We The People: This Day in History, October 20
Rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd killed in plane crash
Published: Oct. 20, 2025 at 7:30 AM CDT
Mississippi (KWTX) - On October 20th, 1977, three members of the southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd were killed during a failed emergency landing attempt while flying to their concert at LSU.
The band had just kicked off what was supposed to be their biggest tour yet, after releasing their fifth studio album, Street Survivors.
Killed in the crash were lead vocalist Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, and backing singer Cassie Gaines.
Just weeks before Lynyrd Skynyrd chartered the plane, another rock band, Aerosmith, attempted to charter the same plane for their tour.
However, they opted out due to concerns over the flight crew.
A decision that ultimately saved one band but doomed another.
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