Lynyrd Skynyrd may be a rock band, but they have immense crossover appeal. They’ve inspired artists of all genres, including another crossover act, Kid Rock.
Rock’s 2008 single “All Summer Long” samples Skynyrd’s iconic song “Sweet Home Alabama.” Rock credited Skynyrd’s Ronnie Van Zant, Ed King, and Gary Rossington on the track, since they wrote “Sweet Home Alabama.” The band’s keyboardist, Billy Powell, played piano for Rock’s recording.
Skynyrd and Kid Rock collaborated many times over the years. He was even on hand to induct the band into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006.
Because of his longtime relationship with Skynyrd, Rock grew incredibly close to guitarist Gary Rossington. Rossington was a co-founder of Skynyrd, and was the only surviving member of the original band still performing with the group in the modern day.
Sadly, Rossington passed away on Sunday (March 5) at the age of 71. The band released a statement announcing his death, saying:
“It is with our deepest sympathy and sadness that we have to advise, that we lost our brother, friend, family member, songwriter and guitarist, Gary Rossington, today. Gary is now with his Skynyrd brothers and family in heaven and playing it pretty, like he always does.
Please keep Dale, Mary, Annie and the entire Rossington family in your prayers and respect the family’s privacy at this difficult time.”
Upon hearing the news, Rock reacted by sharing a touching tribute to Rossington. He told the story about how he received his blessing to feature “Sweet Home Alabama” in “All Summer Long.” As Rock said:
“I was in LA after I recorded All Summer Long and heard my old friend Gary and a bunch of the other Skynrd band and crew were hanging at The Sunset Marquis. I went there and played it for them and they all gave me there blessing and support to release it, especially Gary…Heck, Billy Powell even agreed to play piano on it, which he did! So many great memories with Gary. One of the best to ever do it and a wonderful man. My prayers go out to Dale, his family and of course the band and all his friends. RIP Gary, your music and soul will rock on for eternity. -Kid Rock”
See Rock’s tribute to Rossington below.
Our hearts and prayers go out to the many people who knew and loved Rossington. He was one in a million.