Gary Robert Rossington was a founding member and guitarist of the Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd until his passing. He was also a founding member of the Rossington Collins Band with former bandmate Allen Collins. Notably, Rossington was the last surviving original member of Lynyrd Skynyrd at the time of his death.
December 4, 1951: Gary Rossington is born
Gary Robert Rossington was born on December 4, 1951.
1959: Rossington acquires his iconic guitar, "Bernice"
In 1959, Gary Rossington bought a 1959 Gibson Les Paul from a woman whose boyfriend had left her. He named the guitar "Berniece" after his mother.
1964: Formation of Lynyrd Skynyrd
In the summer of 1964, Gary Rossington, Ronnie Van Zant, and Bob Burns, who met through playing baseball, had an impromptu jam session. They enjoyed it so much that they decided to form a band, which would eventually become Lynyrd Skynyrd.
1969: Lynyrd Skynyrd gets its name
After experimenting with names like The Noble Five and The One Percent, the band settled on the name Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1969.
1976: Rossington's car accident
In 1976, Gary Rossington was involved in a serious car accident after hitting an oak tree while under the influence. This incident inspired the Lynyrd Skynyrd song "That Smell".
October 20, 1977: The Lynyrd Skynyrd Plane Crash
On October 20, 1977, Lynyrd Skynyrd experienced a devastating plane crash. While Gary Rossington survived with serious injuries, bandmates Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines, Cassie Gaines, and three others lost their lives.
1980: Formation of the Rossington Collins Band
In 1980, Gary Rossington and Allen Collins formed the Rossington Collins Band.
1982: Gary Rossington marries Dale Krantz
Gary Rossington married Dale Krantz in 1982.
1982: Dissolution of the Rossington Collins Band
The Rossington Collins Band disbanded in 1982 following the death of Allen Collins' wife.
1986: The Rossington Band's first album release
Gary Rossington, along with his wife, Dale Krantz-Rossington, formed The Rossington Band, which released its first album in 1986.
1988: The Rossington Band's second album release
The Rossington Band, fronted by Gary Rossington, released their second album in 1988.
October 8, 2015: Rossington suffers a heart attack
On October 8, 2015, Gary Rossington suffered a heart attack, leading to the cancellation of two Lynyrd Skynyrd concerts.
2019: Larry Junstrom, last original member besides Rossington, passes away
With the passing of bassist Larry Junstrom in 2019, Gary Rossington became the last surviving original member of Lynyrd Skynyrd.
July 2021: Rossington undergoes heart surgery
In July 2021, Gary Rossington underwent emergency heart surgery.
March 5, 2023: Gary Rossington passes away
On March 5, 2023, Gary Rossington, founding guitarist of Lynyrd Skynyrd, passed away. He was the last surviving founding member of the band.
2023: Gary Rossington continues to play with Lynyrd Skynyrd
Until his death in 2023, Gary Rossington continued to play with Lynyrd Skynyrd.
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