Hi, everyone. Welcome to another edition of Music Monday.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

“When it’s time for leavin’ I hope you’ll understand”.

The world said goodbye to another Brother last week. Forrest Richard Betts, better known as Dickey Betts, died on April 18, 2024 at the age of 80. He was a founding member of The Allman Brothers Band and the one who took on the daunting task of moving the band forward after the death of its other extraordinary player, Duane Allman. Betts was one of the greatest soulful blues guitarists out there and was the writer behind such classics as “Ramblin’ Man”, “Blue Sky” and “Jessica”.

I know how blessed he was for spending eight decades on this earth and how lucky we were to have him, but this loss just cuts so incredibly deep. Gregg Allman and Betts’ voices were the two recognizable ones from that band and now they are both gone. Sigh. Yet, I can only imagine the endless jam that is taking place now that he is back with Duane, Berry, Butch and Gregg. Rest easy with all of them for all eternity, Dickey. Thank you for every note.

Dickey Betts circa 1995. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The Youngbloods are best known for their 1967 peace & love anthem, “Get Together”. But for me, it is their third album, 1969’s Elephant Mountain, that has the best song of their career. It was written and sung by the group’s primary vocalist and songwriter, Jesse Colin Young,

The track has been covered over two dozen times, most notably by by Mott The Hoople on their 1972 album, Brain Capers and Robert Plant for his 2002 release, Dreamland. For as good as those versions are, there is a sense of urgency in the original that is unmatched even 55 years later due to its powerful vocal and incredibly intense guitar riffs. The track also features an evocative fiddle/violin arrangement by musician David Lindley and not Charlie Daniels, who produced the album.

“Darkness darkness long and lonesome
Ease the day that brings me pain
I have felt the edge of sadness
I have known the depth of fear“.

Top: Jesse Colin Young circa 1969. Middle: Young circa 2015. Bottom: The Youngbloods in 1967 (L-R): Jesse Colin Young, Jerry Corbitt, Joe Bauer and Lowell “Banana” Levinger. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

The Allman Brothers Band: “In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed” (1970, written by Dickey Betts).

The Youngbloods: ”Darkness, Darkness” (1969, written by Jesse Colin Young). 

Stay safe & well.