Guitar Greats - Jessica - Dickey Betts - 11/12/1984 - Capitol Theatre

Recorded 11/12/1984 - Capitol Theatre (Passaic, NJ)
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Copyright Bill Graham Archives

[@kmolinsky]

The world lost one of the greatest guitarists and songwriters today. RIP Dickey...

[@billholder1330]

Hey but think of it this way - he and Duane are able to duet again finally! Rock On! \m/

[@mikebressler-notesfromplan1423]

Damn real!

[@maizeandblue5102]

The greatest musician.... in the world

[@rudi5629]

Thank you , Dickey

[@KittyGrizGriz]

@@billholder1330Don’t forget about original member-bassist Berry Oakley, too! ❤

[@coyotedelanube8572]

RIP Dickey Betts. Thank you for all the music.

[@rayross997]

He influenced many guitar players & has left us some awesome music. Big thanks, Dickie.

[@wilde.coyote6618]

Amen from Detroit

[@hotrock51]

Amen from Boston

[@iancox7273]

Amen from OK

[@stevejwanouskos7552]

Denver - Amen brothers and sisters! RIP Rambling Man!

[@aliceafletcher6449]

Goodnight, Dickey. You made my life better with your music.

[@enricofermi67]

Dickey's music helped me stay sane during a couple of rough patches.

[@olgaruizdeeguilaz2562]

Qué grande has sido Dickey 😢

[@NatureBoy1957]

Absolutely! Great comment.

[@samgarofalo2461]

RIP Dickey, it was one hell of a Great Run.💪

[@TheeGaryValentine]

Amen

[@mikemccreight4219]

Damn. This will never get old. Rest easy, Ramblin' Man. And thanks.

[@JohnVelasquez-ct3hz]

I'm listening to Jessica and I'm crying. What a great musician. Rest in Peace Mr Dicky Betts. I'm 67 and for 56 years I have been loyal to the Allman Brothers.Thank You Dicky Betts ps your music lives on, Amen 😊

[@richardhurley9885]

I’m 34 & also very saddened by the news. ABB was the unknowing bridge that my father handed me to discover present day jam bands like Widespread Panic. Hard not to think about times spent in Florida listening to ABB. Find me a better band to listen to in the hot sun; you can’t!

[@charlessmoak]

Me too... Hopefully Duane will be up to going on the next scheduled tour .I have tickets for my 67 birthday.

[@GrillnWithaFireGoin]

❤

[@joeschmo7957]

Oh NO, we just lost our rock and roll man! I am just beside myself! What can you say about his catalogue of work? RIP, Dickie Betts, never lay down that instrument, wonderful friend🙂

[@joeschmo7957]

Yes, and AMEN! The legacy of this musician and the band is eternal.

[@jlau111]

R.I.P. Dickey Betts. An excellent guitarist !!! We will miss you!!

[@thomasnicholson3126]

tears flow. Jessica has been on my playlist since 1973, make that 51 years and counting. Now this music enters into the realm of eternity, and I will be eternally jamming to it

[@jenniferboynton9619]

Music that will live forevermore. The music of our generation will never be matched.

[@JamesWilliams-en3os]

Woke up this morning with an unusual sadness in my heart, knowing Dickey Betts has left this earth, but with “Jessica” playing in my head. I’ve been listening to this song since ‘73, and love it as much now as I did then. In addition to his soaring, melodic guitar playing Dickey’s songwriting gave the Allman Bros Band their absolute best songs: In Memory of Elizabeth Reed, Blue Sky, Jessica, and Rambling Man. More than fifty years later, these songs bring me joy. Better yet, they have continued on. My own kids-and many of their friends, growing up-were turned on to the ABB and are confirmed fans. And best of all, the other day when I called my daughter, I heard “One Way Out” playing on her stereo in the background. I asked her about it, and she said that my 6-year-old granddaughter had put the record on and that it was her new favorite record. Carry on Duane, and carry on, Dickey. Your music looks like it’s going to live forever.

[@rohanroll]

You did a great parenting job. 👏👏👏

[@Mike-oj1tm]

Chuck Leveall - this is my favorite piano solo EVER- Jessica, & Dickey OMG❤❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@JamesWilliams-en3os]

Agreed! Chuck’s piano added sooo much to “Jessica”.

[@KittyGrizGriz]

The songs so UPLIFTING & HAPPY!! 💃 💃💃

[@jeffstyles5476]

The absolute best "driving down the road" song ever. No contest. No debate. It makes the road level and the pace quicker and the smile wider and home (or any destination) all the closer.

[@spikespa5208]

And if not careful, a speeding ticket.

[@terrymoses204]

WHAT A CLASSIC Dickey Betts and Chuck Leavel JESSICA. How these 2 guys complimented each other REST IN PEACE BROTHER

[@davidmccall4776]

@terrymoses204 * Exactly! Dickey and Chuck were joined at the hip musically, and Jessica is a prime example of it! Beautiful! RIP Dickey Betts.

[@kirkcramer1878]

I play Jessica every day it still blows me away

[@user-bw2zt5jd9u]

Me too. What else can we say this about? And it’s been since 1980 for me. It’s astonishing I could not tire of anything with that much repeated exposure!

[@maine-kw6wfy]

I play it weekly. Have since 1980.

[@edwardmcmanus7496]

R.I.P. Dickie Betts. Your talent and great riffs were legendary. 🎸

[@HassanAli-nl9xv]

Who else is here after Jeremy Clarkson’s tweet on X starting Dickey Betts has died?

[@thecentredwheel]

🙋 😂

[@Stealth420a]

🙋🏽‍♂️, and now I know where the original top gear theme originated

[@JohnVelasquez-ct3hz]

I'm afraid that what we have now are memories from the LPs the Allman Brothers recorded. I will pass the music on to my grand kiddies. What a legend the Allman Brothers were. I'm afraid there never will be another Silver Dollar like the Allman Brothers. .

[@johnschiefelbein4510]

Mick Taylor!❤

[@troynov1965]

RIP Dickey , your were one of the best to ever play the guitar.......Godspeed my friend.

[@klauseschenbruch975]

Old Hippies will never die....RIP Mr. Betts

[@bocforever6791]

Another great loss for the music world. Rest in peace Dickey.

[@user-fo1vg3eu6s]

Oh Man We Lost a Great. RIP Dickey Betts and Thank You for the Music and Memories ✝️🙏😇❤️💪

[@mikeackles8937]

So glad i lived in the era of the greatest music the world will ever see. Kinda feel sorry for younger folk they have no freaking clue what a musician is.

[@Augfordpdoggie]

I teach a 7thgeography class, I am 50 years old, and grew up with all the great music, and in each unit I give the students music to listen to from different areas of the world. They are the least open minded, most brain-washed, little humans ever. If it doesnt have a hip hop beat, they won't listen to it, with frequent claims of , ''this sounds repetitive'' its amazing what happened to the world

[@dwayneard5997]

Man what a Helluva guitar player.. and just look at the Glowing Smiles on the rest of the band members Faces..They All knew they were part of something.. Glorious....RIP ... Dickey Betts....Mr Dilly and All of Us will always ..Miss you..Sir 🙏🎸😓

[@Rocdag]

Just digging checkered shirts hair! Rock on napoleon dynamite!

[@marksinger3067]

75 now and still love this music...what a time it was indeed..

[@llbean6931]

Age 62 here. Have been crazy about this song since age 19. Just imagine being on a Criss Craft boat, on the Kennebec River headed toward Boothbay Harbor. In love, drinking Cape Coders and listening to Jessica! It doesn't or hasn't ever gotten any better than that!

[@dpinvest]

Superb rendition of Jessica by rock guitar icon Dicky Betts and the incomparable, ageless keyboard artist Chuck Leavell! So beautifully performed. I can listen to this over and over again. God Bless you Dicky Betts, and keep it going Chuck!

[@petepotaczek5844]

How any human being could come up w/ these melodies, riffs and piano compositions is insane, what a masterpiece that will never be seen ever again! The music of the 60 and 70 was the greatest of all time and will never be duplicated! These great players were all kids of the baby boom w/ their own unique characteristics that will never be emulated again. Imagine putting these super groups together I.e Skynard,Altman’s,Zepplin,Pink Floyd,Ac/Dc etc etc by meeting each other and sitting around day after day practicing w/ out the aid of computers, or being able to virtually pop up a “how to video “in a nanosecond , unreal two decades we will never see again!!!

[@johndrum6613]

Pete. mate. How right thou art. I adore this music. But the thing that constantly astounds me is the fact that he "just learned it" and then "just played it". Mate that is a 6 stringed instrument in a 4 piece band. (Then of course there's the Allmans).

[@TheQakman]

No need to add anything to your comment👍

[@debbieedwards711]

You got that right!

[@gorkimaximum8170]

Only there are a guitar player not mentioned here i would compare to them. His voice perhaps weren't so lovely, but his hands were magic. Rory Gallagher

[@garyschneider8829]

Pete ; you forgot The Allman Brothers😄and Dickey& Skydog together just complementing one another..AMAZING

[@bluemoon472]

Aw no!! 💔We just lost one of the best. God rest your soul, Dickie Betts. Thank you for the music. 🎶

[@tcbep4157]

Magnificent! Tears listening to him play how smooth, beautiful and fluid

[@Kate-it7cn]

Tears is right!

[@monkeyteeth6559]

My deepest condolences to the Betts family. Dickey Betts and the Allman Brothers' music were a large part of the soundtrack of my youth. May you rest in peace, Mr. Betts.

[@gj8683]

Dickey Betts doesn't get nearly as much attention as plenty of other guitarists, but he is a true master of his instrument, both technically and creatively.

[@seanoneil277]

Emotional playing, that's what makes Dickey Betts so damned fine as a guitarist. He feels his notes, right down at his core. Not many guitarists get there, but lots of them try.

[@garyschneider8829]

I've recently heard that this master🎸'ist has retired.. I'm wondering how his health is🙏

[@DSRQ1]

@@garyschneider8829 I live in Sarasota, Fl, Dickie is a local and used to show up unannounced and play at a dive bars here and there. Havent heard of him doing that lately, read recently he is well but not playing due to a health. He had a nasty fall at his house on the bay a couple years ago and cracked his head, and also a small stroke.

[@jp-bl5vk]

@@DSRQ1 He had cancelled some shows after his fall (I had tickets to see him in Hampton Beach, NH, which didn't happen), and I think he's recovered but maybe doesn't feel up to touring anymore. I'm hopeful that, even if he never puts his own band together again, he might eventually do some sit-ins with his son Duane in the Allman Betts Band.

[@arkady714]

Dude, in my book, he was the guitarist of the Allmans!

[@jamesbrugaletta9059]

That Was Dickey Thank You For The Music Rest In Peace

[@bruceyee3412]

I saw the Allman Brothers on 22 April 1971 at Middle Tennessee State University and have been a loyal fan ever since and Dickey has been my #1 guitarist ever since. RIP Dickey!!

[@dosidos9944]

Your very lucky

[@davidpetrie3793]

This song has an almost spiritual quality about it. I don't care how bad you feel. Put this on and your spirits will lift immediately!

[@Karmakatt6]

I understand TAB because of the Grateful Dead

[@billydworrell8259]

Why do Ghost take the elevator??? It lifts their Spirits. Just like Dickey Betts does here. And that LP Gold top. GORGEOUS

[@stanborg4755]

Just like sucking on a peppermint candy.

[@user-gy8pp2vp1o]

really glad you made mention as so

[@Kate-it7cn]

I want to take this song into the afterlife!

[@hockeyjon596]

Rest easy, Ramblin Man. 🎸🥺😔 Thank you for the music, and for the inspiration. ❤

[@scottcole4613]

Amazing that a song of this length--with no words--can hold my attention, move my soul, and lift my spirits every time I listen to it! The lead guitar solo that starts at 5:00 in is simply amazing. Dickey Betts is truly a guitar virtuoso!

[@maine-kw6wfy]

Structured song as well. AND: “ Sir Dickey Betts”.

[@Kate-it7cn]

White men ( other groups absolutely do NOT) build castles and write songs for the females in their Lives. He wrote this as reaction to his daughter.

[@wietewuiten]

I'll always remember Ramblin' Jessica... tx Dicky!

[@thesandsie13the2nd]

rest easy Dickey you will be missed by all true music fans

[@SIXGUNSAM]

This performance is stellar. Betts in his prime- but holy cow. Listen to the Bass player. The keyboard player and drummer. Tightest Performance. Incredible musicians-every one👍🇺🇸

[@John-fh9jp]

❤LOVE❤

[@b.vonschnauser207]

Couldn't agree more

[@markbrausch346]

Just effortless and bad ass at the same time I think DB AND SRV are from different planet

[@joerectifier]

yes....the bass and kick drum sound very punchy and locked in....fully agreed

[@Kate-it7cn]

Been listening to this on the regular since I was 19. I’m 62. There are few things I don’t tire of!

[@keithharry7152]

RIP Mr Betts … you surely did give us some great music.

[@LoveBandit1000]

Best version of this song EVER, mark my words!

[@maine-kw6wfy]

I agree. I’ve seen them all. I’m crazy about “ Jessica.” It’s the closest to the studio version. Others are too up tempo or higher pitched.

[@Karmakatt6]

Absolutely. One of my favorite things EVER in music is this video!!

[@brooks5656]

No need to mark em', it's a fact.

[@franklinslamo]

RIP brother Dickey. Thank you for everything you did.

[@user-fv5yo5fi5c]

Rest in Peace Dickey. Thank you for sharing the gift of your music with the world.

[@jeffmadruga2683]

Dickey Betts will always be one of my favorite guitarists; sharp, clean as a whistle, and absolutely impeccable timing. The man was an astonishingly great Guitar *Master*!

[@patrickkelley8748]

And Still IS

[@lawrence1960]

Yes, dickey betts….one of the greats.

[@rtwice93555]

He is truly one of the greatest, but he is also a complete a$$hole to work with. I don’t know that from personal experiences, but anything I have read on the history of the Allman Bros band never fails to mention Betts’s problems of alcohol abuse and pissy attitude. But, of course most southern rock bands work hard and play hard. They are nothing like the soft boy bands dumped on us over the last 20 years

[@bowlersinger]

Nice singing voice too 👍

[@escaped1534]

@@rtwice93555 Remember, he was the third wheel in the band and a type "A" mesomorph!!

[@kevinschumacher8748]

Loved the work by Dickey and loved the group. Unique and transcendent. Got to meet Betts in the late 70’s when I was bartending in Columbus OH. Still play Jessica on cloudy days when a boost is sublime. Be well all.

[@dosidos9944]

I’m 66 since I was starting listening 72 saw them at rfk stadium 73-74 nothing has been the same ,

[@llbean6931]

Tears.

[@warrenphillips69]

RIP. Clarkson brought me here.

[@prestoneskridge9605]

40 years later, this is still a great song. Dickey may be gone now but his music still goes strong.

[@jackbailey1742]

WOW Dickey you are one of the greatest RIP Brother

[@rickbowman21]

Always told my daughter, Jessica, that this was one of my all-time favorite songs, and that it always made me think of her. She suddenly passed away last month, and this song means even more to me now. RIP sweetie. Daddy always loves you.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@barrysmith8920]

Oh no! I’m so sorry to hear this.. Please accept my sincere condolences as I type this through my tears. Jessica is my fave Betts/Allman tune and if I ever had a little girl I wanted to name her Jessica 🌹

[@rickbowman21]

Thank you, Barry. She loved the Allman Brothers too.😀

[@barrysmith8920]

@@rickbowman21 So very sorry....🌹

[@HenryHernandez-vz4ms]

So Sorry to hear this; my Condolences…

[@pokey5736]

Rest in peace, Jessica. I hope you meet Dickey up in the beautiful blue sky. ❤

[@rushbuzzy]

“In Memory of Elizabeth Reed,” is my all-time favorite. Dickey, with the Allmans, was magnificent. RIP. And, thank you!

[@normamejias6587]

RIP Dickey. You’ll be missed. But heaven will have the best guitarist thar ever was. 😢💔🙏

[@MelodeBaisden]

I thought so much for this song that I name my only daughter Jessica. R.I.P. Ramblin Man.

[@ligray68]

Thank you for the music....rip

[@lisag5290]

Rest In Peace You are the sound of my youth.

[@wecandobetter9821]

All of us Allman Brothers fans have a,ways know what a great guitar player Mr Betts is. This song written for his daughter is absolutely beautiful. Thanks for the memories sir❤️💕🥰

[@jonburbridge2968]

We named our daughter after this song. What joy she has brought to us just as this song does. Thank you Lord 🙏🇺🇸

[@cardenasfishingracingteam6545]

"YEEEEHAA"

[@dominicdipollina8220]

@@cardenasfishingracingteam6545 vying

[@cspruitt3190]

My daughter is named after this Masterpiece.

[@wecandobetter9821]

@@cspruitt3190 That’s great! I named by daughter Melissa and my West Virginia getaway place is called ONE WAY OUT. We ABB fans sure loved our band❤️💕✌️

[@mitchellwright2943]

Thanks for creating part of the soundtrack of our youth. 8 tracks, LP's and memories. ☮️

[@AndyShepherd-bi1sk]

We've all lost a very talented man who knew how to play damn good music long time ago when life was simple as pie. Too bad those days are long gone... What a shame...

[@user-lb5om9xn6s]

RIP Dickey. Say hello to the Skydog. You're both missed.

[@markneedell5659]

Truly one of the greatest piano solos in rock history.

[@WickBeavers]

Try listening to some Dave Brubeck.

[@rickscherer8920]

@@WickBeavers Love Brubeck...He doesn't play rock. But I would bet that he's one of Chuck's idols.

[@jimnagel5611]

CHUCK PLAYED VERSIONS OF THAT SOLO PROBABLY A HUNDRED TIMES -- THIS WAS A GOOD ONE FOR SURE - SOME OF THEM WERE EVEN BETTER !

[@SharonSuzorDallapegorara]

Gonna miss you Dickey! RIP!

[@davecody5997]

Friggin incredible I'm going to hate dying and not be able to ever hear that again!!!😢😢

[@user-bw2zt5jd9u]

From what I’ve heard listening to Near Death Experiences we absolutely can take our desires with us in the afterlife. I plan on taking “ Jessica.”

[@clairlovesjesus314]

Fly high Dickie Betts! Such a great talent you shared with us all❤

[@JoeFiddle-ls5jh]

Rip legend. Keep playing in heaven

[@PeterOwen-bm4jk]

RIP Dickie what an absolute legend!

[@tadsomato1940]

Had the pleasure of seeing him live. He was phenomenal. RIP legend.

[@MikaelVoldaren]

Truly a Black Day for the legends of Rock, metal, folk, punk, blues, country, funk and to people who just enjoy playing guitar....

[@russhowison4215]

He may have been a handful from time to time but he sure was one helluva musician! Just awesome ❤

[@KittyGrizGriz]

R.I.P. Dickey Betts & thanks for all the fantastic guitar slinging/singing, we’ll never forget about you, the bands music is forever imprinted in our ♥️ & Soul. Peace.🤍🤍🤍

[@spuds6423]

RIP Mr. Betts..... I am glad I got to see you live and talk to you for a bit. 😢😢😢

[@markproulx1472]

The bass line is just terrific.

[@kevinkilduff2064]

One of the iconic tunes of the rock era, played by one of its most iconic guitarists!

[@briankearney6386]

This is a true masterpiece that's sends chills down my spine from beginning to end

[@qua7771]

I know. Playing it, it seems to be in a minor scale, but the way he plays, it comes out sounding like major. It's a unique style for sure.

[@PlateOshrimp499]

@@qua7771 It's pretty major harmonically with the exception of that part from about 1:00-1:20 in this video. Main riff though is major: Amaj to Bm7/A, a great I-ii vamp. Not trying to take anything away from you: he does play in some minor modes through some of that major riff, which can give you the feeling that it's minor overall, but mostly it's major modes with blue notes, that repeating section notwithstanding.

[@qua7771]

@@PlateOshrimp499 Thanks. I may have misunderstood the root, being that it's played all over the neck. This song certainly can give a player insight as to how to work a scale. I tend to follow shapes, and over time theory slips my mind. I can appreciate when people can articulate theory.

[@user-bw2zt5jd9u]

I emailed his manager ( David Spero) when I was one of my “ Jessica” moments. ( for lack of a better term.) I told him my brother called him “ Sir Dickey Betts”. He replied, said he told Dickey and that it was” made his day”.

[@richardernsberger5692]

There are two virtuoso performances here, not one. Chuck Leavell is not getting enough recognition here. Stupendous performances on keyboard AND guitar.

[@claumeister1]

Yes ! And the Allman’s lost a real asset when Chuck left. Brothers and Sisters is one of their greatest albums, and Chuck was integral to that sound, especially as a rhythm player. And why not have 2 keyboard players, along with their 2 drummers and (usually) 2 guitarists ? Gregg’s organ is great, but it doesn’t give you the percussive, rhythmic aspect of a real piano. And Chuck could’ve brought back their jazz-influenced jam band chops from their early days.

[@kevindean6600]

BAss player was on point too

[@kevinwaters5872]

The gold medal rhythm section deserve mention too.

[@andrewcalhoun7214]

It's Betts' composition, is the thing.

[@briggs13a]

sorry its all dickey,no one even knows or cares about these other 2 scrubs

[@alvarhanso6310]

RIP Dickey Betts. What a fantastic performance! Chuck Leavell clearly still remembered how to play it. Killer bass player, too, with a ton of energy.

[@davidmccall4776]

Who is that cat playing bass? WOW!

[@kearneydillon4803]

Just a MONSTER player. In 100 years, we will never have another Dickie Betts.

[@parisweieneth6340]

Love Dickie Betts!! What a guitar player...Love his acoustic playing also with Gregg Allman and group on stage back in the 90s playing Melissa. Greatest music of all time...Gregg and Allman Brothers!! Good Memories, sure wish we could go back to that time again. Life is so short. Blessings to all

[@robertgarland805]

@@parisweieneth6340 southern rock at its finest. Lived it to the max. Now 74 and still got the fever

[@satiriaz]

In 1000 years😉

[@kearneydillon4803]

@@satiriaz I stand corrected

[@parisweieneth6340]

@@robertgarland805 Yes I agree...doesn't get any better!! That's great!! Wishing you many healthy and happy years to come. The fever never goes away...Blessings

[@frederickbossman7307]

I'm 75,been playing the guitar for 62,been playing jessica for years yet everytime I hear it by Mr.Betts I hear parts that have eluded me all these years,Ive come to realize that the major parts are always the same but his solos in the middle will always be different because his talent is never ending

[@richardm3683]

Dickies father was a gambler and i think he played violin.

[@Kate-it7cn]

I used to request this song in bars in the State of Maine. The bands got mad at me, lol. No one could play it!

[@TimOlsen100]

The instrumentals Dickey Betts wrote are masterpieces.

[@richfid3240]

RIP DB🙏🎶 Shout out to all the techs that capture these works of art for us all to enjoy for eternity! 🤔🤯

[@thomasstevens6661]

RIP Dickey. this has got to be one his most classic pieces. No one will ever be able to play the piano on this one better than Chuck Levelle. Blue Sky, 'Liz Reed, Melissa, Seven Turns - All great tunes the master blaster of country music. Sleep now in peace until we are all called home.

[@shishiguy1983]

This is the song I always play when I get a little blue...always picks me up...thanks Dickey!

[@user-bw2zt5jd9u]

it’s a natural anti depressant. Have been listening to it since it first came out!

[@dorothydaugherty1277]

RIP Dicky. Thanks for the music.

[@gtrpkr2487]

One of the best instrumental songs ever played.

[@MMXIII2013AM]

It is up there with " Classical Gas".

[@ppeterblom]

No song ever made me happier than this one. Thank Dickey

[@maine-kw6wfy]

My fav song since the late 70’s. Have been listening to it obsessively in the past 3 years. Can’t think of anything else with this much exposure and repetition that doesn’t tire me!

[@KittyGrizGriz]

💃💃💃

[@user-ou3dm6th3x]

There are some songs when you here them on the radio, you have to turn the volume up to 10. This is a turn it up to 10 song. We’re gonna miss you Dickey

[@stevekelley7738]

I have to agree.. Dickie Betts is stunningly great..and he is probably one of the Top 5 guitarists of alltime.... perhaps even the greatest !

[@michaelantoniotti2738]

Yes, sir....he is the GOAT.

[@jcivantos]

I love Dickey…but this might be a stretch

[@da324]

@@jcivantos When you're at his level it's all subjective.

[@woodsy3495]

Couldn't agree more. The top five are pretty much inter changeable, with much good natured arguing. Lol.

[@felipezuccarino5770]

Not better than, srv, hendrix, bloomfield, terry kath, alvin lee, page, blackmoore, johnny winter, duane allman. Just to name a few, but yes he is up there

[@1stjohn17]

Dickey wrote this greatest rock instrumental ever!

[@wilywascal2024]

Written by guitarist Dickey Betts, the song is a tribute to Gypsy jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt, in that it was designed to be played using only two fingers on the left hand. Django had suffered damage to his left hand in a fire at his home when a very young man, losing nearly all use of his two small fingers on that hand, but went on despite that to become one of the world's greatest and most influential guitarists. Betts wrote the majority of "Jessica" at the band's farm in Juliette, Georgia. He named it after his daughter, Jessica Betts, who was an infant when it was released. She had bounced along to the song's rhythm, and Betts attempted to capture her attitude with its melody. He invited fellow guitarist Les Dudek over to collaborate on it, and Dudek performed the bridge. Some accounts credit Dudek with the acoustic intro on the recording. The arrangement was crafted prior to recording, which took place at Capricorn Sound Studios in Macon, Georgia. Along with _'Jessica,'_ Zappa's _'Sexual Harassment in the Workplace'_ and _'Silver and Gold'_ by Quicksilver Messenger Service are among my favorite rock instrumentals.

[@RaptorV1USA]

almost sad that 80% of the people familiar with this song only know it as the theme song for Top Gear, and with that shows 20+ year Intl. run, that's like 450 million people that have never heard more than the 1st 3 bars if that lol ... hey,... 450million people love this song by default Not Bad DB!

[@JdoubleU1222]

"In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed" isn't too shabby either, lol.

[@thomasfoss9963]

@@wilywascal2024Cool background story!!! What about Little Martha?? Once, driving back to Wis. from Flagstaff in '86, I hit repeat and played Little Martha continuously through 4 states!!!!!!!

[@wilywascal2024]

@@thomasfoss9963 ~ _'Blue Sky'_ is another great one, too! So many great songs from the Allman Brothers Band, the quintessential Southern rock group who defined the genre. Although, still prefer Molly Hatchet's version of their song _'Dreams I'll Never See,'_ which I think has more punch to it. (My brother prefers the original.)

[@maryshumate4629]

Jessica was the first Allman Brother's song that got me hooked on them. That Brother's and Sister's Album was so fine.

[@tonysexton6529]

One of my favorite almond bro songs

[@mikewhitfield2994]

That is without a doubt the most beautiful song ever written. Just sublime.

[@user-bw2zt5jd9u]

You must be my soulmate, lol.

[@koosfender6793]

Tnx for the joy on your music,R.I.P.

[@jaimesampere8310]

one of the best guitars solos ever ❤

[@williamrowell3053]

This my friends is some of the finest guitar playing ever. Thanks Dickey, RIP

[@greydinimagicman]

I grew up on this music.... WHAT A GREAT TIME TO LIVE!!

[@jorgemanueldossantosfreita3633]

Me too........what a great time indeed!!

[@dwaynewladyka577]

What impresses me about Dickie Betts is that he is able to master blues music, country music, jazz music, and rock music so well. His gifts and talents don't stop at one genre of music. Cheers!

[@rickleefs]

One of my all time favorite songs. Always will be.

[@Rocdag]

No props, no flash, no dancers, no changes of clothing, no cleavage, no t and a , no swivel hips, grinding….no gimmicks. Just pure music.

[@jeffgarmon1]

Yes sir. Great music does not need any distractions.

[@chanceburger3169]

Right on brother,great comment

[@benetcheverry333]

The drug fueled orgy was after the show

[@claypeacock5912]

Dickey did make sweet love to that Gibson for all to see though hahahaha

[@Kibwunga]

He had nice cleavage though

[@ernburn3738]

"He ain't good looking but he sure can play" ...love you Dickie

[@user-bw2zt5jd9u]

Actually I believe he’s pretty good looking!

[@KittyGrizGriz]

I thought Dickey was kinda sexy / he sure made the cowboy hat / jeans / boots look cool. Especially when he was younger with a sleeveless shirt on those upper arm muscles - yum. 😅

[@ernburn3738]

@@KittyGrizGriz not being good looking is a line in a song about dickie..I can't remember who did the song but I'm leaning towards Charlie Daniels

[@KittyGrizGriz]

@@ernburn3738 I’ve heard the same “line” said about Tulsas own Elvin Bishop too, hmmm now I’m wondering also…just did some digging online and you’re correct it’s a song by Charlie Daniels “The South’s Gonna Do It Again” 🎶 “Elvin Bishop sittin' on a bale of hay He ain't good lookin', but he sure can play And there's ZZ Top and you can't forget That old brother Willie's gettin' soakin' wet And all the good people down in Tennessee Are diggin' Barefoot Jerry and C.D.B” 🎶 - I LOVE this song too! Thanks, it’s fun learning & talking about music with like minded people!

[@suzyq6406]

Dickey Betts is in a league of his own. He is flawless and so gifted. The best in my opinion. If you really want to be blown away, watch KZbin video of him do Blue Sky live in Germany 1991. Good God!!! I have NEVER seen a better performance . I have seen all the great guitarists in concert and there has never been anyone that can even come close to this man.🎸🎸🎸🎼🎼🎼🍄🍄🍄

[@deenmatteo326]

That is so true. One of the best that they don't talk about much he's one of the best I ever saw alive in concert with the Allman Brothers and with his own band awesome dude.

[@litedawg]

I saw him play over 100 times easily and hes truly one of the best.

[@edgy1rocks]

Everytime I hear this I remember being in college (early 70's) out on the quad, tossing footballs or frisbees while young good looking girls in halter tops would watch us. The music was piped out of some dorm windows and I wish I had had the good sense to know just how good I had it back then!

[@gennyolson2257]

Same here. Wish I could go back to those carefree days. Such great music and fun times.

[@MrPhotonjockey]

I hear you, brother.

[@amandabillings2517]

It does send you back to Good Times.

[@edwardlarkin4279]

Unfortunately, "I didn't get on the bus" until 1983. I was a jock as they say until I took my first drug, Mescaline. From then on I immersed my self in the rock and roll world. The Allman Bro. Neil Young, Bob Dylan. Santana. Catching up with the Outlaws, Skinnered

[@weswagner2857]

It was definitely a better world back then! Especially the music! Thank you ABB for the soundtrack of my youth!

[@allenleavell1769]

I always loved this song. Dickey's guitar and your piano backup is un surpassed. Great job on both sides. Keep on Rocking and be safe.

[@maine-kw6wfy]

Structured even. Pure joy! I’ve been listening to this for decades and it’s one of few things I don’t tire of!

[@stretchgilbert]

The great Chuck Leavell on keys

[@TheStarflight41]

He was priceless... heard them at Watkins Glen. Unbelievable timing

[@koshersalaami]

I heard them at Charlotte Motor Speedway the day Nixon resigned. Leavell’s work on Jessica is the best country piano leadwork I’ve ever heard. He also did other great work on Brothers and Sisters, like on Southbound.

[@jccook5353]

Yes. About 1:45 he kicks in his solo.

[@kraig7777]

Wow now I gotta hear some Sea Level!

[@lees2347]

This piano just makes me smile. One of the best versions I've ever heard.