Gary Rossington Dies, 71 — Founding Member of Lynyrd Skynyrd

Songwriter and guitarist Gary Rossington, the final founding member of the southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, has died. He was 71. 

Rossington co-wrote the band’s most profitable single, “Candy Dwelling Alabama.” He’s additionally famous for his work on the slide guitar throughout the group’s theme track, “Free Chook.” Lynyrd Skynyrd’s first 5 albums charted on the US High 30, with three reaching double platinum standing. The band posted about Rossington’s demise on their official Fb web page, bidding followers to provide his household privateness at the moment. 

“It’s with our deepest sympathy and disappointment that we’ve got to advise that we misplaced our brother, good friend, member of the family, songwriter, and guitarist, Gary Rossington, in the present day. Gary is now along with his Skynyrd brothers and household in heaven and enjoying it fairly like he at all times does,” reads the submit. “Please hold Dale, Mary, Annie, and all the Rossington household in your prayers and respect the household’s privateness at this tough time.”

 In 1976, Rossington survived a automobile crash after his automobile hit a tree. The track “That Scent” was written by lead vocalist Ronnie Van Zant in regards to the incident with the lyric, “The odor of demise surrounds you.” The next yr, Rossington survived an air crash in Mississippi through which vocalist Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, and backing singer Cassie Gaines died. Rossington recovered from that crash with metal rods in his proper arm and proper leg however with an habit to painkillers. 

Rossington fashioned the Rossington Collins Band with guitarist Allen Collins however cut up in 1982 after the demise of Collins’ spouse. Rossington then fashioned a band along with his spouse earlier than rejoining the rebuilt Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1987 with Johnny Van Zant on lead vocals. He then toured with the band and launched a number of albums. 

He was born in Jacksonville, Florida, to a father within the US Military, who died shortly after his delivery. His mom raised him alone and he named his favourite 1959 Gibson Les Paul guitar “Berniece” to honor her reminiscence.