Leon Wilkeson: The Tragic Story of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Bassist
Leon Wilkeson: The Resilient Bassist of Lynyrd Skynyrd
Leon Wilkeson was an American musician best known as the bassist of the iconic southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. Born on April 2, 1952, in Newport, Rhode Island, Wilkeson spent his formative years in Jacksonville, Florida, where his passion for music began to take shape.
Early Life
Wilkeson’s admiration for The Beatles fueled his desire to become a musician. Inspired by Paul McCartney’s bass playing, he picked up the bass guitar at the age of 14. Determined to pursue his musical aspirations, Wilkeson made the difficult decision to drop out of his school band to focus on mastering his instrument.
Lynyrd Skynyrd
In 1972, Wilkeson’s talent caught the attention of Lynyrd Skynyrd, and he joined the band as the replacement for bassist Greg T. Walker. This marked the beginning of his remarkable journey with one of the most influential rock bands of the 1970s.
Wilkeson’s tenure with Lynyrd Skynyrd was characterized by incredible success. The band released a string of hit albums, including “Second Helping,” “Nuthin’ Fancy,” and “Street Survivors.” Their signature songs, such as “Free Bird” and “Sweet Home Alabama,” became anthems of the era.
On October 20, 1977, tragedy struck when Lynyrd Skynyrd’s plane crashed, claiming the lives of lead vocalist Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, and backup singer Cassie Gaines. Wilkeson survived the crash but suffered severe injuries. This devastating event marked a turning point in his life and the band’s history.
Post-Plane Crash
Following the plane crash, Wilkeson and the surviving band members took a hiatus to heal and rebuild their lives. During this time, Wilkeson contributed to the recording of the bass parts for the 1979 album “Contraband” by the band Alias.
In the 1980s, Wilkeson joined the Rossington-Collins Band, which released the album “Anytime, Anyplace, Anywhere.” However, his reunion with Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1987 marked a significant milestone in his career. The band embarked on successful tours and continued to release new albums, keeping their music alive for a new generation of fans.
Conclusion
Leon Wilkeson’s journey as the bassist of Lynyrd Skynyrd was marked by triumph and tragedy. Despite the devastating plane crash that claimed the lives of his fellow band members, Wilkeson displayed remarkable resilience and determination. His contributions to Lynyrd Skynyrd’s music and his enduring impact on the world of rock music solidify his legacy as a true legend.
Sources:
1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leon_Wilkeson
2. https://www.jacksonville.com/story/entertainment/music/2001/07/28/skynyrd-bassist-wilkeson-dies-at-49/11012642007/
3. https://www.guitarworld.com/features/leon-wilkeson-gibson-thunderbird-mod
FAQs
What was Leon Wilkeson’s role in Lynyrd Skynyrd?
Leon Wilkeson was the bassist of the renowned southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. He joined the band in 1972 as a replacement for bassist Greg T. Walker.
How did Leon Wilkeson contribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd’s success?
Wilkeson played a pivotal role in Lynyrd Skynyrd’s success. He contributed to the band’s signature sound with his bass playing and was a key member during their most successful period in the 1970s. Wilkeson’s bass lines can be heard on many of the band’s hit songs, including “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Free Bird.”
What happened to Leon Wilkeson during the Lynyrd Skynyrd plane crash in 1977?
Leon Wilkeson was involved in the tragic Lynyrd Skynyrd plane crash on October 20, 1977. The crash claimed the lives of lead vocalist Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, backup singer Cassie Gaines, and several others. Wilkeson survived the crash but sustained severe injuries.
How did Leon Wilkeson contribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd’s music after the plane crash?
Following the plane crash, Wilkeson and the surviving band members took a break from the spotlight to recover and rebuild their lives. During this time, he contributed to the recording of the bass parts for the 1979 album “Contraband” by the band Alias. He later reunited with Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1987 and continued to tour and record with the band.
Did Leon Wilkeson pursue any other musical projects outside of Lynyrd Skynyrd?
During the 1980s, Leon Wilkeson joined the Rossington-Collins Band, which released the album “Anytime, Anyplace, Anywhere.” He also collaborated with other musicians and artists throughout his career, but his primary focus remained on his work with Lynyrd Skynyrd.
What is Leon Wilkeson’s lasting impact on the world of rock music?
Leon Wilkeson’s contributions as the bassist of Lynyrd Skynyrd have left an indelible mark on the world of rock music. His distinctive bass lines and stage presence helped define the sound of southern rock during the band’s heyday. His resilience and dedication to music, despite the tragic plane crash, serve as a testament to his enduring legacy.
How did Leon Wilkeson adapt his Gibson Thunderbird guitar following the Lynyrd Skynyrd plane crash?
Leon Wilkeson made modifications to his Gibson Thunderbird guitar following the Lynyrd Skynyrd plane crash. These modifications were intended to enhance the playability and comfort of the instrument, allowing Wilkeson to continue performing despite his injuries. Details of the specific modifications can be found in the article source: https://www.guitarworld.com/features/leon-wilkeson-gibson-thunderbird-mod.
What was Leon Wilkeson’s cause of death?
Leon Wilkeson passed away on July 27, 2001, at the age of 49. The exact cause of his death was reported as natural causes. His untimely passing marked the end of an era for Lynyrd Skynyrd and left a void in the world of rock music.