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SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — A stretch of U.S. 41 in Sarasota County will soon bear the name of Dickey Betts, a legendary figure from the Allman Brothers Band, as a tribute to his musical legacy.
On Wednesday, the Florida House gave the green light to a bill that will rename the section of U.S. 41 between North Creek and Blackburn Point Road as “Dickey Betts Memorial Highway.”
Originally from Florida, Betts earned fame as the voice and composer behind the band’s iconic 1973 hit, “Ramblin’ Man.”
Betts became a pivotal member of the Allman Brothers Band when he joined in 1969, rising to prominence as the lead guitarist and frontman after the tragic passing of Duane Allman in 1971.
Throughout the late ’70s and ’80s, the band experienced several breakups and reunions, ultimately leading Betts to depart from the group in 2000.
In April 2024, Betts died at his home in Osprey at the age of 80.
“The legendary performer, songwriter, bandleader, and family patriarch was at his home in Osprey, Florida, surrounded by his family. Dickey was larger-than-life, and his loss will be felt worldwide. At this difficult time, the family asks for prayers and respect for their privacy in the coming days,” Betts’ family said in a statement.