Ed King, former guitarist for legendary southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, has passed away. He was 68.
"It is with great sorrow we announce the passing of Ed King who died at his home in Nashville, Tennessee on August 22nd, 2018," a post on King's Facebook page reads. "We thank his many friends and fans for their love and support of Ed during his life and career."
A California native, King played with Lynyrd Skynyrd from 1972-75 and 1987-1996. He helped co-write the band's legendary hit "Sweet Home Alabama," and is the voice who counts off the track in its studio recording. He also helped pen Skynyrd hits like "Saturday Night Special," "Poison Whiskey," "I Need You" and "Workin' For MCA." He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside his bandmates in 2006.
King was also an original member of the psychedelic rock band Strawberry Alarm Clock, which was best known for its 1967 hit song "Incense and Peppermints."
According to NewsChannel 5, King had recently been battling cancer.
Funeral arrangements are currently pending.
