All-star musicians honor Dickey Betts with emotional tribute concert in Georgia

The founding member, vocalist and guitarist of the band Allman Brothers Band, Dickey Betts was paid a tribute in his home town of Macon City, Georgia.

The band was joined by friends and family and a jam packed Macon City Auditorium on Friday, February 28. Attendees were witness to an all-star line-up of musicians paying homage to the late legend.

Performances by former Allman Brothers Band members Warren Haynes, Derek Trucks, Chuck Leavell, and Oteil Burbridge, made the night one to remember.

They were also joined by family, like Dickey's son Duane Betts, Gregg Allman's son Devon Allman, Susan Tedeschi, Charlie Starr of Blackberry Smoke, the son of Lamar Williams, the bassist for ABB in the 1970s, among other big names.

Jai Johanny “Jaimoe” Johanson, who is the last living member of the band, was anticipated to be there, but did not end up making an appearance.

Duane Betts said in an exclusive interview with to Rolling Stone: "This means everything. It’s my father’s legacy. Everybody’s here for the right reasons — to celebrate a great man, a great visionary of music.”

Warren Haynes, also spoke to Rolling Stone during the backstage interview.

He said: "[Dickey’s] sense of melody was unchallenged. He played these melodic lines and phrases that sounded so refreshing to the listener."

He continued: "He created a style of playing that’s so recognizable, and that’s the ultimate compliment for any musician."

During his return tour, which included Bonnie Bramlett, Duane Betts, and Devon Allman's band, the Devon Allman Project, Dickey Betts played his last concert in Macon on May 17, 2018, at the Macon City Auditorium.

His final known live appearance was at the Peach Music Festival in Scranton, Pennsylvania, the same year.

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Dickey Bett's legacy

Dickey Betts started playing in rock bands throughout Florida and joined the Allman Brothers Band when it first started in '69.

The tune that made the singer-songwriter and guitarist most famous was Ramblin' Man, which was performed as a homage to him in the concert on Friday.

However, Ramblin' Man became the band's first and only track on the Billboard Hot 100 chart when it was released in 1973.

Dickey Betts passed away on Thursday at his Osprey, Florida, home after a long battle against chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and two types of cancer.

In a statement, Betts' family posted the news on his official website.

The heartfelt post read: "It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that the Betts family announce the peaceful passing of Forrest Richard ‘Dickey’ Betts (December 12, 1943 – April 18, 2024) at the age of 80 years old.

"The legendary performer, songwriter, bandleader and family patriarch passed away earlier today at his home in Osprey, FL., surrounded by his family. Dickey was larger than life, and his loss will be felt world-wide.

"At this difficult time, the family asks for prayers and respect for their privacy in the coming days. More information will be forthcoming at the appropriate time."