The Legacy of Garry Rossington, 1951–2023
How one musician found his niche and made a lasting legacy.
Gary Rossington (71), a songwriter and guitarist, was the co-founding guitarist of Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1966 along with singer Ronnie Van Zant, bassist Larry Junstrom, drummer Bob Burns and fellow guitarist Allen Collins in Jacksonville, Florida.
He survived an airplane crash in 1977 and went on to help restart the band as a ‘tribute to the fans.” He was an instrumental part of the classic three-guitar sound of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s hits such as “Free Bird” and “Sweet Home Alabama.” Some of their songs have been used in movies and commercials.
With the release of the group’s debut studio album, Lehnerd Sknnerd, in 1972, they gained much prominence in the music world. Their greatest hits included “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Simple Man,” “Gimme Three Steps,” “Tuesday’s Gone” and “Free Bird.”
Four years after the release of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s first Album, Rossington survived the airplane crash but the group’s guitarist Steve Gaines and backup vocalist Cassie Gaines did not. Rossington survived the airplane crash with broken arms, a broken leg, and a punctured stomach and liver.
The remaining members of the band disbanded after the crash. With Rossington on guitar and Van Zant’s younger brother Johnny singing lead, the band…
