An American guitarist, singer, and songwriter, most known for his work as a founding member of the southern blues/rock group the Allman Brothers Band. Betts was the band's second lead guitarist, behind Duane Allman, and contributed significantly to their trademark dual lead guitar sound. He also wrote songs including In Memory of Elizabeth Reed and Blue Sky that became radio and concert staples.

After the death of Duane Allman in late 1971, Betts became the band's sole guitarist, and also took on a greater singing and leadership role. He went on to write such Southern Rock classics as Jessica, and the Allmans' biggest commercial hit, Ramblin' Man.

Betts's first solo album, Highway Call, was released in 1974, and featured the late fiddle player Vassar Clements. After the Allmans fell apart in 1976, Betts released more albums, starting with Dickey Betts & Great Southern in 1977, which featured the hit Bougainvillea.

In 2000, Betts was forced to sit out their summer 2000 tour due to reasons cited by the band as personal and professional. Betts then filed suit against the other three original Allmans and the summer separation turned into a permanent divorce. Betts quickly formed the Dickey Betts Band and toured that summer.

He now tours under the name Dickey Betts and Great Southern, which has recently added Dickey's son, Duane Betts, on lead guitar.