About
Gary Rossington is an American guitarist, songwriter, and founding member of the Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. He was born on December 4, 1951, in Jacksonville, Florida, USA. Rossington started playing the guitar at a young age and was heavily influenced by blues, country, and rock and roll music.
In 1964, Rossington met Ronnie Van Zant and they formed a band called My Backyard, which later evolved into Lynyrd Skynyrd. Along with Van Zant, Rossington was the primary songwriter for the band, contributing to some of their biggest hits such as “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Free Bird”.
Throughout his career, Rossington has faced numerous personal challenges, including health issues and the tragic loss of his bandmates in the 1977 plane crash that killed Van Zant and several other members of the band. Despite these challenges, Rossington has continued to play music and tour with Lynyrd Skynyrd, helping to keep the band’s legacy alive.
Rossington has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and continues to be a highly respected and influential musician in the world of Southern rock.
Bio
| Full Name | Gary Robert Rossington |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 4, 1951 |
| Died | March 5, 2023 |
| Place of Birth | Jacksonville, Florida, USA |
| Zodiac | Sagittarius |
| Weight(Approx.) | 69 kg (152 lbs) |
| Height(Approx.) | 5′ 10” (178 cm) |
| Wife | Dale Krantz Rossington |
| Parents | Berniece Rossington |
| Children | Mary Elizabeth Rossington |
| Occupation | Musician, Songwriter, Guitarist |
| Years Active | 1964 – Present |
| Genre | Southern Rock |
| Instruments | Guitar |
| Bands | Lynyrd Skynyrd |
| Primary Role | Founding Member, Guitarist, Songwriter |
| Notable Songs | “Sweet Home Alabama”, “Free Bird” |
| Health Issues | Multiple heart surgeries |
| Personal Tragedy | Lost several bandmates in 1977 plane crash |
| Legacy | Highly respected and influential musician in Southern rock |
Gary Rossington some top songs
- “Sweet Home Alabama” (1974) – This iconic song is one of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s most popular and recognizable hits, with Rossington’s memorable guitar riff and solo.
- “Free Bird” (1973) – Another classic Skynyrd song, “Free Bird” features Rossington’s soaring guitar work and a legendary extended solo.
- “Simple Man” (1973) – A ballad that showcases Rossington’s versatility as a guitarist, with a beautiful solo that complements the song’s emotional lyrics.
- “Gimme Three Steps” (1973) – A catchy tune with a fun guitar riff, this song is another fan favorite from Skynyrd’s early years.
- “Saturday Night Special” (1975) – This hard-driving rocker features Rossington’s heavy riffing and soloing, adding to the song’s sense of urgency.
- “That Smell” (1977) – A cautionary tale about the dangers of drug abuse, this song features Rossington’s gritty guitar work and a memorable opening riff.
- “Tuesday’s Gone” (1973) – A slower, more contemplative song that showcases Rossington’s ability to create a beautiful melody and add tasteful fills and solos.
Awards
| Award | Year |
|---|---|
| Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction (with Skynyrd) | 2006 |
| Grammy Hall of Fame (for “Sweet Home Alabama”) | 2012 |
| National Medal of Arts | 2019 |
| ASCAP Founders Award (with Skynyrd) | 2020 |
Gary rossington net worth
Gary Rossington’s net worth is estimated to be around $40 million as of 2023. Much of his wealth comes from his long and successful career as a musician with Lynyrd Skynyrd, one of the most popular Southern rock bands of all time. Rossington has been a part of Skynyrd since its inception in the late 1960s and has been a driving force behind many of the band’s biggest hits.
In addition to his work with Skynyrd, Rossington has also released solo material and collaborated with other musicians. He has also been involved in various business ventures, including owning and operating a motorcycle dealership in Florida.
Despite health issues and personal tragedy, Rossington has continued to tour and record with Skynyrd, helping to keep the band’s legacy alive. His contributions to music, particularly in the realm of Southern rock, have cemented his place as one of the genre’s most influential and respected guitarists.
Some facts about Gary rossington
Source : Thedailybeast
- Rossington’s first guitar was a Sears Silvertone, which he bought for $5 at a pawn shop.
- Rossington has had multiple heart surgeries, including a quintuple bypass in 2016.
- In addition to playing guitar, Rossington is also skilled on the harmonica.
- Rossington was heavily influenced by blues and country music, as well as rock and roll legends like Chuck Berry and Elvis Presley.
- Rossington has been a member of Lynyrd Skynyrd since its early days, and he co-wrote some of the band’s most famous songs, including “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Free Bird.”
- Rossington has collaborated with other musicians over the years, including The Rossington Collins Band, which he formed with fellow Skynyrd member Allen Collins.
- Rossington has owned and operated a motorcycle dealership in Jacksonville, Florida.
- Rossington’s wife, Dale Krantz-Rossington, is also a musician and has performed with Skynyrd in the past.
- Rossington is known for his distinctive playing style, which often involves using his fingers instead of a guitar pick.