Former Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Ed King has died at the age of 68. A Facebook post revealed the news, saying "It is with great sorrow we announced the passing of Ed King who died at his home in Nashville, Tennessee on August 22, 2018. We thank his many friends and fans for their love and support of Ed during his life and career."
Although he was not a founding member of the band, King joined Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1972 and performed on the band's first three studio albums, 1973's (Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd), 1974's Second Helping and 1975's Nuthin' Fancy. On those three albums, King is credited for guitar, bass and backing vocals.
Ed left Skynyrd in 1975, citing exhaustion from touring. Skynyrd disbanded in 1977 following the death of Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines and Cassie Gaines in a plane accident. In 1987, the band reunited with Van Zant's brother Johnny and King also rejoined the band. He recorded and toured until 1996, when he began having serious issues with his heart.
King was enshrined in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006 with all of the other members of Lynyrd Skynyrd that were in the band before the plane crash.
Photo Credit: Ed King on Facebook