The music world continues to mourn the loss of the legendary Dickey Betts, but none of us more than his family, especially son Duane Betts.
The singer-songwriter and guitar player has updated fans on his touring schedule in the wake of his father’s passing and understandably, it includes a reprieve for grief and family time.
Betts, who’s been logging miles with his band Palmetto Motel, revealed on his Facebook page that he’ll miss his dates this week, but will return to the stage for his set with Devon Allman and The Allman Betts Band at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival on Sunday, April 28, 2024.
“I need a little more time to get my head together so I will not be in Oklahoma and Texas this week but I will resume as scheduled in New Orleans at New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. I look forward to playing with so many friends there and of course, seeing your smiling faces.”
“I think dad would want me to get back out there with my guitar,” he wrote, closing out the Facebook post.
Fans and friends from far and wide continue to pay fitting tribute to the late Dickey Betts, who was one of the founding members of the Allman Brothers Band and arguably one of the stylistic architects of southern rock guitar. Dickey was also a prolific composer and songwriter, having penned one of the band’s biggest commercial hits “Ramblin’ Man,” among many other beloved tunes over the course of his decades long career.
“I think dad would want me to get back out there with my guitar.” –Duane Betts
Both Dickey and son Duane made quite the pair when appearing together on and offstage. Their love for each other was palpable, as was the pride in the elder Betts’ eyes when he watched his son play guitar with the same gusto and finesse that defined his own monumental legacy. Duane went on to share in the Facebook post mentioned above that watching his father bestowed with so much love and respect as a player has also filled him with overwhelming pride.
“The outpouring of support has been incredible and helped me and my family so much,” Duane wrote. “I’m flooded with pride to see dad getting the credit he deserves. So again, I thank each and everyone of you from the bottom of my heart.”
Earlier this week, Duane shared an emotional and powerful tribute to his late father, complete with personal family photos and a heartbreaking note of gratitude and love.
“Oh dad, I miss you so much. You are the brightest light. I have looked up to you for the 46 + years we have shared on this planet together. I am filled with gratitude to the deepest depths of my soul for what you taught me and the values you instilled in me. I know you will always be right here with me. After all, your blood is running through my veins… Right now, I am imagining you fishing off the sea wall by our old house with a beer sitting next to you, wrapped in one of those beautiful Florida sunsets. That was your heaven.
My Father was a force to be reckoned with in many ways. Anyone who has met him or watched him play can attest to that. At his core he was just an extremely sweet and sensitive soul. He left us an amazing body of work to enjoy, laugh, cry and dance to that will never die. I am so proud of what he accomplished in his lifetime. #playdickeybetts.
You did damn good, dad.
Your light will continue to shine at the highest frequency forever.
We’ll meet again on down the road. I love you. Duane”
We at The Creek continue to extend our heartfelt condolences and love to Duane, his siblings, his mother, and the entire Betts family during this time. We’ve no doubt that Dickey was and still is so very proud of his loved ones.
