Ed King, the one time guitarist player for Lynyrd Skynyrd and before that Strawberry Alarm Clock, has died at the age of 68.
King was a founding member of Strawberry Alarm Clock. They had a number hit with ‘Incense and Peppermints’ in 1967.
In 1972 King joined Lynyrd Skynyrd after meeting the band when Lynyrd Skynyrd supported Strawberry Alarm Clock. He was originally the bass player for the band replacing original member Leon Wilkeson but switched to guitar when Leon came back.
Ed King co-wrote Lynyrd Skynyrd’s signature song ‘Sweet Home Alabama’.
King left Lynyrd Skynyd in 1976 and was replaced by Steve Gaines. He rejoined the band in 1987 and left again in 1996 after suffering congestive heart failure.
Ed had been battling cancer. A statement at his Facebook page announced his death.
It is with great sorrow we announce the passing of Ed King who died at his home in Nashville, Tennessee on August 22nd, 2018.
We thank his many friends and fans for their love and support of Ed during his life and career.
Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Gary Rossington said in a statement:
I’ve just found out about Ed’s passing and I’m shocked and saddened. Ed was our brother, and a great songwriter and guitar player. I know he will be reunited with the rest of the boys in Rock and Roll Heaven. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sharon and his family. -Gary Rossington
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