Dean Daughtry, the keyboardist best known as the co-founder of the hitmaking soft rock band Atlanta Rhythm Section, died Thursday. He was 76 years old.
Betty’s death was confirmed by the band’s guitarist Steve Stone on Facebook, where he said Betty died of natural causes.
“We are saddened today to announce the passing of our longtime, and original member Dean “OX” Daughtry,” The group’s Facebook page said, “For 49 years he never missed an event until his health forced him to retire a few years ago, falling short of his 50-year goal. He was kind of a bulldog, but his friends knew him as “OX.” Our hearts go out to his wife Donna and his family. We’ll miss you, ol’ buddy!
according to usa todayDaughtry played keyboards in the bands Classics IV and The Candymen, before joining ARS in 1971, where he remained the band’s only consistent member until his retirement in 2020. The Candymen had hits with “Georgia Pines” and “Ways” in 1967 and 1968, respectively, and often played as the backing band for Roy Orbison.