Remembering Gary Rossington: The Heart and Soul of Lynyrd Skynyrd

The music world is mourning the loss of Gary Rossington, the last surviving original member of the iconic rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd.

He passed away at the age of 71, leaving behind a legacy that shaped the sound of Southern rock.

Rossington was not only a founding member of the band but also a vital contributor to their songwriting, co-writing the classic hit “Sweet Home Alabama” in 1974.

His journey with Lynyrd Skynyrd was marked by both remarkable achievements and profound tragedies, including surviving a horrific plane crash in 1977 that claimed the lives of several bandmates.

Despite facing health challenges in recent years, including heart surgery in 2021, Rossington continued to perform, showcasing his enduring passion for music.

The announcement of his passing was made on the band’s official Facebook page, expressing deep sympathy and sadness.

The statement read, “We lost our brother, friend, family member, songwriter, and guitarist, Gary Rossington, today.”

It went on to say that “Gary is now with his Skynyrd brothers and family in heaven and playing it pretty, like he always does.”

While the exact cause of death has not been disclosed, Rossington’s health issues had been well-documented over the years.

Born in 1951 in Florida, Rossington’s musical journey began in 1964 when he formed the first iteration of Lynyrd Skynyrd, initially called Me, You, and Him, alongside drummer Bob Burns and bassist Larry Junstrom.

They later added singer Ronnie Van Zant, who joined after a jam session that followed a baseball game.

The band’s name, Lynyrd Skynyrd, was a playful jab at their high school gym teacher, notorious for punishing students with long hair.

Their unique blend of rebellious blues-rock quickly garnered a dedicated following, particularly in the southern United States.

Lynyrd Skynyrd’s debut album, “Pronounced Leh-Nerd Skin-Nerd,” featured the legendary nine-minute epic “Free Bird,” showcasing Rossington’s signature slide guitar work.

Reflecting on the song, Rossington once remarked, “We always said we had a lot of balls back then, or gumption, whatever you call it, for playing a song that long.”

He noted that while singles typically ran two to three minutes, “Free Bird” broke the mold and became a top 20 hit in the US, solidifying the band’s place in rock history.

Following a successful tour with The Who, Lynyrd Skynyrd’s popularity soared, leading to hits like “Sweet Home Alabama,” which responded to Neil Young’s “Southern Man.”

This track not only charted in the UK but also became a timeless anthem, remaining the most-streamed song from 1974 in the UK.

Rossington’s songwriting prowess extended to other beloved tracks, including “I Ain’t The One,” “Things Goin’ On,” “Don’t Ask Me No Questions,” and “Gimme Back My Bullets.”

He even inspired Van Zant to write “That Smell,” a cautionary tale about the band’s hedonistic lifestyle, which was penned after Rossington’s own harrowing experience of crashing his car while under the influence.

The lyrics ominously warned that “tomorrow might not be here for you” and spoke of “the smell of death” surrounding them.

Tragically, just three days after the song’s release, a plane carrying the band crashed in Mississippi, resulting in the deaths of Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, his sister and backup singer Cassie Gaines, assistant road manager Dean Kilpatrick, and both pilots.

The crash left 20 survivors, including Rossington, who was knocked unconscious and awoke trapped under the plane’s door.

Reflecting on the traumatic event years later, Rossington told Rolling Stone, “It was a devastating thing. You can’t just talk about it real casual and not have feelings about it.”

Despite the personal losses and struggles he faced, Rossington remained committed to his music and his bandmates.

He continued to perform with Lynyrd Skynyrd, contributing to their legacy and keeping the spirit of the band alive.

In the years following the crash, Rossington and the surviving members worked to rebuild their careers, releasing new music and touring extensively.

The band’s resilience and dedication to their craft resonated deeply with fans, ensuring that their music lived on.

Throughout his life, Rossington was known for his down-to-earth personality and unwavering loyalty to his band.

He often expressed gratitude for the support of fans and the opportunity to share his music with the world.

As news of his passing spread, tributes poured in from fans and fellow musicians alike, celebrating his contributions to rock music.

Many shared memories of attending Lynyrd Skynyrd concerts and the impact the band’s music had on their lives.

The legacy of Gary Rossington will undoubtedly endure, as his work continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans.

His distinctive guitar playing, heartfelt songwriting, and charismatic stage presence made him a true icon in the world of rock.

As we remember Gary Rossington, we honor not only his musical achievements but also the profound influence he had on the genre.

He leaves behind a rich legacy that will be cherished by fans for years to come.

In the words of his bandmates, he is now with his “Skynyrd brothers” in heaven, playing the music he loved.

Gary Rossington’s life may have ended, but his spirit and music will forever resonate in the hearts of those who knew him and loved his work.

Rest in peace, Gary; your music will live on.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.