Dickie Betts: Master of Taste, Tone and Feel

RIP Dickie Betts (photo: New York Times)

In a year marked by a steady stream of farewells to our musical heroes, the sobering reality of mortality once again takes center stage. The roll call of octogenarian artists, once seemingly immortal, now takes a poignant hue with each departure: as Paul McCartney, Smokey Robinson, and the seemingly indestructible Keith Richards remind us, even the architects of our musical landscape are subject to the passage of time.

And now, we mourn the loss of another luminary.

My musical journey began as a remedy for the monotony of a teenaged summer spent confined indoors nursing a badly broken leg. Having little else to do, I played nearly eight hours a day, and was soon hooked on learning every Led Zeppelin riff and Johnny Marr jangle. Within a matter of months, I progressed from my first shaky chords to live performances with local bands, and the guitar became my refuge from the standard-issue teen angst. Following a year of self-tutelage, I found myself seeking the mentorship of Patrick Ginnaty, a local sage whose lessons transcended mere technique, emphasizing the importance of infusing music with genuine emotion and intent.

During our weekly sessions, Pat introduced me to a wealth of seminal albums, each a revelation in its own right. Among them was the Allman Brothers Band's Live at the Fillmore, a record that left an indelible mark on my musical sensibilities. While Duane Allman's slide guitar and Gregg Allman's vocals commanded the most attention, it was the understated elegance of Dicky Betts that quietly anchored the band's sound.

In the wake of Duane's tragic passing from a motorcycle accident, Betts assumed a crucial role in preserving the Allman Brothers' legacy, his songwriting and nuanced guitar work contributing to the band's continued relevance. Over time, Betts became a guiding influence in my own musical journey: if it’s not played with taste, tone, and/or feel, begin again.

Today, we bid farewell to the legendary Dicky Betts.

Thank you for the music, dear sir.

(Cover photo: Die Zeit)