Catching up with former Lynyrd Skynyrd drummer Artimus Pyle

It’s hard to believe it’s been 50 years since a guy named Artimus Pyle joined a band we know and love here in Jacksonville known as Lynyrd Skynyrd.

RELATED: Looking back at the life of the last founding member of Jacksonville’s legendary Lynyrd Skynyrd | Jacksonville’s historic role in the founding of Southern rock

In 1974, Pyle replaced the band’s original drummer, Bob Burns, and toured, performed and recorded with the group for the next three years.

Until tragedy struck.

In October 1977 a horrible plane crash in Gillsburg, Mississippi, changed music history, taking the lives of Lynyrd Skynyrd frontman Ronnie Van Zant and fellow band members Steve and Cassie Gaines. Assistant road manager Dean Kilpatrick of Jacksonville, the pilot and co-pilot were also killed.

Pyle was among the survivors.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame musician joined me on The Morning Show to talk about his new compilation album and more. Press play below to hear our conversation.