Lynyrd Skynyrd Guitar Legend Gary Rossington Dies at 71: A Look Back at His Iconic Career and Enduring Legacy
It is with profound sadness that the world of rock and roll mourns the passing of Gary Rossington, the legendary founding guitarist of Lynyrd Skynyrd. Rossington, a true pioneer of southern rock, died peacefully on Sunday, March 5, 2023, at the age of 71. His death marks the end of an era for Lynyrd Skynyrd, as he was the last surviving original member of the iconic band that shaped the sound of a generation.
The news of Rossington’s passing was officially announced by Lynyrd Skynyrd via a heartfelt statement posted on their Facebook page. The band expressed their deep sorrow, writing, “It is with our deepest sympathy and sadness that we have to advise, that we lost our brother, friend, family member, songwriter and guitarist, Gary Rossington, today.” The message continued, painting a picture of peace and reunion: “Gary is now with his Skynyrd brothers and family in heaven and playing it pretty, like he always does.” This sentiment resonated deeply with fans, acknowledging not just the loss of a musician, but of a beloved figure who embodied the spirit of the band.
Rossington’s enduring contributions to music are immeasurable. He was instrumental in crafting some of rock’s most timeless anthems, including the unforgettable guitar work on “Sweet Home Alabama” and the soaring, intricate solos of “Free Bird.” His distinctive style and unwavering dedication left an indelible mark on the landscape of southern rock. The band concluded their announcement by asking fans to keep Gary’s family in their thoughts and prayers and to respect their privacy during this incredibly difficult time. As the music world reflects on his incredible life, let’s delve into the career, challenges, and lasting legacy of Gary Rossington.
The Last Original Lynyrd Skynyrd Member: A Pillar of Southern Rock
Gary Rossington’s journey with Lynyrd Skynyrd began in 1964, a pivotal year that saw him unite with singer Ronnie Van Zant, bassist Larry Junstrom, drummer Bob Burns, and fellow guitarist Allen Collins. These nascent rock and rollers, all students at Robert E. Lee High School in Jacksonville, Florida, initially called themselves My Backyard, before eventually settling on the now-famous moniker, Lynyrd Skynyrd, a tongue-in-cheek reference to their strict high school gym teacher, Leonard Skinner. From their humble beginnings, jamming in garages, they forged a unique sound that blended blues, country, and hard rock, giving birth to the quintessential southern rock genre.
Rossington’s guitar work was fundamental to the band’s signature sound. Alongside Allen Collins and Steve Gaines, he formed the famous three-guitar attack that defined Lynyrd Skynyrd’s powerful and intricate arrangements. His contributions were particularly evident on their early, groundbreaking albums, which included classic hits like “Sweet Home Alabama” and the epic “Free Bird.” It was Rossington’s iconic slide guitar riff that became synonymous with “Free Bird,” helping to elevate the track to legendary status and becoming one of the most recognizable guitar solos in rock history. His ability to weave soulful melodies with raw, energetic riffs showcased his versatility and mastery of his instrument, establishing him as a central figure in the band’s musical identity.
The band’s meteoric rise was tragically cut short on October 20, 1977, when the chartered plane carrying the band crashed in Gillsburg, Mississippi. The devastating accident claimed the lives of Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, backing vocalist Cassie Gaines, assistant road manager Dean Kilpatrick, pilot Walter McCreary, and co-pilot William Gray. Gary Rossington himself was severely injured, suffering broken arms, legs, and a fractured pelvis, among other serious wounds. He vividly recalled waking up after the crash with a plane door on top of him, a harrowing experience he recounted in a 2018 interview. The psychological trauma was immense, with Rossington stating that when his mother visited him in the hospital and told him of Ronnie’s death, “She started right off with Ronnie, and that really freaked me out, because he was the tough guy. I thought if he died, everybody else did.” The crash irrevocably altered the band’s trajectory and left deep scars on all the survivors.
Following the catastrophic loss, Lynyrd Skynyrd disbanded, leaving a void in the music world. However, the legacy of their music and the bond among the surviving members proved too strong to remain silent. In 1987, after a decade-long hiatus, the group reformed for a tribute tour with new members, notably including Ronnie Van Zant’s younger brother, Johnny Van Zant, stepping in as lead vocalist. Gary Rossington, along with Allen Collins, Billy Powell, and Leon Wilkeson, spearheaded this resurrection, carrying the torch of Skynyrd’s sound and spirit. As time went on, and other original members passed away – Allen Collins in 1990, Leon Wilkeson in 2001, Billy Powell in 2009, and Larry Junstrom in 2019 – Gary Rossington stood as the sole remaining original member. He remained the steadfast guardian of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s legacy, performing and touring with the band until his passing, ensuring that their iconic music continued to resonate with old and new fans alike.
Beyond Skynyrd: Exploring Other Musical Ventures
Even during Lynyrd Skynyrd’s hiatus, Gary Rossington’s passion for music burned brightly, leading him to explore other creative avenues. His dedication to his craft and his desire to continue making music were evident in the formation of significant projects outside of the Skynyrd umbrella.
In 1979, with Lynyrd Skynyrd still reeling from the aftermath of the plane crash, Rossington teamed up with fellow surviving Skynyrd guitarist Allen Collins to form the Rossington Collins Band. This new venture also included other former Skynyrd members such as keyboardist Billy Powell and bassist Leon Wilkeson, creating a powerful continuation of the southern rock sound. The band aimed to honor their fallen bandmates while forging a new path. They released two critically acclaimed albums: 1980’s Anytime, Anyplace, Anywhere and 1981’s This is the Way. The Rossington Collins Band showcased Gary’s distinctive guitar style, further solidifying his reputation as a formidable musician. Their music retained the gritty, blues-infused rock that Skynyrd was known for, yet also explored new lyrical and melodic territories, proving that the collective talent of these musicians could thrive even in a new configuration. However, the band’s journey was also marked by tragedy, with Allen Collins suffering a debilitating car accident in 1986, which ultimately led to the band’s dissolution.
Following the Rossington Collins Band, Gary embarked on another significant musical chapter, this time alongside his wife, the talented vocalist Dale Krantz-Rossington. In 1986, they formed The Rossington Band, a project that allowed Gary to explore a slightly different musical landscape, often incorporating more blues and soulful elements, complementing Dale’s powerful voice. Their collaboration produced three albums: 1986’s Returned To The Scene of the Crime, 1988’s Love Your Man, and most recently, 2016’s Take It On Faith. This band was a testament to their personal and professional partnership, with their musical chemistry shining through in every track. The Rossington Band provided Gary with a platform for continuous creative expression, allowing him to evolve as a musician while nurturing a harmonious collaboration with his beloved wife. These projects underscore Gary Rossington’s relentless dedication to music, proving that his artistic drive extended far beyond his primary role in Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Early Life and Influences: The Roots of a Legend
Gary Rossington’s early life in Jacksonville, Florida, provided the foundational experiences that would shape his journey as a musician and a person. Growing up in a working-class environment with a single mother, music became a significant part of his identity and a potential pathway to a different future. His bond with Ronnie Van Zant, who would become his bandmate and lifelong friend, was particularly strong. The Van Zant family effectively became a second home for Gary, offering him a sense of belonging and support that transcended friendship.
An emblematic story from their formative years highlights the nascent rebellious spirit that would come to define Lynyrd Skynyrd. Early in the band’s career, Gary, like many aspiring rock musicians of the era, sported long hair – a look that often clashed with the conservative norms of institutions like high schools. He was reportedly suspended from Robert E. Lee High School for his hairstyle, an incident that could have been a setback for a young musician. However, it was Ronnie Van Zant’s father, Lacy Van Zant, who stepped in to champion Gary. As chronicled in a The New York Times obituary for Lacy, he went to the school principal and argued that Gary, as the son of a single mother, was helping his family by pursuing music, and that his long hair was “part of the job.” This anecdote is more than just a charming tale; it underscores the burgeoning counter-culture movement of the time, the nascent professionalism of the young musicians, and the deep, familial bond that existed within their circle. Lacy Van Zant’s intervention not only got Gary back into school but also tacitly endorsed the path he was forging, validating his artistic identity long before Lynyrd Skynyrd became a household name. These early experiences undoubtedly instilled in Gary a sense of resilience and an unwavering commitment to his musical calling.
A Battle with Health: Resilience in the Face of Adversity
While Gary Rossington’s cause of death has not been officially released, it is widely known that he bravely faced a series of significant health issues in his later years. His dedication to performing and his love for Lynyrd Skynyrd’s music were so profound that he often pushed through immense personal challenges to be on stage, much to the admiration of his bandmates and fans.
Rossington’s heart health had been a concern for many years. As early as 2003, he underwent a quintuple bypass surgery, a major procedure that would typically prompt many to slow down. Yet, Gary continued to tour and record, demonstrating his unwavering commitment. In October 2015, his family publicly revealed that he had suffered a heart attack. This news brought renewed concern for the guitarist, with his daughter poignantly sharing, “Please keep him and us in your prayers as well as all the amazing medical staff that have saved his life several times now,” as reported by Ultimate Classic Rock. These recurring health scares highlighted the physical toll that years of touring and the very act of performing took on his body, but they never fully extinguished his spirit.
His health struggles continued into the new decade. In July 2021, the band announced via a Facebook post that Gary had undergone emergency heart surgery once again. This forced him to step back from touring temporarily while he recovered. However, in a testament to his dedication and resilience, Rossington himself encouraged the band to continue performing in his absence. “After this past year, the country being shut down and everything we have all been thru, The Rossington’s encouraged the band to go perform in his absence,” the band stated. This decision underscored not only his profound love for the music and the fans but also his trust in his bandmates to carry on the legacy he had helped to build. His battle with chronic health issues was a testament to his incredible fortitude and his unwavering commitment to the music of Lynyrd Skynyrd, making his performances in later years all the more poignant and inspiring.
Family Life: A Private Man with a Public Passion
Beyond the roar of the stage and the enduring fame of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Gary Rossington cherished a rich and fulfilling private life centered around his family. He was married to the accomplished singer Dale Krantz-Rossington, a woman whose musical talents complemented his own, leading to their collaboration in The Rossington Band. Their marriage in 1982 marked the beginning of a lifelong partnership, both personally and artistically.
Together, Gary and Dale raised two daughters. While one of his daughters has largely maintained a private life away from the public eye, his other daughter, Mary Elizabeth Rossington, has occasionally shared updates about her father, offering glimpses into their family dynamic. The influence of his family even found its way into his music. When The Rossington Band released their 2016 album, Take It On Faith, Dale revealed in an interview with Rock Cellar that one of the songs was directly inspired by their daughters. She shared, “There’s one fun and crazy [song] called ‘Dance While You’re Cookin.’ I kind of cheated a little on that one; that song is more me singing to me daughters. Or it could be them singing it.” This anecdote beautifully illustrates the intertwining of his private world with his public artistic expression, showcasing Gary not just as a rock legend, but also as a devoted husband and father whose family was a constant source of inspiration and joy.
Gary Rossington’s Enduring Legacy
Gary Rossington’s passing leaves an irreplaceable void in the world of southern rock and beyond. He was more than just a guitarist; he was a foundational pillar of Lynyrd Skynyrd, a resilient spirit who faced unimaginable tragedies, and a steadfast keeper of a legendary flame. His distinctive guitar work, characterized by its soulful slide and powerful riffs, helped define an entire genre and inspired countless musicians.
From the early garage jams with Ronnie Van Zant to his unwavering commitment through multiple health crises, Rossington’s journey was one of profound dedication to his craft and his band. He embodied the grit and soul of southern rock, contributing to anthems that will resonate for generations. As the last original member of Lynyrd Skynyrd to pass, he carried the weight of history and the responsibility of preserving a sound that is uniquely American. His music will continue to echo through arenas and airwaves, a testament to his enduring talent and the timeless power of Lynyrd Skynyrd. Gary Rossington will forever be remembered as a true legend, whose legacy is etched in the annals of rock and roll history.