If you know the Allman Brothers, you know Dickey Betts. I think a lot of people think of Dickey Betts as more of a guitar player than a songwriter.
While Dickey is an extremely talented guitarist, he is also one heck of a songwriter and composer. It seems that Duane Allman gets much more praise than Dickey Betts, and I guess I can see why. But without Dickey I don’t think Duane would have sounded as good.
Duane played more blues and morose sounding guitar and Dickey always brought in a more happier Major type sound. The balance of the two is what I think separated the Allmans from every other Southern Rock Band out there.
If you look at the songs Dickey has written, you will see that he was a major force behind some of the most popular songs the band ever had. He definitely added a country blues and jazz feel to the Allman Brothers sound.
Listen to Ramblin Man or Jessica. These tunes sure do have some country feel to them. Then you go and listen to Liz’ Reed and you can hear the Jazz and improv nature to his songwriting and guitar playing.
Songs Dickey wrote:
- Ramblin Man
- Southbound
- Blue Sky
- Jessica
- In Memory of Elizabeth Reed
- Revival
- Seven Turns
- Change My Way of Living
I’m sure there are many more but that’s what I could think of offhand. I was listening to “Change My Way of Living” this morning from “Where it All Begins”, and man, is that tune catchy! I believe Dickey has a very melodic sense when playing, writing, or singing. You know he does have a really great voice! His vocals on Blue Sky are fantastic!
Yngwie Malmsteen on Dickey Betts and Jessica
So for kicks I thought I’d throw in what Yngwie thought of Dickey Betts playing. Taken from a Guitar World interview in 1994
“MALMSTEEN: I like it. Very inventive twin-lead guitar in the beginning. It’s very musical, and on pitch. What they’re doing, they’re doing right. Although it doesn’t sound technical or wild, the guitarists are playing perfectly in tune. A lot of people don’t relize that guitar playing is very much like singing or playing any of the glissando-type instruments — you have to do it in tune.
GW: That was the Allman Brothers.
MALMSTEEN: I thought I’d heard it before! Back in the Seventies, I saw Dickey Betts playing a live show on TV, via sattelite from the Rock Palace in Hamburg, and remember being impressed by the fact that he was playing clean and very much on pitch.” Taken from Guitar World August 1994
Best Band Ever?
To me, when it all comes down to it, the Allman Brothers original lineup did NOT have a weak link. They are my favorite band of all time, and I don’t think think there is another band who could pull off what that lineup could.
The wall of drums and percussion, awesome walking bass lines, great songs, Gregg’s killer organ and voice, Duane and Dickey’s guitar harmonies and leads, they were the total package.
What do You Think?
It seems Dickey is not really regarded as a prolific songwriter, but he wrote some of the most influential melodies and riffs in rock and roll period. So back to the point, what do you think of Dickey’s songwriting and composing skills? Let me know right below.
If you’re interested in learning how to play like Dickey Betts, I’ve released a DVD or Download just how to do this. Check it out here.
Hey John,
I think Dickey is a great songwriter. All of his songs seem to stick out, in a good way. I also like his vocals on “Blue Sky”. Dickey’s melodies and solo’s will be remembered forever no doubt. I think Duane and Dickey both had positive influences on eachother. They were both great guitar players and composers.
I love his stuff. He’s been a major influence on my playing lately.
Yes I think Dickey Betts was an excellent song writer. I loved those songs.
I think Betts is not only underrated as a song-writer, but as a guitarist as well. Hell, for all intents and purposes, Dickey Betts all but invented what we call Southern Rock. Tunes like Jessica, Ramblin’ Man, and Blue Sky pretty much define the genre (for me at least), and Betts was THE creative force behind all of those songs and many more. Without taking any of Duane Allman’s well deserved credit, I think Dickey Betts has to be given his due, and bumped a little higher up the Guitar Hero list.
Well I think it’s great people are talking about the Allman Brothers. There’s a level of genius that allows people to be transported through a medium into a feeling or moment. If you look at a really good classic impressionist painting, listen to a great classic jazz song, or read a masterpiece novel you can feel something deep in your bones.
People talk a lot about Led Zepplin but the only emotion I ever felt when I listened to them was dread. The Allman Brothers painted masterpieces. I saw Jessica, and still see her when I listen to the song, and she is happy. When I listen to Whipping Post i feel the depths of anguish. And for some reason I can listen to their songs a million times and never feel tired of them at all.
I believe in God, and I am a Christian. I don’t believe in comparing human beings to Jesus. But The Allman Brothers were the apostles for sure.
So glad to see people recognising what a great player/writer Dickey Betts is!!
I feel sorry for the guy, whenever people talk about the ABB all you ever hear is Duane Duane Duane…….drives me insane. Of course Duane was a great guitar player and sad loss, but Dickey Betts is a great guitar player too and as you mentioned responsible for some of the great ABB tracks.
I remember hearing Southbound and Jelly Jelly for the first time at a student party in Hampstead London in the early 80’s…….his playing and tone just knocked me out and it still does today, I think he is a beautiful player and writer and should get a lot more credit for his contribution to the ABB legacy,
Favourite tracks from him would be Southbound, Liz Read, Ramblin Man……….actually most of them haha!!
M
I am with Dave the Christian (I am also). I like the ABB better than all other bands put together, and Dickey was a great composer, guitarist, and singer.