Why Gary Rossington is Trending

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Gary Rossington was born in Jacksonville, Florida in 1952. He was the founding guitarist of Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Southern rock band that rose to fame in the 1970s with hits such as “Free Bird” and “Sweet Home Alabama.” Rossington was the last surviving original member of the band, which was formed in 1969. He was also the only member to survive the 1977 plane crash that killed several of his bandmates, including frontman Ronnie Van Zant.

Rossington was a key part of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s sound, playing lead guitar on many of the band’s classic songs. He was also a songwriter, co-writing such songs as “That Smell” and “What’s Your Name.” After the plane crash, Rossington formed the Rossington Collins Band and The Rossington Band. He rejoined Lynyrd Skynyrd when Van Zant’s brother Johnny reformed the group in 1987, and the band had been recording and touring ever since.

Lynyrd Skynyrd was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006. Rossington was also honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2012. News of Rossington's death comes as the band was revving to go on a 22-city North American tour with ZZ Top beginning in June.

The band posted a statement on its Facebook page asking for prayers for Rossington's family and requesting privacy. “Today, we celebrate the life and mourn the loss of our brother, Gary Rossington,” the statement read. “Gary was the heart and soul of Lynyrd Skynyrd and a cornerstone of Southern Rock.”

Gary Rossington was a beloved figure in the music world and will be remembered for his contributions to the Southern rock genre. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and fans.