Gary Rossington is a well-known musician and guitarist who is famous for being one of the founding members of the iconic American rock band, Lynyrd Skynyrd.
He has been an integral part of the band since its inception in the 1970s and has played a pivotal role in shaping the band’s sound and success.
He passed away in march 2023 sadly
Gary Robert Rossington was born on December 4, 1951, in Jacksonville, Florida, United States.
He was raised in a musical family, and his parents were both musicians. His mother, Berniece Rossington, was a singer, while his father, Gordon Rossington, was a multi-instrumentalist who played various instruments, including guitar, mandolin, and fiddle.
Gary Rossington was introduced to music at a young age and started playing the guitar when he was just a child.
He was inspired by the sounds of rock and roll and country music and started performing at local bars and clubs in Jacksonville when he was a teenager.
In the late 1960s, Rossington met Ronnie Van Zant, who would later become the lead vocalist of Lynyrd Skynyrd.
The two musicians became good friends and started playing music together. They formed a band called My Backyard, which later evolved into Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Lynyrd Skynyrd was formed in 1964, and the band’s lineup consisted of Ronnie Van Zant, Gary Rossington, Allen Collins, Larry Junstrom, and Bob Burns. The band’s name was inspired by their high school gym teacher, Leonard Skinner.
Lynyrd Skynyrd gained popularity in the 1970s and became one of the most successful bands of the era.
The band’s music was a blend of rock, blues, and country, and they were known for their distinctive sound and guitar solos.
Gary Rossington was the lead guitarist and one of the primary songwriters of the band. He co-wrote many of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s biggest hits, including “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Free Bird,” and “Gimme Three Steps.”
However, Lynyrd Skynyrd’s success was marred by tragedy in 1977 when a plane carrying the band crashed, killing several members, including lead vocalist Ronnie Van Zant. Gary Rossington was one of the survivors of the crash and sustained serious injuries.
After the tragedy, Lynyrd Skynyrd disbanded, but Rossington continued to play music and later reformed the band with surviving members in 1987.
The new lineup included Johnny Van Zant, Ronnie Van Zant’s younger brother, on vocals. Lynyrd Skynyrd continues to perform and tour to this day, and Gary Rossington remains an integral part of the band.
Gary Rossington Wife and Children
Gary Rossington has been married twice in his life. His first wife was Mary Rossington, and the couple had one child together, a daughter named Mary Elizabeth Rossington. The couple divorced in 1978.
In 1982, Gary Rossington married Dale Krantz, who was a backup singer for Lynyrd Skynyrd. The couple has been together ever since and has two children together, a son named Taylor Rossington and a daughter named Mary Brianna Rossington.
Gary Rossington Net Worth
Gary Rossington’s net worth is estimated to be around $40 million. Most of his wealth comes from his successful music career and his association with Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Gary Rossington Siblings
Gary Rossington has one brother named Dale Rossington. Dale is also a musician and played bass guitar for Lynyrd Skynyrd for a brief period in the 1970s. Dale Rossington is married to Johnny Van Zant’s ex-wife, and the two couples are good friends.
Gary Rossington Legacy
Gary Rossington’s contribution to the world of music cannot be understated. He has been a part of Lynyrd Skynyrd since the band’s inception and has played a pivotal role in shaping the band’s sound and success.
His guitar solos and songwriting skills have inspired generations of musicians, and his legacy continues to live on.