INSIDER
Covering the Lynyrd Skynyrd plane crash tragedy left Tom Wills with traumatic memories, but lasting friendships
Read full article: Covering the Lynyrd Skynyrd plane crash tragedy left Tom Wills with traumatic memories, but lasting friendshipsTom Wills was the only Jacksonville reporter to have walked amongst the wreckage of the plane in the woods, and he shared the tragic story of Lynyrd Skynyrd with thousands of mourning hometown fans and beyond.
Lynyrd Skynyrd among 2024 inductees to Florida Artists Hall of Fame
Read full article: Lynyrd Skynyrd among 2024 inductees to Florida Artists Hall of FameLynyrd Skynyrd, a legendary band formed in Jacksonville, is among the 2024 inductees to the Florida Artists Hall of Fame, Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd announced on Wednesday.
Catching up with former Lynyrd Skynyrd drummer Artimus Pyle
Read full article: Catching up with former Lynyrd Skynyrd drummer Artimus PyleIt’s hard to believe it’s been 50 years since a guy named Artimus Pyle joined a band we know and love here in Jacksonville known as Lynyrd Skynyrd as the band's drummer.
Monument honoring late singer Ronnie Van Zant added to Lynyrd Skynyrd memorial in Mississippi
Read full article: Monument honoring late singer Ronnie Van Zant added to Lynyrd Skynyrd memorial in MississippiA new monument was added to the Mississippi Memorial Friday afternoon honoring those who died in the Lynyrd Skynyrd plane crash 46 years ago near the town of Gillsburg.
Rockin’ for a good cause: Concert raises money for survivors still dealing with effects of Lynyrd Skynyrd plane crash
Read full article: Rockin’ for a good cause: Concert raises money for survivors still dealing with effects of Lynyrd Skynyrd plane crashA production company put together a fundraiser Saturday to help out the five survivors of the Lynyrd Skynyrd plane crash that left them still dealing with health problems 40 years later.
Looking back on the life of the last founding member of Jacksonville’s legendary Lynyrd Skynyrd
Read full article: Looking back on the life of the last founding member of Jacksonville’s legendary Lynyrd SkynyrdThe last founder of the Jacksonville-based rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, Gary Rossington, died on Sunday at the age of 71.
Last founding member of Jacksonville’s own Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd passes
Read full article: Last founding member of Jacksonville’s own Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd passesThe last founder of the Jacksonville-based rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd has passed, according to a statement put out by the band’s official Facebook account.
Lynyrd Skynyrd to headline Hurricane Ian benefit concert in Southwest Florida
Read full article: Lynyrd Skynyrd to headline Hurricane Ian benefit concert in Southwest FloridaRock & Roll Hall of Fame group Lynyrd Skynyrd will headline a Hurricane Ian Benefit Concert at Hertz Arena next month, according to a release.
Outdoor Jacksonville music festival to honor members of Lynyrd Skynyrd
Read full article: Outdoor Jacksonville music festival to honor members of Lynyrd SkynyrdA music festival plans to remember and honor the members of Lynyrd Skynyrd who lost their lives over four decades ago in a tragic plane crash.
Jacksonville’s historic role in the founding of Southern rock
Read full article: Jacksonville’s historic role in the founding of Southern rockTheir names are world-famous: Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Allman Brothers Band, 38 Special, Molly Hatchet. Not as well known, however, is that those bands are among several who together pioneered a new kind of music nearly 60 years ago in Jacksonville. As the city celebrates its bicentennial, Southern rock endures and still thrives today.
Widow of Ronnie Van Zant says his final resting place has been moved
Read full article: Widow of Ronnie Van Zant says his final resting place has been movedThe widow of Ronnie Van Zant, the late lead singer of Lynyrd Skynyrd, has confirmed to News4JAX that his final resting place has been moved to a new location in the same cemetery.
Putting the spotlight on local businesses with “904 Day”
Read full article: Putting the spotlight on local businesses with “904 Day”A salute to local businesses! Saturday is "904 Day"--in the 904. The special ways you can celebrate Jacksonville businesses, and how some are using the opportunity to give back.
Man sought in theft of trailer loaded with Lynyrd Skynyrd memorabilia
Read full article: Man sought in theft of trailer loaded with Lynyrd Skynyrd memorabiliaOrange Park police have identified a suspect in the theft of a trailer loaded with Lynyrd Skynyrd memorabilia that was meant to be auctioned off for charity.
Trailer of Lynyrd Skynyrd memorabilia stolen before fundraising event
Read full article: Trailer of Lynyrd Skynyrd memorabilia stolen before fundraising eventAt a fundraising event for Jimmie Van Zant's cancer charity in Middleburg, Lynyrd Skynyrd memorabilia was supposed to be sold, but a trailer full of memorabilia was stolen Friday.
Out of work? Lynyrd Skynyrd feels your pain
Read full article: Out of work? Lynyrd Skynyrd feels your painJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Among those put out of work by the coronavirus pandemic is Jacksonville’s Lynyrd Skynyrd. Lead singer Johnny Van Zant said he’s trying to take care of the people who work for Skynyrd. “This thing swept us off our feet," Van Zant said. I think arenas will come along later.”UNCUT: Tom Wills’ full interview with Johnny Van ZantVan Zant said he doesn’t see much live music happening before the end of this year. “I was talking to a friend of mine and we were like, just think, all around the world there’s nobody playing music.
Lynyrd Skynyrd: Remembering a tragedy; honoring a legacy
Read full article: Lynyrd Skynyrd: Remembering a tragedy; honoring a legacyIt was a reunion like no other in the history of rock and roll. Loved ones of Ronnie Van Zant and Steve and Cassie Gaines were there. So were survivors of the Mississippi plane crash 42 years ago that killed Ronnie, Steve and Cassie, and assistant road manager Dean Kilpatrick of Jacksonville, the pilot and co-pilot. WATCH: ‘The Legacy of Lynyrd Skynyrd’ preview | A look at the documentaryAt 9 p.m. Thursday on WJXT’s sister station, CW17, I brought you these dramatic stories in an hour-long special, “The Legacy of Lynyrd Skynyrd." There will be an encore presentation of the special at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec 29, also on CW17.
Reba McEntire, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Rascal Flats to headline Florida Strawberry Festival
Read full article: Reba McEntire, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Rascal Flats to headline Florida Strawberry FestivalPLANT CITY, Fla. - There are 11 days of strawberries and music coming to Florida. The 85th annual Florida Strawberry Festival announced its 2020 concert lineup which includes country-music favorites Rascal Flats, Reba McEntire, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Sara Evans, Josh Turner, Eli Young Band and more. Floridians can head to Plant City to enjoy their fair share of strawberries and live music from Feb. 27 to March 18, 2020Festival-goers can get their hands on fresh strawberries, strawberry shortcake, strawberry shortcake milkshakes, strawberry coated nuts, chocolate-dipped strawberries, strawberry pie and cheesecake, strawberry pizza and more. Concert tickets are additional. The Oak Ridge Boys7:30 p.m. Rascal FlattsFriday, February 283:30 p.m. Tommy James & The Shondells7:30 p.m. Michael RaySaturday, February 293:30 p.m.
Rescuers, Mississippi locals behind monument at Lynyrd Skynyrd plane crash site
Read full article: Rescuers, Mississippi locals behind monument at Lynyrd Skynyrd plane crash siteJudy Van Zant, the widow of Lynyrd Skynyrd's lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, led the unveiling of a seven-ton granite monument to the six who died and 20 injured in the crash of the band's charter... Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.
Rescuers, Mississippi locals behind monument at Lynyrd Skynyrd plane crash site
Read full article: Rescuers, Mississippi locals behind monument at Lynyrd Skynyrd plane crash siteAt one point we parked and walked a dry creek bed the rest of the way to the crash site where I had stood amid the wreckage. It's eerie being back here after 42 years in this same spot where that plane broke apart," McDaniel said. So I bailed out and went to the crash site." "The plane had been re-configured into a tour plane with couches and such as that, and with 26 people aboard." The current band contributed very well, local people contributed, and the next thing you know, we got a monument.
Survivors of Lynyrd Skynyrd plane crash, families, fans commemorate site
Read full article: Survivors of Lynyrd Skynyrd plane crash, families, fans commemorate siteJudy Van Zant, widow of crash victim and Skynyrd lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, raised the curtain on a black granite monument on the roadside about 400 yards from the crash site deep in the dense woods. Etched in stone, one panel describes the history of the crash: "The plane was doomed. When the brief ceremony ended, Judy was surrounded by Skynyrd fans wanting a picture with her. Whether you're a fan of Lynyrd Skynyrd or not, you know a famous band crashed in your back yard and people died and people were seriously injured." Photo by Joe OwensJoining the Judy Van Zant at the ceremony was her daughter, Melody, and Melody's two children.
Family shares memories of man who inspired Lynyrd Skynyrd's name
Read full article: Family shares memories of man who inspired Lynyrd Skynyrd's nameWife, daughter reflect on Leonard Skinner's link to band, impact of Alzheimer's. If you need help with WJXT’s or WCWJ's FCC public inspection file, call (904) 393-9801.
Clay County exhibit featuring Lynyrd Skynyrd memorabilia
Read full article: Clay County exhibit featuring Lynyrd Skynyrd memorabiliaORANGE PARK, Fla. - Jacksonville might be best known as "The Birthplace of Southern Rock" thanks in large part to the legendary Clay County natives who formed bands Lynyrd Skynryrd and 38 Special. At the height of the band's fame, Lynyrd Skynyrd's plane crashed in Mississippi 42 years ago. Items from the exhibit are on loan from several private sources, including Donnie and Johnny Van Zant, and Ellen Powell, the widow of Billy Powell who played in Lynyrd Skynyrd. It will also be available for viewing during a concert featuring .38 Special, on Nov. 9, during which Donnie and Johnny Van Zant plan to appear on stage. Head to the Thrasher-Horne Center's website for more information on the exhibit and concert times.
Family shares memories of man who inspired Lynyrd Skynyrd's name
Read full article: Family shares memories of man who inspired Lynyrd Skynyrd's nameIs there a real Lynyrd Skynyrd? Questions like that one have been asked throughout the decades about Jacksonville's famous rock band. Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.
Larry Junstrom, Lynyrd Skynyrd and 38 Special bassist, dies at 70
Read full article: Larry Junstrom, Lynyrd Skynyrd and 38 Special bassist, dies at 70JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Larry Junstrom, the bassist for 38 Special and founding member of Lynyrd Skynyrd, has died at the age of 70. The Big Man on the Big Bass has left us, bandmates lamented in a message posted on 38 Specials Facebook page Sunday. He rocked arenas all over the world and succeeded in living his dream.Junstrom, who spent his golden years in Interlachen following his retirement, was an original member of the legendary Jacksonville southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, according to Clay Today. As the Toronto Sun reports, he later parted ways with the group and joined 38 Special. There will never be another like him.Junstrom is survived by his wife and family.
Lynyrd Skynyrd postpones tour for Gary Rossington's recovery
Read full article: Lynyrd Skynyrd postpones tour for Gary Rossington's recoveryJACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Lynyrd Skynyrd has postponed its Last of the Street Survivors Farewell Tour as its original band member and lead guitarist, Gary Rossington, recovers from heart surgery. It said the shows in Las Vegas, Nevada, and Wheatland, California, have been rescheduled for Oct. 18 and 19. RELATED: Lynyrd Skynyrd talks about future beyond farewell tour | Fans come out in droves for Lynyrd Skynyrd farewell tour | 41 years ago: Lynyrd Skynyrd's plane crashes in Mississippi"We all appreciate the well wishes for Gary and apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused," said Johnny Van Zant, the band's lead vocalist. "He can't wait to come back and perform at 100% for the fans. The band said he's expected to make a full recovery.