Gary Rossington, founding member and lead guitarist for the legendary Southern Rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, passed away on March 5th, 2023 at the age of 71. He had suffered from numerous health issues, including diabetes and heart problems, for many years prior to his death. Born in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1951, Gary Rossington was a prominent figure in Southern Rock and country music. As a child, he learned how to play the guitar by teaching himself and then went on to form a band with his friends in high school. That band eventually became the iconic group Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Gary was the lead guitarist throughout their illustrious career. Lynyrd Skynyrd released their first record in 1973 and went on to become one of the biggest bands in the U.S., selling millions of albums and playing marathon, ground-breaking concert tours. As a result, songs like "Free Bird," "Sweet Home Alabama," and "Gimme Three Steps" became a cornerstone of Southern rock music. Gary Rossington was a survivor of a tragic airplane crash that killed and injured many band members and crew on October 20, 1977. Despite being temporarily paralyzed from the waist down, he recovered and soon returned to performing with the band. He retired from regular touring with the band in 1997, but continued to perform with Lynyrd Skynyrd for individual shows and benefit shows, He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Dale Krantz-Rossington, whom he married in 1976, and his three children: Cheryl Rossington, Larry Rossington and Richard Rossington. Gary Rossington's legacy as a formidable songwriter, musician and performer will live on forever in the hearts and minds of fans across the globe. He will be missed and remembered as a true Southern Rock legend.