Jacksonville, Florida-based Lynyrd Skynyrd is a Southern rock group. The band, which was founded in 1964, originally had drummer Bob Burns, bassist Larry Junstrom, and guitarists Gary Rossington and Allen Collins.
Currently performing are lead vocalist Johnny Van Zant (since 1987), guitarist Mark Matejka (since 2006), keyboardist Peter Keys (since 2009), guitarist and vocalist Rickey Medlocke (from 1971 to 1972 and since 1996), drummer Michael Cartellone (since 1999), and bassist Keith Christopher (since 2017). The band presently travels with supporting vocalists Dale Krantz-Rossington (since 1987) and Carol Chase (since 1996)
Which member of Lynyrd Skynyrd died?
Gary Rossington, a founding member of Lynyrd Skynyrd, passed away aged 71. Gary Rossington, the final surviving founding member of Lynyrd Skynyrd and one of the band’s original members, passed away on Sunday at the age of 71.
Keep reading to explore more facts about the group.
Wilkeson quit Lynyrd Skynyrd and was replaced by Ed King just before the band’s debut album (Pronounced “Lh-‘nerd “Skin-‘nerd”) began to be recorded. Later on in the recording sessions, the bassist showed up again, and King stepped in to play third guitar.
Burns stayed on for Second Helping in 1974, but owing to exhaustion from travelling, he resigned in January 1975, and Artimus Pyle took his place. Two months after Nuthin’ Fancy’s publication, on May 26, 1975, King announced his departure.
The next year, Steve Gaines, who was suggested by his sister Cassie Gaines after she had recently joined as one of the touring backup vocalists for the band, The Honkettes, took his position.
