Former Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Ed King died Wednesday at his home in Nashville. He was 68.
A cause of death was not specified in a statement from King's family, however, earlier reports noted that King had been fighting lung cancer.
King, who joined the iconic Southern rock band in 1972, played an important role in crafting highlights of Lynyrd Skynyrd's catalogue, having co-written hits like “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Free Bird.”
Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Gary Rossington, who is the only original member still in the band, said he was “shocked and saddened” by King's death.
“Ed was our brother, and a great songwriter and guitar player,” Rossington said. “I know he will be reunited with the rest of the boys in rock and roll heaven.”
After co-founding the cult-psychedelic rock pioneers Strawberry Alarm Clock in the late-60s, King offered to join Lynyrd Skynyrd after hearing the band rehearsing before a gig at a Florida bar.
King first performed with the band when it needed someone to fill-in for bassist Leon Wilkeson. He became a full-fledged member after being added as the band's third guitarist.
King left Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1975 amid growing friction between himself and singer Ronnie Van Zant.
Original article by Andrew Magnotta at iHeartRadio