Elliot Stephen Cohen: At what age did you start playing the guitar seriously?
Dickey Betts: “Probably what would be considered late by most musicians - around 16. I studied Chuck Berry, B.B. King, Albert King. I also hung around this western-swing guitar player that was so, so good. He’s the one who influenced me, and that’s how I really learned to play.”
Elliot It’s said that, unlike some live albums, where parts were recut in the studio, At Fillmore East is presented intact.
Dickey “That’s exactly right. The vocals, the guitar solos...everything. It is truly a live album. We did some editing, and [producer] Tom Dowd took out the horns. [At Dowd’s request, saxophonist Rudolph “Juicy” Carter and another unknown horn player were cut from the lineup during the first show because their horns were leaking into the other instruments’ mics]. ”
Elliot Your influences range from country and rock to jazz. When I hear the melody to “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed,” it strikes me as having a strong jazz influence. Was it inspired at all by Miles Davis?
Dickey “I’d say part of it could have come from listening to Miles Davis. We used to listen to guys like Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Pharoah Sanders and Charlie Parker. So yeah, I see the Miles Davis connection.”
Interview By Elliot Stephen Cohen / Guitar Player
1971, The Allman Brothers Band played at the Overton Park bandshell in Memphis TN., Photo by Jim Marshall
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