Jacksonville’s historic role in the founding of Southern rock
Their names are world-famous: Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Allman Brothers Band, 38 Special, Molly Hatchet. Not as well known, however, is that those bands are among several who together pioneered a new kind of music nearly 60 years ago in Jacksonville. As the city celebrates its bicentennial, Southern rock endures and still thrives today.
Clay County exhibit featuring Lynyrd Skynyrd memorabilia
ORANGE PARK, Fla. - Jacksonville might be best known as "The Birthplace of Southern Rock" thanks in large part to the legendary Clay County natives who formed bands Lynyrd Skynryrd and 38 Special. At the height of the band's fame, Lynyrd Skynyrd's plane crashed in Mississippi 42 years ago. Items from the exhibit are on loan from several private sources, including Donnie and Johnny Van Zant, and Ellen Powell, the widow of Billy Powell who played in Lynyrd Skynyrd. It will also be available for viewing during a concert featuring .38 Special, on Nov. 9, during which Donnie and Johnny Van Zant plan to appear on stage. Head to the Thrasher-Horne Center's website for more information on the exhibit and concert times.
Larry Junstrom, Lynyrd Skynyrd and 38 Special bassist, dies at 70
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Larry Junstrom, the bassist for 38 Special and founding member of Lynyrd Skynyrd, has died at the age of 70. The Big Man on the Big Bass has left us, bandmates lamented in a message posted on 38 Specials Facebook page Sunday. He rocked arenas all over the world and succeeded in living his dream.Junstrom, who spent his golden years in Interlachen following his retirement, was an original member of the legendary Jacksonville southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, according to Clay Today. As the Toronto Sun reports, he later parted ways with the group and joined 38 Special. There will never be another like him.Junstrom is survived by his wife and family.