musicNEWS:
Lynyrd Skynyrd loses another founding member.
7-30-01
antiGUY
Leon Wilkeson bassist and founding member
of southern rock giants Lynyrd Skynyrd died Friday (July 27) at the age
of 49.
According to a statement released by the
groups publicity company Chipster Entertainment, Wilkenson died in his
sleep but the statement did not elaborate on cause of death. A statement
on the bands official website said more details concerning the circumstances
surrounding Wilkeson's death will be revealed as they are known.
The band is best known for their AOR radio
hits Sweet Home Alabama, Free Bird and That Smell. The bands history
is a story of tragedy and triumph. In 1977 they lost vocalist Ronnie
Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines and background singer Cassie Gaines when
the bands charter plan crashed. The band regrouped in 1987 with Johnny
Van Zant, Ronnie's younger brother, taking over vocal duties. Shortly after
the band was reunited, they lost another founding member. Allen Collins
died from complications while battling pneumonia. In 1986, Collins was
paralyzed as the result of an auto accident.
A memorial service for Leon Wilkeson will
be held on Wednesday, August 1st at 11:00 am at the Evergreen Cemetery
in Jacksonville, Fla. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial
contributions be made to the Musician's Assistance Program (MAP). 817 Vine
Street, Suite 219, Hollywood, Calif., 90038.
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