Betts' guitar was a key piece of the band’s unique sound, which pioneered Southern rock.
Betts' manager, David Spero, toldRolling Stonethe cause of death was cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Despite not being an Allman, Betts was one of the Allman Brothers' key original members.
Dickey Betts.Fin Costello/Redferns
His fierce guitar solos and equally strong personality were critical to the group’s pioneering sound.
A year later, founding member Berry Oakley also died in a motorcycle accident.
The group carried on with Betts andGregg Allmanas its leaders.
The Allman Brothers.Michael Ochs Archives/Getty
Allman and Betts frequently and publicly clashed.
The band broke up multiple times and had more than a dozen lineup configurations.
Ever," the pair frequently reunited and toured.
They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995.
Nonetheless, that tension continued through the ’90s when Allman got sober.
In 2000, Betts was informed via fax that he would be replaced on the band’s next tour.
I don’t want you to think I don’t love these guys.
They aren’t nasty guys."
Betts later declined an offer to join the band’s 40th anniversary tour in 2009.
Still, Betts and Allman reconciled beforeAllman’s death in 2017, just months after thedeath of Butch Trucks.
Great Southern would later feature Betts' son, Duane Betts, as a member.
Tributes to the legendary guitarist poured in across social media on Thursday.
“Blew my mind and made me want a Les Paul.”
Betts is survived by his wife, Donna.
