Word came through on Thursday that Ed King, known for his work in the Strawberry Alarm Clock and as the third guitarist in Lynyrd Skynyrd, has passed away at the age of 68. King’s Facebook page confirmed the news with the following message:
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.
King joined Skynyrd in 1972 as the Southern rock group‘s third guitarist, appearing on the band’s first three records. He’s also credited as a co-writer for “Sweet Home Alabama,” arguably the most universally-known song the band put out in its career:
Using the band’s Twitter account, Skynyrd guitarist Gary Rossington shared his condolences from the road, where the band is out on its farewell run:
Lynyrd Skynyrd✔@Skynyrd
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 & Roll Heaven. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sharon and his family. -Gary Rossington 11:54 AM - Aug 23, 2018
Rest in peace, Ed King.
Rest in Peace, Lynyrd Skynyrd Guitarist Ed King: 1949-2018 added by Rock Cellar Magazine Staff on August 23, 2018
#1: Deckard To: Stoner, sneakypete, *music (#0)
Wow - I never knew that! He played both guitar and bass in that band.
I love the song "Incense and Peppermints, arguably one of the best examples of 1960's psychedelic music. They didn't have any other hits as big. "Unwind With The Clock" is a pretty cool little jazz/rock instrumental, complete with Farfisa organ. It reached #23 in 1968.
I can't say I was ever a huge fan of Skynard. I liked their music and their talent was undeniable. They always seemed derivative of other southern rock bands like The Allman Brothers and The Outlaws.
Deckard posted on 2018-08-24 18:59:11 Reply Private Reply
#2: Stoner To: Deckard (#1)
I liked Skynard pretty well. I don't think I have any. Had one, and something happened to it. I knew guys that could never get enough of them, had all their albums, bunch of posters, T Shirts, etc.
May he RIP !!
Stoner posted on 2018-08-24 22:38:42 Reply Private Reply
#3: GrandIsland To: Deckard (#1)
Looks like he had lung cancer.
GrandIsland posted on 2018-08-24 23:59:44 Reply Private Reply
#4: CZ82 To: Deckard (#1)
Some offshoots of them were 38 Special, Rossington Collins Band, Allen Collins Band.
CZ82 posted on 2018-08-25 09:40:59 Reply Private Reply