SARASOTA — The State of Florida has officially designated a stretch of U.S. Route 41 in Sarasota County as the Dickey Betts Memorial Highway, honoring the late Allman Brothers Band co-founder and guitarist.
The designation, signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis in this year's legislative session, covers the section of the highway between North Creek and Blackburn Point Road, near Betts’ longtime home in Osprey.
The unveiling ceremony and a free tribute concert were held on Wednesday, July 1, overlooking Little Sarasota Bay. The honor references The Allman Brothers' iconic 1973 hit Ramblin’ Man, which famously opens with the lyric, "I was born in the back seat of a Greyhound bus rollin’ down Highway 41."
The song, which was written by Betts, was the band's sole number one Billboard single. Betts, who died in April 2024 at age 80, is celebrated as a pivotal architect of Southern rock and a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee. He is a native of Bradenton, FL.
Betts' son, Duane Betts, who played guitar in Dicky Betts Great Southern, recently released his second album, Isle of Hope.
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Manatee Watch
a really great tribute to one of the outstanding artists of our time. thanks for doing this.
Thursday, July 2 Report this
Lktinsanfran
I propose that we rename the Florida welcome signs from "the free state of Florida" to "Florida - the birthplace of Dickey Betts.". That would fabulous.
Friday, July 3 Report this