Gary Robert Rossington was an influential American musician, born on December 4, 1951, in Jacksonville, Florida. He was best known as a founding member of the legendary Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, where he played both lead and rhythm guitar. Rossington was the last original member of the band until his death on March 5, 2023.

Rossington's passion for music began in his youth, eventually leading him to form a band called "The Noble Five" with friends Ronnie Van Zant, Allen Collins, Larry Junstrom, and Bob Burns in 1964. This group evolved into Lynyrd Skynyrd, which gained national fame with their debut album in 1973, featuring hits like "Free Bird." Rossington's guitar work was integral to the band's sound, particularly his slide guitar on "Free Bird" and lead guitar on "Tuesday's Gone."

His preferred instrument was a 1959 Gibson Les Paul, affectionately named "Berniece" after his mother. Rossington survived a tragic plane crash in 1977 that claimed the lives of several band members, sustaining severe injuries from which he eventually recovered.

In 1980, he co-founded the Rossington Collins Band with Allen Collins, releasing two albums before disbanding in 1982. He later formed The Rossington Band with his wife, Dale Krantz-Rossington, releasing two more albums in the late 1980s.

Despite health challenges, including a heart attack in 2015 and emergency heart surgery in 2021, Rossington remained active in music until his passing. He is remembered for his contributions to rock music and his enduring legacy with Lynyrd Skynyrd.