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 (January 24, 2017) Butch Trucks / The Allman Brothers

Claude “Butch” Trucks
May 11, 1947 – January 25, 2017

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Butch Trucks was a founding drummer for legendary Southern rock band, the Allman Brothers Band.  Born in Jacksonville, Florida, Trucks first played in several local bands including the 31st of February before settling in with  Duane Allman, Gregg Allman, Berry OakleyDickey Betts, and Jamoie Johanson as the Allman Brothers Band in 1969.  They went on to become one of the most influential rock bands America has ever produced.  Albums like The Allman Brothers Band, At Fillmore East, and Eat A Peach are considered landmark recordings of the rock era.  Butch Trucks reportedly died from a gunshot to the head on January 24, 2017.  He was 69.

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Died On This Date (January 2, 2012) Larry “Rhino” Reinhardt / Played With Iron Butterfly & Captain Beyond

Larry Reinhardt
July 7, 1948 – January 2, 2012

Larry “Rhino” Reinhardt was a psychedelic rock guitarist who is most often recognized for his time spent playing in both Iron Butterfly and Captain Beyond.  Born and raised in Florida, Reinhardt began playing professionally during the mid ’60s.  His earliest bands of note were the Thunderbeats, the Load, and the Second Coming which also included Dickey Betts, Berry Oakley, and Reese Wynans.  Betts and Oakley would later play in the Allman Brothers Band while Wynans would go on to play with Stevie Ray Vaughan.  In 1970, Reinhardt replaced Erik Brann in Iron Butterfly and played on their Metamorphosis album released that same year. The following year, he helped form Captain Beyond which would ultimately include Lee Dorman of Iron Butterfly, Bobby Caldwell of Rick Derringer and Johnny Winter fame, and Rod Evans who previously sang lead on such Deep Purple songs as “Hush.” The group released a handful of albums and built a sizable loyal cult following along the way.  Throughout the rest of his career, Reinhardt participated in Iron Butterfly and Captain Beyond reunions while putting out a few albums of his own.  Reportedly suffering from multiple ailments, Larry Reinhardt passed away on January 2, 2012.  He was 63.

Thanks to Paul Bearer for the assist.

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Captain Beyond - Captain Beyond

Died On This Date (August 16, 2005) Vassar Clements / Bluegrass Great

Vassar Clements
April 5, 1928 – August 16, 2005

Vassar Clements was an influential fiddler who, although mostly associated with bluegrass, also performed swing and jazz.  Self taught at the age of seven, it was only a matter of time before Clements successfully auditioned for Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys.   He played and recorded with Monroe for the better part of seven years, after which he went off to become one of Nashville’s most in demand session fiddlers.  The list of artists he recorded with is staggering.  It includes Faron Young, John Hartford, Earl Scruggs, Jim & Jesse, the Grateful Dead, Paul McCartney, the Monkees, Dickey Betts, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Linda Ronstadt, and Jimmy Buffett.   Clements played on over 200 albums including nearly two dozen of his own.  In 2005, he won a Grammy for Best Instrumental Performance.  Vassar Clements died of cancer on August 16, 2005.  He was 77.

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Vassar Clements

Died On This Date (December 31, 2000) Eddy Shaver / Gifted Alt-Country Guitarist

John “Eddy” Shaver
June 20, 1962 – December 31, 2000

Eddy Shaver was an electric guitarist, songwriter and son of legendary country-outlaw, Billy Joe Shaver with whom he performed as Shaver.  As a youngster, Shaver was given his first guitar and given lessons by Dickey Betts of the Allman Brothers.  After growing into a fiery electric guitarist, Shaver played alongside such greats as Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Guy Clark, Kris Kristofferson, and of course, his father.  As a songwriter, Shaver is best known for “Live Forever,” a song co-written with his father that has been recorded by the likes of the Highwaymen and Patty Loveless.  In the mid ’90s, Eddy teamed up with his father, Billy Joe to form the rock-leaning alt-country band, Shaver.  Together they released a handful of critically praised albums, including the excellent Tramp on Your Street.  On December 31, 2000, Eddy Shaver was scheduled to perform a New Years Eve show with his father, but never made it there.  He was dead of a heroin overdose at the age of 38.

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Tramp On Your Street - Billy Joe Shaver