Lynyrd Skynyrd Biography: Members, Age, Net Worth, Songs, Wikipedia, Height

Lynyrd Skynyrd is a renowned American Southern rock band formed in Jacksonville, Florida 1964.

Initially known as “My Backyard,” the band adopted its iconic name in 1969, inspired by a high school gym teacher known for enforcing strict grooming policies.

The classic lineup featured Ronnie Van Zant (vocals), Gary Rossington (guitar), and Allen Collins (guitar), among others. They gained fame with hits like Sweet Home Alabama and Free Bird.

Following a tragic plane crash in 1977, the band reformed in 1987 with Johnny Van Zant as lead vocalist. Lynyrd Skynyrd was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006.

Profile

• Full Name: Lynyrd Skynyrd
• Years active: 1964–1977, 1979, 1987–present
• Genres: Southern rock; blues rock; country rock; hard rock;
• Origin: Jacksonville, Florida, United States
• Labels: MCA, Atlantic, Capricorn, CMC International, Sanctuary, Universal, Roadrunner/Loud & Proud
• Nationality: American
• Members: Ronnie Van Zant (vocals), Gary Rossington (guitar), Allen Collins (guitar), Larry Junstrom (bass), and Bob Burns (drums). Over time, key members joined, shaping the band’s signature Southern rock sound. Notable later members included Leon Wilkeson (bass), Billy Powell (keyboards), Ed King (guitar), Artimus Pyle (drums), and Steve Gaines (guitar).
• Net Worth: Unknown

Early Life And Education

Lynyrd Skynyrd was founded in Jacksonville, Florida, in the summer of 1964. Originally named “My Backyard,” the band underwent several name changes before adopting “Lynyrd Skynyrd” in 1969, inspired by a high school gym teacher known for enforcing strict grooming rules.

The original lineup included Ronnie Van Zant (vocals), Gary Rossington (guitar), Allen Collins (guitar), Larry Junstrom (bass), and Bob Burns (drums).

Over time, key members joined, shaping the band’s signature Southern rock sound. Notable later members included Leon Wilkeson (bass), Billy Powell (keyboards), Ed King (guitar), Artimus Pyle (drums), and Steve Gaines (guitar).

Ronnie Van Zant (Lead Vocals)

Ronnie Van Zant, the lead vocalist of Lynyrd Skynyrd, was born on January 15, 1948, in Jacksonville, Florida.

He was the son of Lacy Austin Van Zant (1915–2004) and Marion Virginia (née Hicks) Van Zant (1929–2000). The eldest of six children, he had three sisters and two brothers, Donnie and Johnny Van Zant, who also became musicians.

He attended Robert E. Lee High School in Jacksonville but was more focused on music than academics. Van Zant was of Dutch heritage on his father’s side, though his religious beliefs were not widely known.

As the frontman of Lynyrd Skynyrd, he became one of the defining voices of Southern rock, known for his distinctive vocal style and storytelling lyrics.

His career was tragically cut short when he died in a plane crash on October 20, 1977, at the age of 29.

Gary Rossington (guitar)

Gary Rossington, the guitarist of Lynyrd Skynyrd, was born on December 4, 1951, in Jacksonville, Florida.

His father’s name is unknown, but he passed away shortly after Gary’s birth, leaving him to be raised by his mother. Rossington attended Robert E. Lee High School in Jacksonville but left early to pursue a music career.

As a founding member of Lynyrd Skynyrd, his signature guitar work became a defining element of the band’s Southern rock sound.

He was of white ethnicity, though his religious beliefs were not publicly documented. Rossington remained the last surviving original member of Lynyrd Skynyrd until his passing on March 5, 2023. His influence on rock music continues to be celebrated worldwide.

Allen Collins (guitar)

Allen Collins, guitarist and founding member of Lynyrd Skynyrd, was born in Jacksonville, Florida, on July 19, 1952. He was the son of Larkin Allen Collins Sr. and Eva Evelyn Brandies Strunk.

While he may have had siblings, their names are not publicly known. Collins attended Nathan B. Forrest High School in Jacksonville but focused primarily on music from a young age.

As one of the band’s key songwriters and lead guitarists, his work was crucial in shaping Lynyrd Skynyrd’s signature Southern rock sound.

He was of white ethnicity, though his religious beliefs were not widely documented. Collins‘ career was tragically cut short due to health issues following a car accident in 1986, and he passed away on January 23, 1990. His legacy continues to influence generations of rock musicians.

Larry Junstrom (bass)

Larry Junstrom, the American bassist, was born on June 22, 1949, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Carl Goddfred Junstrom and Rose E. Junstrom and had two brothers, John and Bill Junstrom.

While details about his formal education are limited, Junstrom showed an early passion for music, initially playing the saxophone and clarinet in school before transitioning to bass guitar.

Junstrom was of white ethnicity, though his religious beliefs were not publicly documented. His contributions to Southern rock spanned decades, and his legacy remains significant. He passed away on October 6, 2019.

Bob Burns (drums)

Bob Burns, the drummer and founding member of Lynyrd Skynyrd, was born in Gainesville, Florida, on November 24, 1950.

He was the son of Robert Lewis Burns Sr. and Jane Elizabeth Blasingame Burns and had four siblings: sisters Patti Lynn Burns and Deborah Burns McGuire, as well as brothers Michael Alan Burns and J. Darin Burns.

Burns grew up in Jacksonville, Florida, where he attended school and developed a passion for music. As the original drummer of Lynyrd Skynyrd, he played a key role in shaping the band’s early sound, contributing to their first two albums before departing in 1974 due to personal struggles.

He was of white ethnicity, though his religious beliefs were not publicly documented. Burns continued to perform occasionally in later years, but his life was tragically cut short in a car accident on April 3, 2015. His contributions to Southern rock remain essential to Lynyrd Skynyrd’s legacy.

Leon Wilkeson (bass)

Leon Russell Wilkeson, the bassist of Lynyrd Skynyrd, was born on April 2, 1952, in Newport, Rhode Island, to parents Russell and Mable Wilkeson.

Shortly after his birth, his family relocated to Jacksonville, Florida, where he was raised alongside his siblings, brother Ronald Lee Wilkeson and sister Marlene Wilkeson. Wilkeson initially developed a passion for music and initially joined his school band.

However, at age 14, he shifted his focus to the bass guitar, eventually becoming one of Southern rock’s most influential bassists. He joined Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1972 and played a crucial role in defining the band’s signature sound.

He was of white ethnicity, though his religious beliefs were not publicly documented. Wilkeson remained a key band member throughout their career, continuing to perform after their 1987 reunion. He passed away on July 27, 2001, leaving a lasting legacy in rock music.

Billy Powell (keyboards)

Billy Powell, the keyboardist of Lynyrd Skynyrd, was born on June 3, 1952, in Corpus Christi, Texas, to parents Donald Norris Powell and Virginia Marie Smiley.

He grew up with his siblings, brother Rick and sister Donna. His family later settled in Florida, where he spent most of his early years.

Powell attended Sanford Naval Academy in Sanford, Florida, before transferring to Bishop Kenny High School in Jacksonville. After graduating in 1970, he briefly attended a community college, where he majored in music theory.

His classical training and technical skills on the piano would later become a defining element of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s signature sound. Powell was of white ethnicity, though his religious beliefs were not publicly documented.

He remained integral to the band, contributing to some of its most iconic songs. He passed away on January 28, 2009, leaving behind a legacy as one of Southern rock’s most influential keyboardists.

Ed King (guitar)

Ed King, the guitarist of Lynyrd Skynyrd, was born on September 14, 1949, in Glendale, California, to parents Edward Claude King and Marjorie Anna Calhoun.

While details about his formal education are not widely documented, he developed a passion for music early, teaching himself to play guitar and performing in local bands during his teenage years.

Before joining Lynyrd Skynyrd, King was a founding member of the psychedelic rock band Strawberry Alarm Clock, known for their hit song Incense and Peppermints.

His unique playing style and songwriting contributions later shaped Lynyrd Skynyrd’s sound, particularly on classics like Sweet Home Alabama and Workin’ for MCA. King was of white ethnicity and practiced Christianity.

His influence extended beyond his time with the band, as he remained a respected figure in rock music. He passed away on August 22, 2018, leaving a legacy as a talented and innovative guitarist.

Artimus Pyle (drums)

Artimus Pyle, born Thomas Delmer Pyle, was born on July 15, 1948, in Louisville, Kentucky, at St. Joseph Hospital.

He is the son of Clarence “Del” Pyle, a construction superintendent and World War II veteran, and Mildred “Midge” Pyle. He has two sisters, though their names are not publicly known.

Pyle graduated from Eastmoor High School in Columbus, Ohio, in 1966. He later gained recognition as the drummer for Lynyrd Skynyrd, joining the band in 1974 and contributing to some of their most iconic recordings. He is of white ethnicity, but details regarding his religious beliefs are not publicly known.

Steve Gaines (guitar)

Steve Gaines was born on September 14, 1949, in Miami, Oklahoma, United States. He was the son of Bud Gaines and Cassie LaRue Hatfield Gaines.

He had two siblings: an older sister, Cassie Gaines, also a member of Lynyrd Skynyrd, and a younger brother, Bob Gaines.

Gaines was a talented guitarist and songwriter who joined Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1976. He contributed significantly to the band’s sound before his tragic passing in the 1977 plane crash. He was of American descent, but his religious beliefs were not publicly known.

Johnny Van Zant (vocals, joined after the band’s reunion)

Johnny Van Zant, the lead vocalist of Lynyrd Skynyrd, was born on February 27, 1959, in Jacksonville, Florida, to Lacy Austin Van Zant and Marion Virginia Van Zant.

He is the younger brother of Ronnie Van Zant, co-founder of Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Donnie Van Zant, founder of .38 Special. He also has three sisters.

While details about his formal education are not widely documented, Johnny began his music career early, performing with bands such as The Austin Nickels Band before eventually establishing himself as a solo artist.

He later became Lynyrd Skynyrd’s lead vocalist in 1987 when the band reunited after the tragic 1977 plane crash. The Van Zant family has Dutch heritage on their father’s side.

While specific details about Johnny Van Zant’s religious beliefs are not publicly known, he has expressed faith-based themes in some of his music and interviews.

Career

Lynyrd Skynyrd was formed in Jacksonville, Florida 1964 by Ronnie Van Zant, Bob Burns, and Gary Rossington.

Originally known as “My Backyard,” the band experimented with different names before settling on “Lynyrd Skynyrd” in 1969, inspired by a high school gym teacher known for enforcing strict grooming rules.

By the early 1970s, the band had solidified its lineup, including Allen Collins, Leon Wilkeson, Billy Powell, and Ed King. It was discovered by musician and producer Al Kooper, leading to a record deal with MCA Records.

The band gained national attention with its 1973 debut album, Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd, which featured the iconic song Free Bird. Its 1974 follow-up album, Second Helping, propelled it further into fame with the hit Sweet Home Alabama.

Lynyrd Skynyrd became known for its triple-guitar sound, gritty lyrics, and strong Southern identity, defining the Southern rock genre alongside bands like The Allman Brothers Band.

Tragedy struck on October 20, 1977, when a plane crash claimed the lives of lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, and backup singer Cassie Gaines, leaving the surviving members with serious injuries.

The band disbanded in the aftermath but reunited in 1987 with Johnny Van Zant, Ronnie’s younger brother, as the lead vocalist. Over the years, Lynyrd Skynyrd continued to tour and release music despite ongoing lineup changes.

Lynyrd Skynyrd was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006 and remains one of the most influential Southern rock bands in history, selling over 28 million records in the U.S. In 2018, they announced a farewell tour, which concluded in 2022.

Following the passing of Gary Rossington in 2023, no original members remained active in the band, yet their music continues to resonate with fans worldwide.

Social Media

Lynyrd Skynyrd does not have any active social media accounts.

Personal Life

Lynyrd Skynyrd has had a long and eventful history, with many members contributing to its legacy.

Ronnie Van Zant, the band’s original lead vocalist, was married to Judy Van Zant Jenness, and they had one daughter, Melody.

He tragically died in the 1977 plane crash alongside guitarist Steve Gaines, who was married to Teresa Gaines and had two children.

Gary Rossington, the band’s longtime guitarist, was married to Dale Krantz Rossington, a backing vocalist. They had two daughters, and Gary passed away in March 2023.

Allen Collins, another key guitarist, married Kathy Collins and had three children before his untimely death in 1990. Bassist Leon Wilkeson, drummer Bob Burns, and keyboardist Billy Powell played significant roles in the band’s success but passed away in later years.

Johnny Van Zant, Ronnie’s younger brother, took over as lead vocalist when the band reunited in 1987.

He is married to Lynne Van Zant, and they have two daughters. Other notable members included Ed King, Artimus Pyle, and Larry Junstrom, though personal details about some remain limited.

Over the years, Lynyrd Skynyrd has endured significant loss, with many original and longtime members passing away.

Despite these tragedies, their music continues to influence generations, cementing their status as one of the greatest Southern rock bands ever.

Discography

• (Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd) (1973)
• Second Helping (1974)
• Nuthin’ Fancy (1975)
• Gimme Back My Bullets (1976)
• Street Survivors (1977)
• Lynyrd Skynyrd 1991 (1991)
• The Last Rebel (1993)
• Endangered Species (1994)
• Twenty (1997)
• Edge of Forever (1999)
• Christmas Time Again (2000)
• Vicious Cycle (2003)
• God & Guns (2009)
• Last of a Dyin’ Breed (2012)
• One More from the Road (1976)
• Southern by the Grace of God (1987)
• Lyve from Steel Town (1998)
• Lyve: The Vicious Cycle Tour (2004)
• Live from Freedom Hall (2010)
• Last of the Street Survivors Farewell Tour (2020)
• Over 24 compilation albums, including Skynyrd’s First and… Last (1978), Gold & Platinum (1979), and The Complete Collection (2008)

Net Worth

Estimating the net worth of Lynyrd Skynyrd and its members can be challenging, depending on factors like record sales, touring revenue, and royalties.

The band has sold over 28 million records in the U.S., contributing significantly to its members’ financial success.

Gary Rossington, the band’s longtime guitarist, had an estimated net worth between $20 million and $40 million at his passing in 2023. Johnny Van Zant, who took over as lead vocalist after the band’s 1987 reunion, has an estimated net worth of around $10 million.

Guitarist and backing vocalist Rickey Medlocke has a net worth of approximately $3 million. While specific net worth figures for other members, such as Leon Wilkeson and Ed King, are not widely available, the band’s success has ensured that many of its members benefited financially.