Gary Rossington, Lynyrd Skynyrd's Last Original Member, Dead at 71

 

Category:	Richest Celebrities › Rock Stars
Date of Birth:	Dec 4, 1951 (71 years old)
Place of Birth:	Jacksonville
Gender:	Male
Profession:	Guitarist
Nationality:	United States of America

Gary Rossington, Lynyrd Skynyrd's Last Original Member, Dead at 71

Lynyrd Skynyrd's music was an anthem of the American South, blending rock, blues, and country into a distinctive sound that captured the spirit of the region. At the heart of that sound was the band's guitarist, Gary Rossington, who co-founded the group in 1964 and remained its sole original member until his death on March 3, 2023, at the age of 71.

Rossington's contributions to Lynyrd Skynyrd were immense. He co-wrote many of the band's biggest hits, including "Sweet Home Alabama," "Free Bird," and "Tuesday's Gone." His guitar playing was the driving force behind the group's sound, blending virtuosic solos with rich, melodic riffs that showcased his versatility and creativity.

But Rossington's tenure with Lynyrd Skynyrd was also marked by tragedy. In 1977, a plane crash killed three members of the band, including lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, and injured Rossington and others. Rossington survived the crash, but his injuries were severe, and he was forced to undergo multiple surgeries and a lengthy recovery period.

Despite the setback, Rossington continued to play with Lynyrd Skynyrd, helping to keep the band's music alive for new generations of fans. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006, and his influence on the world of music will be felt for years to come.

In a statement, Rossington's family said, "Gary was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, and he will be missed by all who knew him. We ask for privacy during this difficult time as we mourn his passing and celebrate his life."

The death of Gary Rossington marks the end of an era for Lynyrd Skynyrd and for rock music as a whole. But his legacy will live on through the countless musicians he inspired and the enduring songs he helped create. Rest in peace, Gary.

Facts about Gary Rossington and Lynyrd Skynyrd:

• Gary Rossington was born on December 4, 1951, in Jacksonville, Florida.
• Rossington co-founded Lynyrd Skynyrd with Ronnie Van Zant, Allen Collins, and others in 1964. The band's name was inspired by their high school gym teacher, Leonard Skinner, who famously disliked long hair.
• Lynyrd Skynyrd's first album, "Pronounced Leh-nerd Skin-nerd," was released in 1973 and featured the hit singles "Free Bird" and "Simple Man."
• In addition to his work with Lynyrd Skynyrd, Rossington also played with the Rossington Collins Band and the Gary Rossington Band.
• Lynyrd Skynyrd disbanded in 1977 following the tragic plane crash that killed several members of the band but reformed with Rossington's involvement in 1987.
• Rossington underwent heart surgery in 2016, and the band was forced to cancel several shows as a result.
• Lynyrd Skynyrd's most recent album, "Last of the Street Survivors," was released in 2018.
• The band has been recognized with numerous awards over the years, including inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.