“Ramblin’ Man” singer-songwriter and founding Allman Brothers Band guitarist with deep ties to the region to undergo brain surgery
SARASOTA COUNTY — Dickey Betts has been hospitalized after a freak accident at his home.
Betts, the “Ramblin’ Man” singer-songwriter and founding Allman Brothers Band guitarist, went out to his backyard on Little Sarasota Bay and while playing with the family dog, slipped and cracked his head, causing bleeding in his brain.
Betts has been sedated at an undisclosed local hospital following the accident that occurred Monday evening at the Osprey home he shares with wife, Donna.
David Spero, Betts’ longtime friend and manager, said the beloved rock legend is listed “in critical but stable condition.”Brain surgery, to relieve swelling, has been scheduled for Friday.
Donna is by her husband’s side with Dickey’s children.
“The family appreciates all of your thoughts and prayers during this very trying time,” she said. “We are by his side giving him the strength to pull through this.”Dickey’s oldest child, Kimberly, is a country singer who lives in Manatee County, where the Betts family has ties that date back to shortly after the Civil War.
Dickey’s only son, Duane, plays lead guitar in his dad’s Dickey Betts Band, and recently finished a tour of Europe with the Devon Allman Project.
The new Dickey Betts Band debuted in May with a local “live rehearsal show” at Sarasota’s White Buffalo Saloon. The Dickey Betts Band has been touring the East Coast through the summer, earning positive reviews in publications such as Rolling Stone.
Last month, Betts suffered a “mild stroke” at his Sarasota home and had to cancel upcoming tour dates. A week later, Spero announced Betts was responding “very well to treatment” and on Sept. 14 posted to Betts’ social media pages that, “Dickey Betts is raring to go. His recovery from his minor stroke is ahead of schedule and he has already started playing his guitar again.”
Now, though, Betts’ family, friends and band mates are focusing their attention on Betts regaining his health; with the upcoming November shows, including Nov. 5 at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater, indefinitely postponed.
“It was just a few days ago that Dickey was telling me how excited he was to get back in front of the fans on November 1,” Spero said. “It is very unfortunate, for all involved, that we need to cancel those shows. Please add Dickey into your thoughts and prayers. I’ll keep everyone updated on his expected progress.”
[Edited on 9/19/2018 by porkchopbob]
Just saw this horrible news. Sending prayers out to Dickey and his family. Hopefully he can pull through this.
A Whole Lotta Love and Prayers to Dickey and Family. May God Bless you and heal you.
Best wishes to all -- Dickey, the surgeons caring for him, his family -- upsetting to see this happen to this great musician -- may the road to full recovery begin
Hang in there Sir Betts. We are praying and pulling for you.
<<>>
Hoping for a full recovery !
Ouch. That is some tough news. Thinking of Dickey and his family and hoping for the best possible recovery.
So very sorry to hear this. Prayers, love and healing vibes to to Dickey!! XOXO
I hope everything goes well for him.
thinking of you Dickey
Terrible news today. Get well Dickey!
This is not good. 🙁 I will keep Dickey in my prayers, thoughts, and meditations.
So painful and sad to hear this, Prayers of Peace, healing and strength for Dickey and his Family.
Hang in there Dickey and stick around awhile longer!
Sooo, why dontcha stick around for some rock and roll Dickey! 
[Edited on 9/20/2018 by gina]
God bless Dickey Betts. No guitar player ever moved me like Dickey. Get well !
Spinning Highway Call. Here's to keeping the faith.
Already had my tickets for the Augusta GA show and the hotel booked. Now all I want is for Dickey to recover, whether he plays for us again or not. He sure put up a good fight after the stroke, so maybe he has strength left to get through this, too. I’ll be sayin’ a prayer for brother Dickey.
Love You Ramblin' Man
All my healing Karma your way from the Bay
Its hard to find the words and wishing and hoping for the best ... its just to much .... Love you Dickey Betts .... 🙁 🙁
Get well soon Dickey...
Terrible to see this news and hoping for the best!!
Thoughts & Prayers to Dickey and the Betts Clan, Get Well Soon Sir.
Get well soon Brother Dickey! Sending healing prayers and mantras for a swift recovery!!!
Our Father
Please take care of our Brother Dickey Betts
And of all of us
Through the Blood of Our Lord Jesus
Amen
Prayers for Dickey and his family for a quick recovery... get well Brother.
Thinking about you Dickey ~ hope they get you fixed up soon and you get back home.
Blue Sky
Positive Vibes to Dickey, family and friends
Heal up my friend, many more shows to play....
I heard the sad news yesterday. Get well Dickey!
On our big AM station, WSB 750 this morning, their newsbrief mentioned Dickey (with Ramblin Man playing in background) and my heart jumped up to my throat. Turns out, it was just the same news reported yesterday.
Dickey's sound / influence / singing / playing on Blue Sky, Melissa, Jessica, Ramblin Man was the sound that drew me into the Allman Brothers Band. Dickey fronting the band throughout the '90s was such a big part of that decade for me. Annual trips to Lakewood were a tradition (plus first travel trips to see them in NYC, Boston and New Orleans). Seeing him play with Jaimoe in May was a very emotional.
Prayers to DB and his family.
On our big AM station, WSB 750 this morning, their newsbrief mentioned Dickey (with Ramblin Man playing in background) and my heart jumped up to my throat. Turns out, it was just the same news reported yesterday.
Whoo. You weren't alone. Same thing happened on my drive into work this morning (except I was listening to the FM simulcast of WSB). Memories of driving to Florida for summer break beach trip last year and hearing the news about Gregg over the radio.
Get well DB.
