Duane and Gregg got top billing, but the Allman Brothers wouldn’t have become a household name, or forged a sound that spawned an entire genre of rock, without the contributions of Dickey Betts, who died yesterday at age 80. He wrote many of their signature songs, including their only Top 10 hit, “Ramblin’ Man,” and took on the role of leader after Duane Allman’s death in 1971. Whether playing in tandem or trading solos, Betts and Allman set the standard for all the twin-lead guitar bands that followed.
“Brothers and Sisters,” released in 1973, was the first album the band recorded after Duane’s demise, and to make matters worse lost bassist Berry Oakley halfway through recording it. Betts dominated the disc, contributing both “Ramblin’ Man” and this driving instrumental. “Jessica” was named for Betts’ baby daughter, who enjoyed bouncing up and down to it while he worked on it. As the follow-up single to “Ramblin’ Man” it topped out at a disappointing No. 65 on the Hot 100, but quickly became a classic rock staple. I’m sure it will get a lot of radio spins this weekend.
They Might Be Giants reimagined the tune for woodwinds, accordion and trumpet on their 1994 EP “Why Does the Sun Shine?” and its corresponding tour which supplemented John and John with a clarinetist and saxophonist.
