Misspelled his name Leon Wilkeson, don't take offence! DURING THE EARLY NINETIES LEON GAVE ME A LARGE SUITCASE TO HOLD FOR HIM SO THAT HE WOULD NOT LOSE THE THINGS INSIDE THE CASE IN ANOTHER BAD SITUATION. JavaScript is disabled. Leon Wilkeson was born on April 2, 1952 in Jacksonville, Florida, USA. Copyright 2017 puresouthernrock.com All rights reserved. Leon Russell Wilkeson (April 2, 1952 - July 27, 2001) was the bassist of Southern Rock Band Lynyrd Skynyrd from 1972 until his death in 2001. . 5882154260616124480009 - Virtual International Authority File If you have questions, please contact [emailprotected]. Aliases: Wolfman (7) In Groups: TeeserTees. He was, a lot like Berry Oakley, in that he seemed to be an excellent judge of the "too much bass" line in the sand and exactly how far to step back from that line. Failed to delete memorial. Leon Russell Wilkeson April 4, 1952 - July 27, 2001. Leon was born in Rhode Island, but moved to Jacksonville at young age. In their 2003 album Vicious Cycle, remaining band members paid tribute to him in a song Mad Hatter, a reference to Leons trademark of wearing different hats while on stage. The Fenderbird bass mated a custom made Gibson Thunderbird body to a Fender Precision Bass neck. There was an error deleting this problem. /. Must have acquired it in the early 1980s. 75.119.195.81 Leon Russell Wilkeson (April 2 1952 - July 27, 2001) was the bassist of Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd from 1972 until his death in 2001.. Must have acquired it in the early 1980s. Items in the Price Guide are obtained exclusively from licensors and partners solely for our members research needs. Leon Wilkeson (Musician) Wiki, Biography, Age, Wife, Family, Net Worth Resend Activation Email, Please check the I'm not a robot checkbox, If you want to be a Photo Volunteer you must enter a ZIP Code or select your location on the map. He was previously married to Evelyn Susan Abner, Ronda Rose Britton, Sherrie Lynn Rigby and Rena Wolfe. Pin on Filed away: Articles of interest to me Mysterious incident left Leon Wilkeson near death a second time. . The Unsolved Murder of Lynyrd Skynyrd Bassist Leon Wilkeson Tune in to the video below to check out Leons singing chops! Lynyrd Skynyrd's Leon Wilkeson Dies | News | MTV Leon Wilkeson Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images Thanks for using Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from you. Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). . After developing a reputation as one of the best bass players in Jacksonville, Leonended up joining Lynyrd Skynyrd to replace bassist Greg T. Walker. Leon Russell Wilkeson (2. huhtikuuta 1952 - 27. heinkuuta 2001) oli yhdysvaltalainen basisti, joka oli Lynyrd Skynyrd-yhtyeen pitkaikainen jsen. UP FOR AUCTION IS this * PLANET HOLLYWOOD * SEATTLE * BASEBALL HAT * OWNED BY * LEON WILKESON * EMBRIODERED LETTERS * EXCELLENT CONDITION * * LEON HAD SOME BAD RELATIONSHIPS THOUGH HIS CAREER THAT DURING BREAKUPS CAUSED HIM TO LOSE MANY ITEMS HE HAD COLLECTED THROUGH THE YEARS ON THE ROAD. Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Mad Hatter" Is A Love Letter To Everything You've Leon Russell Wilkeson - Grave of a Famous Person on - Waymarking Wilkeson was in town to address charges of driving under the influence, for which he had been cited earlier that year. Sadly, Wikleson was seriously injured in the 77 plane crash which essentially destroyed the bands classic line-up and he lost much of his abilities as a premier pocket and melodic player. This memorial has been copied to your clipboard. Must have acquired it in the early 1980s. He was one of the survivors of the plane crash that took the lives of three band members frontman Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, and backup vocalist Cassie Gaines in 1977. He also gave me several things, including his lawn . Leon was my favorite LS member. Its hard to imagine Lynyrd Skynyrd without the spectacular talent and wit brought to the table by bassist Leon Wilkeson. It was also during this time that Wilkeson picked up the gimmick of wearing colorful hats onstage, garnering the nickname "Mad Hatter." Wilkeson can be seen playing this bass in a 1975 Lynyrd Skynyrd performance on the British TV series The Old Grey Whistle Test. Leroy Neiman Signed 11x14 Photo (PSA/DNA) South Park T-Shirt Tee Comedy Central TV Show Animated Sitcom Apparel Ne. With its outlaw/party-hearty image, tough Southern rock and solid touring, Skynyrd quickly became one of the top bands of the 1970s, scoring such hit albums as 1974s Second Helping, 1975s Nuthin Fancy, 1976s Gimme Back My Bullets and One More from the Road, plus 1977s Street Survivors and such hit singles as Free Bird and Sweet Home Alabama. It was also during this classic era that Wilkeson picked up the gimmick of wearing colorful hats onstage, garnering the nickname Mad Hatter.. With its outlaw image, tough Southern rock, and solid touring, Skynyrd quickly became one of the top bands of the 1970s, scoring such hit albums as 1974's Second Helping, 1975's Nuthin' Fancy, 1976's Gimme Back My Bullets and One More from the Road, plus 1977's Street Survivors and such hit singles as "Free Bird" and "Sweet Home Alabama." UP FOR AUCTION IS this * ATLANTA BRAVES 1991 * WORLD SERIES * BASEBALL HAT * OWNED BY * LEON WILKESON * EXCELLENT CONDITION * * LEON HAD SOME BAD RELATIONSHIPS THOUGH HIS CAREER THAT DURING BREAKUPS CAUSED HIM TO LOSE MANY ITEMS HE HAD COLLECTED THROUGH THE YEARS ON THE ROAD. Leon Wilkeson - Popular Bio Leon Wilkeson (Lynyrd Skynyrd) | Know Your Bass Player In 1979 another survivor of the plane crash Kevin Elson, who was the Sound Man for LYNYRD SKYNYRD at the time of the crash called saying he was going out on a World Tour with the group JOURNEY and they needed a Guitar Tech to go to the recording studio with them for their second album titled Evolution then also go out on the JOURNEY 1979 World Tour. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Born on April 2, 1952, in Newport, Rhode Island, but raised in Jacksonville, Florida, Wilkeson became a major Beatles fan just as he was becoming a teenager and began learning to play bass guitar in order to emulate his favorite Beatle, Paul McCartney. in fog,the back drop was a swamp and then out of no where came these green floating lights,they were attached to the hat Leon was . Search above to list available cemeteries. Wilkeson can be seen playing this bass in a 1975 Lynyrd Skynyrd performance on the British TV series The Old Grey Whistle Test. BETTER YOU GET IT THAN ANYONE ELSE * * COMES WITH DOCUMENT OF AUTHENTICY SUITABLE FOR FRAMING * ** PLEASE CHECK THE OTHER ITEMS I HAVE LISTED IN OTHER CATIGORIES THIS WEEK THIS WEEK ** I am the third roadie ever hired to work for the LYNYRD SKYNYRD BAND. On stage and on record, their full-throttle boogie style was both explosive and surprisingly graceful . Lynyrd Skynyrd signed with Al Kooper's production company, Sounds of the South, a joint venture with MCA Records, in 1973. Newport, Newport County, Rhode Island, USA, Ponte Vedra Beach, St. Johns County, Florida, USA. amzn_assoc_linkid = "3dade7dca27a107e53fc9f079283fe14"; So tonight, pay tribute, light a match, and tell your brothers and sisters about The Cat In The Hat. Last summer I was forced to leave the Road from touring with a Band that had been like family to me for 33 years because of the medication I had to take made me sick, and not good for the hard life that traveling on the road requires.. Other close friend's besides Leon Wikeson have recently died of Hep C so it forced me to leave the road , I resume treatments at the Cleveland Clinic Leaving few options under short notice but to sell the vast collection of LYNYRD SKYNYRD memorabilia saved from the last 33 years. Click below to begin your paid subscription. Lynyrd Skynyrd Hat - Etsy Early life. Close this window, and upload the photo(s) again. We will review the memorials and decide if they should be merged. [1], After the crash, Wilkeson and the other survivors mostly stayed out of the spotlight for the remainder of the 1970s, as they attempted to put their lives back together. Skynyrd Bassist Dies. or don't show this againI am good at figuring things out. When Lynyrd Skynyrd's bassist Greg T. Walker left the band, Wilkeson was brought in as his replacement. . His death was attributed to natural causes. check out Mad Hatter, from Skynyrd, it is a tribute to Leon Wilkeson, recorded after his death. Leon Wilkeson Discussion in 'Bassists [BG]' started by ChaosGwar, May 11, 2002. However, due to plummeting school grades, Wilkeson had to drop out of the group. Wearing a trademark stetson or a leather top hat, Wilkeson always cut a . Leon Wilkeson | Discography | Discogs We would especially like to feature independent artists to try and get them more exposure. Lieutenant Colonel in the Alabama State Militia. On stage and on record, their full-throttle boogie style was both explosive and surprisingly graceful as evident in the genre's landmark "Free Bird" and "Sweet Home Alabama." was born on April 2nd 1952 in Newport, Rhode Island, but raised in Jacksonville, Florida. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; Lynyrd Skynyrd poses for a portrait in September 1974 in Parsippany, New Jersey. Modeled by Jessica my daughter, Corrina, Steve Gaines's daughter and Mr Mark Barnes. Wilkesons death put the group in a difficult position, since an agreement with Ronnie Van Zants widow, Judy Jenness, mandated that at least three of Skynyrds longtime members would have to appear in order for the band to use the name Lynyrd Skynyrd. . Apr 10, 2003 #7. Leon Wilkeson - Wikipedia Lynyrd Skynyrd's plane crash: a southern ghost story | Louder . He had to play holding the bass in a more upright position because he couldnt fully extend his arm. Discover Detailed Biography Of Leon Wilkeson Wiki, Net Worth, Age, Fa. The Rossington-Collins Band got off to a good start, as their 1980 debut, '"Anytime, Anyplace, Anywhere," became a modest hit. Leon Wilkeson's father was alive, but was "the weirdest human being I had ever met in my life," according to King. More Items From eBay. He was 49 at the time of his death. [1] Wilkeson dropped out of his school band in order to focus on learning the bass at the age of 14 and shortly afterward was approached by a fellow student who told him that her brother was searching for a bassist for his band. UP FOR AUCTION IS this * ATLANTA BRAVES 1991 * WORLD SERIES * BASEBALL HAT * OWNED BY * LEON WILKESON * EXCELLENT CONDITION * * LEON HAD SOME BAD RELATIONSHIPS THOUGH HIS CAREER THAT DURING BREAKUPS Leon Wilkeson Biography, Songs, & Albums | AllMusic When he nailed the Skynyrd gig, a job which he held for life, Wilkeson got cold feet and sat out the bands debut platter Pronounced Leh-Nerd Skin-Nerd,waxed in 1973. 10 Details About the Fatal Plane Crash that Was the Death of Lynyrd Wilkeson died of natural causes . Tragic Details Found In Leon Wilkeson's Autopsy Report - Grunge.com Once Skynyrd gained popularity with hit songs such as "Freebird" and "Sweet Home Alabama," Leon started wearing crazy hats on stage, which earned him the nickname "Mad Hatter." . - my older sister was into Skynyrd! Was known for his many outrageous hats. Maybe 100 people there. Your credit card or PayPal account will be charged. It is the same illness Leon Wilkeson started with, he didn't treat it properly and Leon Wilkeson died 4 years ago. After the Allen Collins Band fizzled, little was heard from Wilkeson during the mid-1980s, except for a short-lived membership with Rocco Marshall's Christian-rock band Vision, which also included Billy Powell. (469) $17.78. In 2001, Leon Russell Wilkeson, also known as "The Mad Hatter of Southern Rock", and the bass guitarist of the band Lynyrd Skynyrd, was found dead in Ponte Verde Beach, Florida. "D'yknow Ronnie Van Zant's dad was a truck driver and he'd go with him on these drives up to New York and stuff as a kid." I tell my friend RJ one night during a round of shoot the musical shit. George C. Wallace as Aide-de-Camp with the rank of Hon. Who is Leon Wilkeson: Leon Wilkeson is a famous American musician. Leon Russell Wilkeson (April 2, 1952 " July 27, 2001) was the bassist of Southern rock Band Lynyrd Skynyrd from 1972 until his death in 2001. Wilkeson did manage to lay down bass parts for a release by Jacksonville band Alias, whose debut album, Contraband, was released in 1979 on Mercury. Wilkeson was one of the survivors of the plane crash that killed Ronnie Van Zant and guitarist Steve Gaines, though severe injuries would force Leon Wilkeson to find alternatives to playing bass. If you're an artist and think we'd like your music, get in touch. His hands had survived intact, but his fretting arm suffered such extensive nerve damage that its amputation was seriously considered. Leon Russell Wilkeson oli yhdysvaltalainen basisti, joka oli Lynyrd Skynyrd -yhtyeen pitkaikainen jsen. BUT SOME FRIENDS TO STAY WITH IN MANY PARTS OF THE COUNTRY DURING TRANSITIONS OF HIS LIFE. s Guitar Tech, doing all the maintenance on all the Guitars belonging to Guitarist ALLEN COLLINS - GARY ROSSINGTON - STEVE GAINES - and Bass Guitarist LEON WILKESON on the road and in the recording studio. (Yes, my hair was long and dark then and my signature felt hat was part of my identity.) https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/5861203/leon-wilkeson. Southern rocker talks retirement, hits, Ronnie Van Zant - al.com [1] The injury to his left arm was most concerning, as the dirty water of the swamp had already extensively contaminated his open wounds, and the additional surgery he would need to rebuild his face and arm with steel plates would raise his risk of infection even further. Subsequently he was left with a greatly reduced range of motion, which forced him to hold his bass close to his body and at a distinctive near-vertical orientation. HE SAID SOMEDAY I WILL GET THIS STUFF BACK FROM YOU .. You are only allowed to leave one flower per day for any given memorial. Salary in 2020. The band and its entourage went down in a plane crash on October 20, 1977, outside of Gillsburg, Mississippi, which left members Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines and Cassie Gaines dead and the rest suffering severe lacerations, broken bones and various internal injuries. This browser does not support getting your location. The words Fender, Telecaster, Stratocaster and the associated headstock designs are registered trademarks of the Fender Musical Instruments Corporation. If this item contains incorrect or inappropriate information please. Weve updated the security on the site. One More Time https://youtu.be/46PqCZHzBdw, Freebird (live) https://youtu.be/1kphg_kWMwE, I Got The Same Old Blues https://youtu.be/UporLxuEg1E, Cheatin Woman https://youtu.be/R4auSmfb2JU, Travellin Man https://youtu.be/_61OW8EUjwg, That Smell https://youtu.be/2n-azBfzcuU, I Never Dreamed https://youtu.be/eg6x3opGozk, Bass Solo (1987) https://youtu.be/q_MeNKcvHdE, Rossington-Collins Band Dont Misunderstand Me https://youtu.be/RZsYKYUYZeE, Born in 52, akin to many of his generation, Wilkeson learned his craft emulating such 60 70s bass icons including Sir Paul, Jack Bruce, Phil Lesh, Berry Oakley, John Entwistle, and Jack Casady. Galambos reports that leaving the scene moments after pronouncing Wilkeson dead, news had already leaked to the media, as he listened to the report on local FM radio. In 2001, Leon Russell Wilkeson, also known as "The Mad Hatter of Southern Rock", and the bass guitarist of the band Lynyrd Skynyrd, was found dead in Ponte Verde Beach, Florida. Dubbed the Mad Hatter by way of his proclivity for eccentric headwear on and off stage, among Wiklesons more notable instruments was a purchase from his aforementioned bass hero Entwistle the hybrid Gibson Thunderbird body and Fender Precision neck hence the moniker Fenderbird.. Worked for members of LYNYRD SKYNYRD since 1973, during that time I have held just about every job title one can hold while working for a rock band. Biography. Leon Wilkeson - Lynyrd Skynyrd | Fallen Heroes Of Southern Rock . amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; July 27, 2001 LeonWilkeson (bass player for Lynyrd Skynyrd from 1972 until his death). Leon Wilkeson | Equipboard [1] Wilkeson was seated next to Steve Gaines, and both were thrown face first into a bulkhead at high speed while still strapped in their airline seats. He played bass with them, until his untimely death in 2001. He was born on April 2, 1952 and his birthplace is Newport Rhode Island. Leon Wilkeson - Wikiwand Year should not be greater than current year. Here is the you tube version: Last edited: Feb 10, 2015. wesonbass . Leon Wilkeson - Wikipedia Stood right in front of the stage. Failed to report flower. Former bassist for Lynyrd Skynyrd . Funkster Supporting Member. Allen Larkin Collins loved that car and would have never sold it. $40.00 FREE shipping. The Tragic Death Of Leon Wilkeson From Lynyrd Skynyrd - Grunge.com ALLEN COLLINS BAND Rare PROMO LP (Lynyrd Skynyrd), FINAL LISTING :Original Signed LP :4 Original Members Of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Lynyrd Skynyrd * Allen Collins & Leon Wilkeson * Signed Album Cover, Leon Wilkeson Owned Shirt Lynyrd Skynyrd COA, ALLEN COLLINS BAND Southern Rock LP Lynyrd Skynyrd 1983, (Lynyrd Skynyrd)- Leon Wilkeson - Personal Unused Check, Lynyrd Skynyrd -pronounced Lp Signed By Ronnie-allen-gary-ed-leon-bob-bi, Autographed Lynyrd Skynyrd Nuthin' Fancy Album, Lynyrd Skynrd Leon Wilkeson Signature Guitar Pick Rare, 2023 - WorthPoint Corporation | 5 Concourse Parkway NE, Suite 2900. At the age of just 49, Wilkeson was found dead in a Florida hotel room in 2001. Please check your email and click on the link to activate your account. Last summer I was forced to leave the Road from touring with a Band that had been like family to me for 33 years because of the medication I had to take made me sick, and not good for the hard life that traveling on the road requires.. Other close friend's besides Leon Wikeson have recently died of Hep C so it forced me to leave the road , I resume treatments at the Cleveland Clinic Leaving few options under short notice but to sell the vast collection of LYNYRD SKYNYRD memorabilia saved from the last 33 years. Use the links under See more to quickly search for other people with the same last name in the same cemetery, city, county, etc. Since Leon was known for wearing crazy hats on stage, Skynyrd dedicated a song called "Mad Hatter" to him on their 2003 album, Vicious Cycle, the first album released after his death. Will really hate selling the 1932 Plymouth street rod that first belonged to Leon Wilkeson till Allen Collins finally talked Leon Wilkeson into selling it to him. A character in the supernatural thriller The Coffin (2008) refers to a person as Ol' Man Wilkeson. He was the bass guitarist for the Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. Wilkeson would play in both Rossington Collins Band and the Allen Collins band. In Rare Solo Moment, 'Mad Hatter' Leon Wilkeson Stuns With Spontaneous Leon Wilkeson | Page 2 | TalkBass.com Despite the raw grief were sure his bandmates experienced at his loss, Mad Hatter is anything but sad its a love letter to everything Lynyrd Skynyrd and their fans loved about Leon. January 28, 2009, Orange Park, Florida), Leon Wilkeson (b. April 2, 1952d. He continued his career, nonetheless, holding the bass chair in his bandmates two terrific post LS ensembles; Rossington-Collins, and later The Alan Collins Band until Skynyrd reconvened with Johnny Van Zant as vocalist. He was previously married to Evelyn Susan Abner, Ronda Rose Britton, Sherrie Lynn Rigby and Rena Wolfe. It was also during this time that Wilkeson picked up the gimmick of wearing colorful hats onstage, garnering the nickname "Mad Hatter." After the crash, Wilkeson and the other survivors bowed out of the spotlight for the remainder of the 1970s as they attempted to . Leon Wilkeson - Lynyrd Skynyrd - LiquiSearch Born on April 2, 1952 in Newport, Rhode Island, Wilkesons bass playing played an integral role in Lynyrd Skynyrds signature sound one of the top bassists in Jacksonville, his unique approach to writing bass parts and tendency to play in elaborate counter rhythms being responsible for classics like Gimme Three Steps. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; Former Strawberry Alarm Clock lead guitarist Ed King replaced Wilkeson during the recording of Skynyrd's debut album, Pronounced Leh-Nerd Skin-Nerd, but just as sessions wrapped up, King and vocalist Ronnie Van Zant both agreed that King wasn't suited to be a bassist. During a blood test last summer Hepatitis C was discovered in my liver. 200 _ 1 a Wilkeson b Leon f 1952-2001 4xx's: Alternate Name Forms (19) 400 0 _ a Leon Wilkeson c Amerikaans muzikant (1952-2001) On the memorial of one of Southern rocks saddest days, this is exactly what Lynyrd Skynyrd fans need a spirited celebration of a life as wonderful and unique as the hats Leon wore onstage every night for 3 decades. Leon Wilkeson would have been 49 years old at the time of death or 63 years old today. based on information from your browser. Tech, doing all the maintenance on all the Guitars belonging to Guitarist ALLEN COLLINS - GARY ROSSINGTON - STEVE GAINES - and Bass Guitarist LEON WILKESON on the road and in the recording studio. There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. Gregg, that guy was a little crazy and wild but that was just . A system error has occurred. His first name is "Leon" and his last name is . Leon Wilkeson - IMDb Leon Wilkeson | The Independent | The Independent Ed King always spoke very highly of LWs musicianship. Leon Wilkeson Biography - Musical artist | Pantheon Bandleader Ronnie Van Zandt and producer / mentor Al Kooper convinced Leon to rejoin the collective, and the rest, as they say, is history. LEON STAYED AT MY HOUSE OFTEN. After discussing the matter with Van Zant, Wilkeson was welcomed back into Lynyrd Skynyrd. Leon Wilkeson Tribute | Facebook Known for his outlandish hats, Leon Wilkeson survived the plane crash in 1977 that killed band members Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines and singer Cassie Gaines. Flowers added to the memorial appear on the bottom of the memorial or here on the Flowers tab. Woodstock 94 Collectors Set Framed Ticket,vip Pass Etc. Leon Wilkeson wearing Hat on October 17, 1977. Pictured are Artimus It's hard to imagine Lynyrd Skynyrd without the spectacular talent and wit brought to the table by bassist Leon Wilkeson.Born on April 2, 1952 in Newport, Rhode Island, Wilkeson's bass playing played an integral role in Lynyrd Skynyrd's signature sound - one of the top bassists in Jacksonville, his unique approach to writing bass parts and tendency to play in elaborate counter rhythms . Founding member Leon Wilkeson dead at forty-nine. They are at the top of my list of bands where every member was a great talent - Skynyrd, Led Zeppelin, The Who, Rush, etc. Try again later. In 1987 left the MARSHALL TUCKER BAND when I got the call to return to the new LYNYRD SKYNYRD BAND on the tour known as the TRIBUTE TOUR. BETTER YOU GET IT THAN ANYONE ELSE * * COMES WITH DOCUMENT OF AUTHENTICY SUITABLE FOR FRAMING * ** PLEASE CHECK THE OTHER ITEMS I HAVE LISTED IN OTHER CATIGORIES THIS WEEK THIS WEEK ** I am the third roadie ever hired to work for the LYNYRD SKYNYRD BAND. If you notice a problem with the translation, please send a message to [emailprotected] and include a link to the page and details about the problem. Leon was the first bass player I really took an interest in. Lynyrd Skynyrd | History, Members, Music, & Facts | Britannica Answer (1 of 5): Thanks for the A2A, John It is a Western hat, typically known as the Cowboy hat. Lynyrd Skynyrd's tribute to awesome basist Leon Wilkeson, who died in 2001. A medical examiner reported that Wilkeson was suffering from chronic liver and lung disease and died of natural causes. Leon Wilkeson, bassist and founding member of the legendary Southern rock group. Under Review. While declared an accidental death, many friends who knew Leon personally, including his personal manager, Dale Bowman, question many of the strange unexplained . . All Lynyrd SKynyrd Music is owned by MCA Records and Lynyrd Skynyrd. 100 Leon Wilkeson ideas in 2023 | lynyrd skynyrd band, lynyrd skynyrd Please enter your email and password to sign in. He left Skynyrd before their debut album, but was back in the line-up soon after it was released. Leon Wilkeson had a unique style in his playing and he made a huge contribution to Lynyrd Skynyrd sound. Here, you can discover the world of southern rock with latest news, videos and (eventually) find information on all southern rock bands in one easy location. This was even quoted by Billy Powell and late friends Leon Wilkeson, Allen Collins & Ronnie VanZant. On stage and on record, their full-throttle boogie style was both explosive and surprisingly graceful as evident in the genre's landmark "Free Bird" and "Sweet Home Alabama". Dean was the fourth roadie ever hired. Lynyrd Skynyrd Bassist Leon Wilkeson Cheated Death Twice Only to