Died On This Date (April 18, 2024) Dickie Betts / The Allman Brothers Band

Dickie Betts
December 12, 1943 – April 18, 2024

It’s with heavy hearts that we bid farewell to Dickey Betts, whose incredible talent as a songwriter and guitarist, paired with Duane Allman‘s prowess, truly shaped the Southern rock scene of the ’60s and ’70s. He passed away on Thursday in Osprey, Fla., at the age of 80.

Back in 1969, Betts, along with bassist Berry Oakley, joined forces with members from other Florida bands, including Duane and Gregg Allman, Butch Trucks, and Jai Johanny “Jaimoe” Johanson. Together, they formed what would become the legendary Allman Brothers Band, making their mark from their base in Macon, Ga.

Known for their electrifying live performances and epic jams, especially on Betts’ masterpiece “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed,” the Allmans skyrocketed to fame with their iconic 1971 album At Fillmore East, which peaked at No. 13.

Even as Betts pursued solo projects, often under the name Great Southern, his contributions to the Allman Brothers Band remained undeniable. His solo debut, Highway Call, hit No. 19 in 1974, showcasing his individual brilliance amid the band’s peak popularity.

In 1995, Betts received the ultimate honor when he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Allman Brothers Band. His legacy as a Southern rock pioneer will continue to resonate for generations to come.

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Died On This Date (December 5, 2023) Denny Laine / Moody Blues and Wings co-founder

Denny Laine
October 29, 1944 – December 5, 2023

As reported by CBS News, British musician Denny Laine, known for his roles as a singer, songwriter, and guitarist, passed away at the age of 79. Laine, recognized for his contributions to both the early incarnation of the Moody Blues and as a longtime collaborator with Paul McCartney in the band Wings, died on December 5, 2023, in Naples, Florida, due to interstitial lung disease.

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of the Moody Blues, Laine’s career spanned decades, marked by significant milestones such as his involvement in McCartney’s acclaimed Band On the Run album, released almost exactly 50 years prior to his passing. Born Brian Frederick Arthur Hines, Laine adopted his professional name in his youth, partly inspired by the singer Frankie Laine.

In 1964, at the age of 20, Laine joined Ray Thomas and Mike Pinder to form the Moody Blues, where he notably sang lead on their breakthrough hit, “Go Now.” Despite early success, the band faced challenges, leading to Laine’s departure in 1967. He pursued a solo career and collaborated with various groups before reuniting with McCartney in Wings, a band formed in 1971 following the Beatles’ breakup.

Throughout Wings’ decade-long journey, characterized by lineup changes, Laine, McCartney, and Linda McCartney collaborated on several chart-topping singles, including “My Love,” “Listen to What the Man Said,” and the titular track from “Band On the Run.” Laine also co-wrote the hit “Mull of Kintyre.”

After Laine’s departure from Wings in the early 1980s, McCartney disbanded the group, but Laine continued to contribute to McCartney’s solo projects, such as Tug of War and Pipes of Peace, and lent his vocals to George Harrison‘s tribute to John Lennon, “All Those Years Ago.”

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