mind. Thanks Dickey.

[@brandonposey8314]

You're my blue sky, you're my sunny day Lord, you know it makes me high When you turn your love my way Turn your love my way, yeah

[@oceancrosby4578]

@@brandonposey8314 "Turn your love my way, yeah" and then comes the famous bend on his Les Paul guitar.

[@wesbarton2934]

The greatest song of all time.

[@loveydovey6026]

❤

[@rushbuzzy]

It's going to be an Allman Brothers Day. RIP to another member of my favorite band.

[@charlesanderson32]

Dickey Betts should be spoken in the same breath with Jimi or Stevie and Eddie! We will Miss You. See ya on the porch Dickey. RIP

[@bryanfowler5449]

I agree. He was very influential.

[@gregkuhn7123]

Let's not get crazy now...

[@tfderpin]

I don’t disagree with that, but let’s throw Duane in there too.

[@user-ee8us7cw2k]

"When it's time for leavin' I hope you understand". RIP Dickey Betts. Rock out with Duane, Berry, Butch and Gregg.

[@stevendecker8608]

I remember my Dad, brother Buck and I took a trip out west to Montana, and we listened to Dickey's "Highway Call" LP all along the way. Nearly 50 years later, Dad still asks who that was playing that fine music. Dad turns 87 today. Thanks Dickey, you helped make our trip so memorable. Hopefully we will ramble on up and listen to your beautiful picking again some day.

[@Peony-xr2fb]

Highway Call is outstanding.

[@josephjohnson1013]

Awesome story, man. The older I get the more I enjoy and appreciate a story of real life experiences.

[@WarriorClassIII]

My favorite band of all time. God I'm old.

[@michaelbennett376]

My all time favorite guitar tone, period.

[@AndrewReevesArt]

So simple but perfect

[@jaggedstudios3315]

Tone to die for !!

[@imanalien2222]

So happy to hear him say there was no competition in the band when Duane was alive. So many people like to call their harmonious playing together as “dueling guitars” and I’ve never felt that. RIP Dickey you did a lot in your 80 years for the type of music I love.

[@KittyGrizGriz]

Blue Sky’s all the way Dickey, we’re sure gonna miss you, thankful for the great music. R.I.P.🤍🤍🤍

[@exdemocrat9038]

This one hurt. Rest easy Dickey! We love you.

[@jonRboy]

Not sure if anyone else shares this choice but of all of his work in the ABB, my favorite Dickey Betts solo was his solo on 'Stormy Monday' on the Fillmore East album. I've just now listened to it about 4 times in a row. Best tone, phrasing...everything. RIP, Dickey.

[@timrobwall]

That’s a great one. A classic blues solo with everything you say plus vibrato that rivals BB King (always one of Dickey’s strengths). And consider this is the same guitarist who did the fantastic solo on Blue Sky. Such versatility!

[@donnahidder3092]

In Memory of Elizabeth Reed and now Dickey too. Two of the best ever. Shine on Dickey

[@Dstrbrdgrnd]

Yes sir!

[@thepirate5955]

In 1971, I went off to college and Billy Morrow from Sedalia across the hall turned me on to Idlewild South - "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed" has stood the test of time and the chords are so iconic, not to mention inspiring. That song in particular is one of the few that showcased everyone's musical talent and skills all in one package. Thank you Dickey, say hi to the gang for me, will ya?😪

[@maryuline2585]

I miss these interviews. Dan did an excellent job. They were very, very good!!

[@kennethcraddock7604]

Personally Dicky Betts will always be one of my favorites guitar players. I still marvel at the Allman Brothers Band to this day.

[@artysanmobile]

I feel very fortunate to have worked with Dickie on some memorable live recordings. He had something special, and at the same time was a bit of a mystery. Listening gave the answers.

[@zeldathewelder]

Yes, RIP. Grateful I had the opportunity to see him live in a small venue.

[@johnnynbk]

Same here

[@scotthutchens1556]

@zeldathewelder I saw him with his band Great Southern in 2012 in north east Pennsylvania near Jim Thorpe, Pa.

[@corvusthule]

RIP Dickey, You remain a timeless legend, Thanks for the music and good times 🎸

[@marcyfan-tz4wj]

what corvusthule and many others have said but also respect to dan rather who got dickey to sit down so we could watch or rewatch this now.

[@dougmcpheters1546]

Ever modest, ever respectful. Always great!

[@kevinbarrett9615]

Simply the greatest southern Rock band of all time, R.I.P. to the great Dickey Betts .

[@NormBa]

Sometimes doing the best you can rises up and catches the whole world's attention. Such a classy guy and real Southern gentleman Betts was to refrain from 'blemishing' the band's monumental achievements with his 'little story' of betrayal, greed and envy. RIP Dickie Betts. We duly note your higher instincts in a lowdown world.

[@marka8947]

Now people down in Georgia come from near and far To hear Richard Betts pickin' on that red guitar... Rest in peace Dickey...This is so sad.

[@chrisconny2285]

He was a pretty cool dude RIP DB 🍻🍻

[@briancattani5109]

One of the best guitarists ever. Unique. You always knew when you heard one of his leads.

[@AndrewReevesArt]

RIP Dickey, you were amazing 💔

[@larrycourtney8893]

RIP, Dickie, you've earned it. Amazing guitar player, great songwriter and serious hell- raiser.

[@Delamitri505]

Time to crank some Blue Sky in memory of Dickey! RIP

[@bb57365]

Dickey was a magnificent player. Loved their music since 72. 🙏

[@johnnieguitar5724]

Thank you Dickey for your distinctive part in the Allman sound and musical family. You are misssed. RIP. :(

[@tonysloggett106]

such a fabulous group...best southern rock band ever...

[@merc0049]

My oldest child was named after Jessica 37 years ago. Richard Betts was a huge influence on me as a young guitar player . Journey well and God speed . 🔱🪓🛡

[@jeffsilverman6104]

Rest in peace now, Dickey, the highway called you back home. We're gonna miss you down here. This really saddens me, hits so close to home.

[@jackphillips341]

RIP Dickey. Thank you for the years of entertainment and inspiration.

[@Empire-of-Old]

RIP Dickey Betts. Thank you for all the music.

[@DaNiyaHodge]

Rip Richard Forrest Betts, you will be missed

[@david25876]

What fantastic professional stance he took on leaving the band. Stand up guy no matter what did or didnt happen. so much amazing music that will live on and on. I am super excited that younger gens are keeping this music alive. So cool. ❤

[@songshineoriginalmusic]

One of the absolute best lead players ever. Very influential and iconic lead breaks and original riffs that made country rock what it was. He will be missed. I am glad he got the acclaim he deserved. Thank you Mr. Betts, you inspired this young, at the time, lead player in ways that still show up in my own lead breaks and it feels like a piece of me just went missing. I can't play a lead break that does not have some part of your work incorporated and you were more of an influence on my playing than Hendrix or Clapton etc etc.. Locked in my room learning Blue Sky note for note, your reentry into the lead part is incendiary and the perfect match for Duane. Thank you sir and rest well, the world is a better place because of you.

[@donwoodard2204]

Well said, I feel ya

[@CristinaNC2032]

🎸🕊️Thank you, Dickey, for all the music that you gave to all of us to enjoy. I remember being an 8 yr old "rolling down HWY 41 " with my Mom in Sarasota listening to this. Fly High Dickey . We love you and will miss you ❤️

[@donwoodard2204]

😢

[@mcampbell5158]

This man made a very positive mark on our world. I am lucky to say that I saw him play with the ABB many times. RIP Dickey!!

[@primalrockstar7642]

This one hurt bad. Thank you for the soundtrack of my youth and beyond. You got it done, brother! ❤

[@stacyblue1980]

Love you forever, sir. Thank you. Fly free and smile on us. 🙏🌹

[@SquirminHermanthe1eyedGerman]

I have enjoyed your music for 50 yrs & live just 17 miles from the Big House & Capricorn Studios where southern rock began in Macon Georgia, RIP Ramblin' Man & roll on down Hwy 41! Jaimoe is now the only surviving member ✌💖☮

[@michaelgavin4568]

All I can think about is how they all worked together to make the music!!! Dickie was the glue that held it all together!! I will definitely be jamming out today more than normal!!

[@Jims2517]

What a life, glad you enjoyed it. I hope it was good to you. Thanks for the music, rest in peace.

[@daughteroftheblackmadonna8936]

Dickey Betts was my first concert. Then I was able to see The Allman Brothers 3 more times. Great times.

[@pedraw]

I always thought of The Allman Bros much the same way as The Eagles. The talent those bands had in them was astounding. Rest in peace Mr. Betts

[@williamstalvey6920]

RIP, thank you for all the memories!! Bill Buckhead

[@DavidMueller666]

Dickey contributed numerous articles and lessons to the guitar magazines which I purchased over the years. He had a big influence on me and on so many other students of guitar playing.

[@hendersg2007]

One of the greatest, legendary guitarists of all time, from one of the greatest rock bands of all time. Sad day RIP. Their work will live on forever in our hearts and minds....

[@kurtdemichiel7050]

RIP Dickey Betts One of the greatest musicians of our time! I met him once great guy and humble

[@jaylally541]

Maybe the best American band ever !!

[@SouthernRocker]

Without a doubt...

[@paulm8796]

Thanks Dickey for some of the best music. RIP!

[@1mespud]

Thank you, DICKEY BETTS for doing your part to help tame mankind with your gift and talent. Your song writing and guitar playing style was our inspiration. Your contributions brought a lot to the game and our ears are better for it. Your legacy is sealed.

[@johnkaraphillis754]

RIP Dickey! Like Bill Graham said at the closing of the Fillmore East : “The finest band in the land!”

[@elisedunstan2080]

I love you, Dickie! Rip. Duane and Berry died so close to one another. But there was always Dickie to me. Duane was an iconic guitar player.

[@jfrockon]

I love you Dickie. Rest in peace sir.

[@anthonyfisher5076]

WONDERFUL GUITARIST AND MAN. thank you Dickie, for all those great licks and songs and a TIME STAMP in TIME ..

[@maurojo1]

Mr Betts is a living legend and a great musician.

[@barrykarpowich731]

DICKEY,THE ALLMANS, LOVE YOU ALL ,YOURSELF LOVE YOU RIP PLEASE 😢😢

[@oksanabyool5319]

I was 12 when I fell in love with his playing on Ramblin Man. God I love that sound!

[@russellbrown1068]

One of the Greats. Thanks for the memories, Brother Betts will be missed.

[@thesloresby5128]

Man I’ve been listening to them a bunch recently thinking about him still being around. RIP Dickey

[@pedenmk]

It's sad seeing all my favorite musicians leaving the world. The Allman brothers are one of my favorites. R.I.P Mr Betts.

[@RickyClark-rp5jj]

God speed you are one of the greatest ever to grace the stage. You will forever be in our hearts 💕.

[@DirtyDog995]

RIP Dickey.... you were a big influence on my playing.

[@jonathanolsen7254]

RIP my friend, You are one of the BEST. THANK YOU Dickey

[@timedwards5600]

RIP Dickey. Grew up with your music.

[@mrabrasive51]

ABB was my first concert in 72 Berkeley ca..that was all it took to be a life long fan!😊

[@cdog9559]

Gaelic Park 1972 ! (The MSG NYC in 1973) Classic daze they were

[@robertgraves3215]

First off....Dan. Dude... I have followed you my entire life. All the way from Vietnam. And then, tonight, I see you followed this iconic band. I can tell that by your words. And the eye contract and sincerity with Dickey. That was just amazing. I saw him three times live, and I had all their albums. I also play guitar, and this man's riffs are imbedded deep in my spine. And in this interview he's 100 percent heart. I pray to see more men who can be like that going forward. God Bless, peace out.

[@claytonjones8358]

It was a privilege growning up in the back of my familys truck listening to his music

[@user-ww8wj1eh5t]

He was a pioneer of Southern Rock and a very great guitarist 🎸🎵. May he rest in peace 🙏🙏.

[@brodavidb]

A legacy of amazing music that brings joy to the hearts of humans...what a great gift he gave us that lives on.

[@Harpplayer504]

And tremendous talent it was! The Allman Brothers Band has been a huge band in the world of Southern Rock since the 1970's! You can ask any southern raised man what they listen to and chances are they will mention THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND!

[@jaggedstudios3315]

RIP DB....one of the greats, no doubt about it. When guitar players PLAYED !!!!

[@MisterTwister88]

“Georgia people come from near and far, to hear Richard Betts pick that red guitar”. 🎸 Rest easy Dickey

[@shanelanders6220]

I named my youngin jessica after them. We danced to it all her life but when we danced at her wedding, still makes me cry

[@SVATTIMO]

Miss you Dickey. Great memories of you playing with Great Southern at the Brandywine club!!!

[@TheIrishprk]

Dickey Betts is the heart, soul, and beat of The Allman Bros. RIP Mr. Betts. p.s. you can definitely tell that Ol Dickey did his share of "party favors" You can see it and hear it. Sadly, I know from experience

[@BenSussmanpro]

1 of the Old Guard greats of my generation- genius & humility on display here. They don’t make em like that no more, sadly.

[@idw9159]

thanks for the insight dan; you were a humble ramblin' man and one of the greatest dickey - rip maestro

[@Mr-od4bc]

I have seen many a band in concert. The Allman Brothers were the best. Their sound was so clean and tight. It just doesn't get any better than them.

[@robertlawrance6591]

I saw Dickey at a bar in Burlington Vermont in the early 80's. Sat 5 feet from him as he jammed the night away and blew me away with his smooth southern rock. Bought him a few beers too. Amazing artist and talented musician and a good old boy!

[@csnide6702]

Ramble no more - Rest in peace , Mr. Betts.

[@edmallon2851]

as a kid (16) I went to a concert at the Filmore East 1969 to see Steppenwolf play, we were blown away by this new band that played before the main act got on stage. They were excited about their first album coming out in a couple of months. Once Steppenwolf finished their set the audience kept yelling for that new band to come back on stage. Great memory, Dicky I'll never forget that night and that concert, two years before the Live at the Filmore East Album. Only one original brother still alive.

[@ARichardP]

Great interview with the great Dickey Betts. R.I.P.

[@matthewmaguire3554]

Dicky standing on the edge of the stage at Watkins Glen…carrying on.🙏

[@user-vg3yc6gk5f]

Dickey and Duane's double leads were the best thing I ever heard. Most than 50 years later, they still are.

[@DanKuches]

What a humble, sounding man, with a shoot from the hip attitude with class.

[@sugarshackstudios4889]

So many musicians/ guitarists are green with envy over his creation of such iconic guitar phrases. He was one of a kind.

[@pomporo1]

RIP Dickey , for me one of the best guitar players ever, and the Allman Brothers for me the greatest American band period.