Ed King

Edward Calhoun King, widely recognized as Ed King, was born on September 14, 1949, in Glendale, California. His life and music career offer a fascinating study of the evolution of Southern rock and its widespread appeal in the latter part of the 20th century. An Indiana native raised amidst the burgeoning cultural shifts of post-war America, King's musical journey began in an era electrified by rock and roll’s rise and the Beat movement's sway. In his early days, King was drawn by the magnetic energy of rock music, taking his first steps into the music world as a teenager. In the mid-1960s, he co-founded the band Strawberry Alarm Clock, an American psychedelic rock band that would etch its name into the annals of pop culture with the 1967 hit "Incense and Peppermints." The single surged to the top of Billboard's Hot 100 chart, encapsulating the counterculture's eccentric spirit. King’s instrumental prowess, especially with the guitar, provided a vivid texture that resonated with the youth's desire for experimentation and rebellion. Despite the success with Strawberry Alarm Clock, King’s enduring legacy would be shaped largely by his association with Lynyrd Skynyrd, a band that became synonymous with Southern rock, characterized by its blend of rock, blues, and country music. In 1972, King fortuitously crossed paths with the members of Lynyrd Skynyrd while Strawberry Alarm Clock was on tour. This meeting marked the beginning of an iconic collaboration, as King was invited to join Lynyrd Skynyrd, initially as a bassist, due to the temporary absence of bassist Leon Wilkeson. His time with the band saw him shift roles to become one of the lead guitarists as Wilkeson eventually returned. King's tenure with Lynyrd Skynyrd from 1972 until his departure in 1975 was pivotal for both his career and the band's sound. He contributed significantly to their first three albums: "Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd," "Second Helping," and "Nuthin’ Fancy." His work on these records helped define the raw, driving sound of Southern rock that resonated across America. One of his most notable contributions was co-writing "Sweet Home Alabama," a song that swelled to iconic status, becoming an anthem that defied its Southern roots to gain a global audience. King's guitar riffs on this track, particularly the distinct opening, became a signature sound that generations of musicians and fans would recognize instantly. The classic Lynyrd Skynyrd band lineup, which King was a part of, was notorious for their vigorous tours and tumultuous internal dynamics. The band's lifestyle was often as intense as the music they created, and this high-octane environment led to situations that strained personal and professional relationships within the group. By 1975, this tension had reached a tipping point, prompting King's departure. Reports suggest altercations and aggravating tour conditions contributed heavily to his decision. Post-Lynyrd Skynyrd, King retreated from the high-profile music scene, although he never strayed far from his love of playing the guitar and songwriting. His hiatus from Lynyrd Skynyrd ended when he rejoined the band in 1987 for a tribute tour following the tragic plane crash in 1977 that claimed several members’ lives, including lead singer Ronnie Van Zant. This reunion facilitated King’s return to a stage that celebrated the enduring spirit of their music and the camaraderie within the band. King’s contributions during the second leg of his Lynyrd Skynyrd journey were subtle but significant, helping the band adapt to the changing rock landscape while retaining its essential Southern rock identity. Health problems eventually forced him to retire in 1996, closing the final chapter of his involvement with the band. Ed King passed away on August 22, 2018, in Nashville, Tennessee, leaving behind a complex legacy imprinted in the guitar strings across both the linchpins of psychedelic and Southern rock. His career, spanning different musical eras and styles, reflected a dedication to the craft—a journey from playing in garage bands to contributing riffs immortalized in rock history. In acknowledgment of King’s talents and contributions, Lynyrd Skynyrd was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006, a testament not only to Van Zant and the classic lineup but also to King’s indelible imprint on their music. His life story woven into the fabric of rock underscores a legacy that remains influential, echoing through the amplifiers of aspiring guitarists and established scholars of rock history alike. His narrative exemplifies the interplay of creativity, ambition, and the oft-unforgiving march of time within the music industry.