A 71-year-old Original Member Of Lynyrd Skynyrd Has Passed Away

He was 71 when he passed away on Sunday, the last remaining member of Lynyrd Skynyrd. He originally composed the song "Sweet Home Alabama" for the Southern rock group Sweet Home Alabama in 1974. In a Facebook post, the band ascertained that Gary Rossington, songwriter and guitarist, passed away today with deep sympathy and sadness.

The hit song featured guitar leads

He is now playing it pretty in heaven with his brothers and family, as he always has," said the statement. It was not announced what caused Rossington's death, but a post from the band in 2021 indicated that he had suffered a series of heart problems, including emergency surgery. 

Founded by Lynyrd Skynyrd with Bob Burns and Larry Junstrom in 1964, Rossington was born in southern Florida. His distinctive slide guitar leads contributed to the band's “Free Bird” hit song in 1973. A car accident in 1976 and a plane crash that killed three band members in 1977 marked the violent period in the guitarist's life in the 1970s.

Members of the band have reformed

After Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, and backing vocalist Cassie Gaines died in a plane crash in 1987, the band reformed with new members, including Johnny Van Zant on lead vocals.

In addition to its festival date set for this month, the band has continued to perform with only Rossington remaining from its original lineup. Several right-leaning rock groups performed at the 2016 Republican convention, including the right-leaning rockers. 

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