Published 4/20/2024

Dickey Betts Jessica at the Capitol Theatre

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Dickey Betts, iconic guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter for the Allman Brothers Band passed away at the age of 80 on April 18, 2024. He had been a uniquely influential force for over 50 years in multiple grnres of music including, Southern Rock, Classic Rock, Country, and more.

I had come across this performance of Betts’ popular istrumental tune, Jessica, a couple days before his passing. This performance is with an iteration of his own band in 1984 at the popular Capitol Theatre. A popular performance venue for many years located in Passaic, New Jersey. Hundreds of classic performances by the most popular rock acts were recorded there through the 70’s and 80’s.

The Capitol Theatre was renovated and re-opend in 2011, and is still a major live venue.

“You can’t play music and be mad at anybody. It’ll show in your heart!” – Dickey Betts, from Brainy Quote

I found this performance quite interesting for a few reasons. One, the tempo is really good. In a lot of older Alman Brothers performance videos it is often too fast. This one is right there in the pocket and comfortable.

Two, the instrumentation. It is a four piece configuration, with Betts as the lone guitar player.

Three, the seemingly ubiquitous Chuck Leavell is on keys. So along with his always stellar performances, we get Jessica’s signature twin lead lick with guitar and piano, rather than the typical two guitars. And it sounds really cool.

In my humble, but not uneducated opinion, I think Leavell’s solo on the studio track from The Allman Brothers 1973 album Brothers And Sisters, is the greatest piano solo in rock and roll history.

Dickey Betts Jessica – Nov 12, 1984 at The Capitol Theatre

Video from the Classic Rock on MV.

About This Performance

I couldn’t find much info on the other band members for this performance. Looking at some of the other videos from this show it appears that the rhythm section may have been a house band type situation. It seems that the bass player is most likely Kenny Aaronson. I couldn’t determine who the drummer is. If you happen to know please leave a comment below. But overall, this is a very good performance of this tune.

This video is from a concert called, “Guitar Greats.” The bill also included, David Gilmore, Brian Setzer, Johnny Winter, Steve Cropper, Link Wray, and others. There is also a video of Dickey Betts and Brian Setzer playing Ramblin’ Man from that night. Plus a virtually inaudible four piece horn section!