R.I.P. Guitarist Dickey Betts dies. He was 80.

A music legend has died. Dickey Betts a longtime member of The Allman Brothers Band, in recent years, the Dickey Betts Band, was 80. Betts, an accomplished guitarist and songwriter co-wrote "Jessica", In Memory of Elizabeth Reed," "Blue Sky" and The Allmans' 1973 hit single Ramblin' Man. It was the influence and presence of a young Betts in the beginning years who relentlessly nagged his close friend, the late Duane Allman to recruit his younger brother Gregg for singing duties. Duane Allman was killed untimely in a motorcycle accident in 1971, at the height of their friendship and collaboration. Betts was was an early innovator who was credited for revolutionizing the twin-guitar approach to playing. He was an accomplished player and was also a hard-living soul. Alcohol abuse and drugs would result in his firings from the band through the years. Betts in recent years on the road with his band would point out in interviews how back in the heyday of bands and touring, guitar players would be too concerned about out-playing each other and "hot-dogging" the other guy during performance. A young Betts and the Iconic Duane Allman agreed to work together at all times to compliment their performance and "paint the perfect picture" of a story through song. Betts had been suffering from a recent cancer bout and also COPD issues in later life.