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BORN
1949
DIED
2018
Ed King Obituary
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We invite you to share condolences for Ed King in his Guest Book below.
Died: August 22, 2018. He was 68 years old.
Details of Death: A message on King’s Facebook page confirmed his passing. “It is with great sorrow we announce the passing of Ed King who died at his home in Nashville, Tennessee on August 22nd, 2018. We thank his many friends and fans for their love and support of Ed during his life and career.” It was reported that he had been battling lung cancer.
Memorable Moments: King was a founding member of the psychedelic rock group Strawberry Alarm Clock and had a hand in co-writing their hit song “Incense and Peppermints.” In 1972, he joined Lynyrd Skynyrd and played with the band on their first three albums. He co-wrote the Southern Rock anthem “Sweet Home Alabama” and came up with the instantly recognizable guitar riff for that song. He is the voice heard on record counting off the start of the song saying “1,2,3….” He left the band in 1975 and rejoined them from 1987 until 1996.
Notable Quote: “Oh yeah. I remember after we wrote it, Ronnie [lead singer Ronnie Van Zant] saying to me, “There’s our ‘Ramblin’ Man.” The Allmans had their big hit and he said that was ours. I believed it, too—it was just a very cool song, from the moment we wrote it—it was like a feel-good song.” – King in an interview with Guitar Muse when asked if he knew “Sweet Home Alabama” was going to be a hit song.
What people said about him: Original Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Gary Rossington released a statement. “I’ve just found out about Ed’s passing and I’m shocked and saddened,” he said. “Ed was our brother, and a great songwriter and guitar player. I know he will be reunited with the rest of the boys in Rock and Roll Heaven. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Memories and Condolences
for Ed King
266 Entries
William Hawley
June 13, 2025
Ed,i never got to see you in concert with Lynrd Skynrd,but from what I have seen I'm really impressed by the way you hit the strings playing in the songs you'd played with Gary leon and Allen. It would have been an awesome experience had i witnessed you and the rest of the band live in concert. Hope you're up there and all just reliving your experiences together and with all who went before you did.
Jimmy Danelli
March 24, 2025
I remember the day you found out that you were in Skynyrd. "Jimmy, I'm in Lynard Skynyrd!" you said overjoyed. We were at your apartment in Glendale. It seems like it was just yesterday.
Tom Wise
December 14, 2024
To Mr King I just wanted to pay my respects and love for you with this! Thank You Thank You Thank You from the bottom of my heart for shaping my life without you there would be no Skynyrd. You deserve more Respect! and you deserve more Acclaim! You were the heart and soul of Lynyrd Skynyrd from Sweet Home Alabama, Working for a MCA, Saturday Special thank you for those songs that I listen to everyday thank you for being you and without you Mr King there would be no great rifts and powerful guitar playing. Your the G.O.A.T and always will be and you'll live forever in the history of Rock and Roll and the Heavens Above, I hope when I go to Heaven I want to see you and all the boys from Skynyrd playing the whole Second Helping Album that's what I want. Love you Ed King Always Will
Terry Murphy
November 2, 2024
Thank you ed for all the amazing music you left us too love for many years R.I.P buddy and a massive thank you
Gene Greco
September 7, 2024
Ed was Lynyrd Skynyrd. The early albums are fantastic due to Ed's influence. Ed was my childhood idol (and still is). I still try to play like him but never will!
Patrick Tanchak
August 24, 2023
Great musician
T Garrity
August 22, 2023
Thinking of you on the anniversary of your passing .
Thank you for the Music ,Conversations on Facebook and your Friendship
Duane Starrett
August 22, 2023
Thanks for being a huge part of the playlist of my life...
Randall Stover
August 22, 2023
Your spirit lives on every time I listen to a Skynyrd song. I truly miss your Facebook posts and the beautiful pictures of your trips with the pups on the boat. Rock and Roll heaven gained a musician and the heavens gained a star. Rest in peace Ed.....
Anna Ethington
August 22, 2023
A few strings are we. Magnificent Melody. Input makes output.
Michael Peters
March 22, 2023
Awesome guitarist, real, kind, humble human being. Two of my favorite Skynyrd songs, Whiskey Rock-a-Roller & Sweet Home Alabama, Ed was a big part of. Thanks for the great music & beautiful memories. Rock on Ed!
Don Walton
March 29, 2022
The original whisky rocka roller! Greatest song ever. Written by Ed! They don't make em like him anymore! We miss you!
Johanna Renfro
November 19, 2021
Ed, you influenced me with SAC, your first band, and later your compositions with Lynyrd Skynyrd. Glendale is where our band played too. You were a gifted songwriter/guitarist and the world is missing you and your many talents. I had to tell you, Mr Ed King, thank you for all you gave usalways & forever rock on!
Linda Darnold
March 19, 2021
You were a great Guitarist, I was so honored to have met you. You are so missed!
Mike Burns
March 17, 2021
Watching the Skynrd documentary and it was clear that Ed was a major part
of the writing, production, and arrangement of their best songs. Ed cama across
as honest and thoughtful. One of my favorites, RIP
Karla Goulette
August 24, 2020
You were an amazing guitarist, and mentor and I do hope you were able to pass off some of your great gift too deserving guitarist!
Andrea Vanasco
August 23, 2020
Grande chitarrista,grande tecnico. Grazie per il bellissimo riff di Sweet home Alabama.
John O'Regan
August 22, 2020
A great guitarist and visionary player. May he rest in peace.
Michael Asby
May 29, 2020
Heartbroken.....Ed was so so talented with his riffs and fills. I cant look at my strat without thinking of how much he influenced me.
Robert Simmons
June 23, 2019
Huge fan, and Ed was one of the best guitarists and song writers in the world. Your in good company up in Rock and roll heaven brother. Thanks for all of the tunes!
Jerome Klaric
June 16, 2019
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Gregory Williams
June 5, 2019
Thank you for the music and Rest In Peace
Mark Parkey
March 16, 2019
I enjoyed your music for decades. Thank you for everything and God bless.
Kenny Redd
February 19, 2019
I extend heartfelt condolences to Ed King's family. I recently began to watch videos where Ed talked about his career. It is obvious he was a very talented and you could tell he had a kind and approachable personality. He will not be forgotten.
Robert Wade
February 19, 2019
God bless you Ed, it was a awesome concert every time you played!
Johnny King
February 13, 2019
Ed King was a great guitarist and a quality human being. I find myself lately going to his Facebook posts and YouTube videos to hear him discuss guitars and show all of us how to play some of his iconic riffs. A sincerely kind and humble man.
Chris Carson
February 10, 2019
R.I.P. Ed, thanks for sharing your heart & soul with us through your amazing talent,, you will long be missed brother.
Michael trowbridge
January 13, 2019
Fly freebird
William Grubbs
January 8, 2019
The man could play. But most importantly, Ed King could play what he felt in his big heart. Thats why others relate so easily, because he wrote music and played songs from his heart and soul. His solo in Sweet Home Alabama still sends shivers up and out my Kundalini like being electrocuted by a million bolts of electricity. There will never be another like him. Period!
Gary Callahan
January 7, 2019
Rest in Peace Ed. Tell Ronnie and the boys we miss em.
Todd McIntosh
January 1, 2019
My condolences to the family of Ed King. He is a guitar Legend and an inspiration to me! I loved his music and guitar playing style! He was an integral part of the original sound for Lynyrd Skynyrd! He will be greatly missed! RIP Ed King! May Gods mercy give comfort to his family in their time of sorrow! Amen!
Terry Rooney
December 31, 2018
Thank You for the great music, you are an inspiration, you will be greatly missed, Rock on in Heaven with your bandmates, save me a spot in the band.
P. S.
December 27, 2018
Ed was such a pleasure to watch the music flow from him so freely. I love to see and hear the pride his his spirit has left upon all of us. He will be so dearly missed and i wish peace to his wife and Family.
Michael Duncan
November 25, 2018
Gonna miss you Ed
November 24, 2018
Rest In Peace Ed king! May you rock on in the hereafter!
John Phillips
November 14, 2018
You were my inspiration and I love you brother! Thank you for all the great music! You will be missed by all! You were indeed a southern rocker ! Southern California as you once said! Keep the angels
Peter Evans
October 21, 2018
Missing you Ed.
Thanks for sharing with me.
You were a wonderful human being and Im sure an even better angel.
Rest easy.
Tim Blinkhorn
October 10, 2018
Ed was a good guy, he didn't think he was above a guy like me, a fan. He told me on facebook that if it weren't for folks like me he wouldn't have had a job and thanked me! That's class that people forgot long ago. We chatted several times over the last few years online and he was just a helluva nice guy. I saw Ed play 3 times with Skynyrd and he always seemed to pick his heart out for the band. He put the Rock with the Roll... pick on Brother....
Brian McCarty
October 1, 2018
I love ya man, RIP
Joe Fowler
September 30, 2018
Although I never met you I always heard you 1 2 3 forever THANX ED
Paul Bentley
September 29, 2018
I went to high school with Ed, who would have known I was brushing shoulders with his greatness.
September 27, 2018
His legacy would be remembered and appreciated for people of all ages; songs like Sweet Home Alabama is the vivid example of it. I join many in expressing my sincere condolences for your loss. Although words can not ease the pain, our Heavenly Father understand what you are going through and He becomes your Stronghold to endure, as you all cherish the great moments enjoyed with Ed King.
Judy Burke
September 22, 2018
So sorry. Great musician.
SS
September 20, 2018
As time goes on, may you continue to receive the love and support needed to sustain your grief.
Jerome Bokina
September 15, 2018
Jam on, bro.
VW
September 14, 2018
I am sorry to hear of the passing of your loved one. Please find comfort in reflecting on the many memories you have and in the love and support of family and friends, as well as the comfort our loving heavenly Father provides. He shares our pain when we grieve and comforts us through his Holy Word and his gift of prayer. May he sustain you during this difficult time.
Joe Dozier
September 12, 2018
I'm just another one of many, many fans that you didn't know but I've listened to you for years. Rest be with you in Gods hands. I'll be praying for you.
Brett McMillan
September 12, 2018
RIP ED KING , from a north Florida fan and Facebook friend. Always enjoyed your posts , humor and political views. I know its a Sweet Home where you are . Condolences and prayer to his family.
September 12, 2018
Im so sorry for your loss may the god of all comfort be with you in this difficult time
September 12, 2018
Im so sorry for your loss, may the god of all comfort be with you in this difficult time.
September 12, 2018
During this time of great sorrow and pain, know that you are not alone. May God give your family strength and comfort to help you endure this time of loss. As you remember your beloved one, may our Father, the God of peace, give you comfort and peace in every way today, tomorrow, and always. Please accept my sincere condolences. 2 Thessalonians 3:16
September 11, 2018
Ed King was a great guitarist. Loved to hear them all play Ed had a style of his own and he will be missed
Damon Wherry
September 10, 2018
Ed you inspired so many and was just a great all around guy! Thanks for all the riffs and especially all the great music, Rest In Peace my friend.
Gerald Hardesty
September 10, 2018
I've love Ed's music for a lot of years .He will be missed.God got one of the best guitarists ever.Rest in peace brother.
Hector Fdez. Baselga
September 10, 2018
Your music never dies. Rock history. R.I.P Mr. KING.
Edward Collins
September 10, 2018
good-bye to one of the great Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarists. a time honored musician with a time honored band.(R.I.P. Ed King)
Leon Dean
September 10, 2018
You will definitely be missed my friend. I'm sure I will see you again someday!
September 10, 2018
Thank you Ed for providing me with so much great music to listen to. Not only me but my kids as well. You will surely be missed but your music will live on forever. Billy Mac
Ed King
anna ethingto
September 10, 2018
Thank you for all your music and for being there for answers concerning my heart issues.I am sorry to hear of your passing but I know you are in Heaven reunited with the ones you love.Godspeed
Donna Galt
September 9, 2018
My Condolences to the family
And Many Blessings & Comfort.
Mr. King .....I thanked youd for your time as wed chated online ☺ It was so dearly unexpected of you.But youd took the time even when youd felt down & out.Youd still didn't care..But wed both understood the awesomeness & Beauty & Joyfulness of it all. You will Forever & for always remain in my .Til wed meet again my friend til we meet again.Cause Heaven has the most Beautiful soul playing it pretty now Amen ....
R.I.P
Tony Bonacorda
September 9, 2018
You've moved on, but your music will live forever and that's the best we can do for immortality. I have loved your music since I was 15, and still do. God bless.
Jim Metz
September 9, 2018
God has his new lead guitar player! Rest In Peace my idol!
Ira S. Bounds
September 9, 2018
I met Ed in Dallas,Texas years ago.
He was a great guy and one of my musical heros.
Rest Well .
Bryan Roush
September 9, 2018
RIP my friend
Mark Carrier
September 9, 2018
One of the best.
Gregg Webster
September 9, 2018
Heaven is rockn' a little more with the fabulous Ed King being there. Rocked in the crowd when I got a chance to see you live.
Condolences to the family and those who loved Ed. We will miss you brother!!
Jim Kosa
September 9, 2018
I got such a thrill talking with Ed from time to time.... When I told him I was at a concert in N.Y.C. in '76 when Leon smashed a bass guitar & threw it into the crowd, Ed said "that was my bass".. & we both had a good laugh...
Gonna really miss Ed.... God Bless!!
Randy Stover
September 9, 2018
The stars in heaven are a little brighter with the passing of Ed King. May God comfort his family and friends.
Don Evans
September 9, 2018
Condolences to the family of the great Ed King. RIP Mr. King, you left your mark brother. Give Ronnie and Steve high fives for me please. Rock on bro !
Edwin Paschke
September 9, 2018
You Gave Us Insense and Peppermints, Sweet Home Alabama And Other Great Riffs. RIP Ed King.
Laura Powell
September 9, 2018
You all were the band i had my young adult life with and we partied yes we did rest in peace peacenlove always laura
Michele Mazzoli
September 9, 2018
Hi Mr King. I learned a lot to play guitar listening go Lynyrd and your incredible guitar work. Keep on rockin'. R.I.P. Regards from Ferrara, Italy
Dode Taylor
September 9, 2018
Thank you for that riff, Sir ❤
Pooh Dog (Thor) & me.
Glenn Maitland
September 9, 2018
Somehow, my older brother's friend got hold of alot of copies of the Strawberry Alarm Clock album "Incense and Peppermints". I think everyone in Silverton, NJ had a copy. Of late, I enjoyed following Ed on FB. Very humorous man. He shall be missed.
September 9, 2018
God Bless You and your Family
Douglas Blake Tipton
September 8, 2018
Mr. King, we have never personally met, but I had the pleasure of seeing you with Lynyrd Skynyrd for the first time in 1973 at Kiel Auditorium in St. Louis, Missouri and I knew immediately I was in the midst of musical greatness. To the King family my condolences and love. RIP Mr. Ed King.
R.A. Mero
September 7, 2018
An extremely talented writer and player, Sweet Home Alabama wouldn't have existed w out you. So long Ed, thanks for it all, you will be remembered.
KELLY JOHNSON
September 7, 2018
Thank you for your contributions to the soundtrack of my life. As long as the music lives, you will long be remembered.
Kelly Johnson, Munnsville, NY
R. C.
September 6, 2018
To The Family Of Ed King
My condolences to the family during this time of such great sorrow. May the God of all comfort,comfort you and grant you peace now and in the days ahead.
Sally
September 5, 2018
My sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of Mr King at this time of deep sorrow. May our creator and giver of salvation keep our loved ones in his memory. May he give the family and all who loved Mr King comfort and strength at this difficult time. May they all open their hearts wide to and be blessed forever, John 17:3.
September 5, 2018
My condolences to the King Family and friends for the loss of ED. May you continue to be blessed with his memory and legacy (Daniel 12:13) ~ Linda, Queens, NY
Ron Baida
September 3, 2018
Ed I knew you when you played at Hoover High when you were playing with Strawberry Alarm Clock. Hope your in a better place. God bless to your family
September 3, 2018
Mr. King will definitely be missed by all who knew and loved him. May the "God of all comfort" comfort you during this time of sorrow
Randall Wallace
September 3, 2018
Ed,
You were first class in every respect. Although I know you kept things simple..as you would say, "Don't sweat the small stuff" you really would step up and give people honesty for their own good. Being able to break bread with you was one of the highlights of my life. Thanks for being my friend. God bless you and rest in peace. Randy Wallace.
A.M.
September 3, 2018
Sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of Ed King.
What a loss when we hear of those who were talented not only in writing but also in singing. He was obviously very much loved by his friends.
Nancy & Kelly Britton
September 3, 2018
Well Buddy, the guys just did their final show over in Jax tonight. Thought about going, 10 years ago... yeah, now....to old for that many damned people. u best be sure u were on everyones mind. Rest Easy Ed. You were ok for a Californ-i-Aye guy!!!! Much Luv and Respect.
Tjeerd de Bruine
September 2, 2018
My condolences to the family, rest in peace mr. King. You Will be missed!
Marlene Murray
September 2, 2018
YOU WILL TRULY BE MISSED. THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC. REST IN PEACE ED KING❤
Tom Wells
September 2, 2018
R.I.P.Ed king. One of the best!!
Maurice Llona
September 2, 2018
My condolences to you all.a forever fan
Ed King - Sea Shell guitar pic from a 2006 recording session: Nashville
Neil Silverman
September 2, 2018
It was nice to find this Sea Shell Pick sitting on an Amplifier after Ed had left the session. Peace and serenity.
September 2, 2018
It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
Darrell & Susan Hall
September 1, 2018
Just heard today about Ed passing. He will be missed greatly, but he left us with a gift, his music, which will remain. May God grant you peace and rest, until we meet again, on the other side.
Love, Darrell & Susan Hall & Susannah
September 1, 2018
Very talented. My deepest sympathy with the family, friends, and fans of Ed King. May the wonderful memories you share bring comfort during this time of . Proverbs 17:17
Chianti
Bill Trujillo
August 31, 2018
Ed you have been touted as a maestro on the guitar and I believe that too. We are happy to have walked this earth with you and now in our hearts.
Brenda Conner
August 31, 2018
You will be missed by many ! Keep on rocking with the boys in heaven ! We love you !
Rick Hobbs
August 31, 2018
I will miss checking in daily on your FB page and enjoying the Wit and humor. I still got your music to remember you by and that's a Blessing ( I know you disliked that word ) Rest Easy Ed
David Hodge
August 30, 2018
Im very sadden that another legend of the lynyrd skynyrd band has passed..fly high ed king one of the best...
Stacy
August 30, 2018
May the God of all comfort be with family and loved ones.
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