Guitarist of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Gary Rossington, passes away at 71

Last surviving original member and guitarist of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Gary Rossington, passes away at 71

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Gary Rossington, last surviving original member of Lynyrd Skynyrd, passed away at 71.

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Rossington co-penned many of the band’s best-known songs including “Free Bird.”

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Rossington rejoined the band in 1987 after surviving the 1977 plane crash that killed four members.

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Rossington had emergency heart surgery in 2021 but recovered and rejoined the band.

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News of his death comes as the band was revving to go on a 22-city North American tour with ZZ Top beginning in June.

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Skynyrd's origins can be traced back to 1964 when they formed in Jacksonville, FL under the name My Backyard.

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The group’s self-titled 1973 debut LP was a hit and featured classics such as “Gimme Three Steps,” “Tuesday’s Gone” and “Free Bird.”

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During the 1970s, Skynyrd was the most renowned Southern rock band, topping the charts and winning fans with their distinctive sound.

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The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame recognized Lynyrd Skynyrd's enduring contributions to music by inducting the band into the hall in 2006.

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The group’s success fed the popularity of Southern rock, inspiring other platinum acts such as The Outlaws and .38 Special.

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