Guitarist Ed King has passed away at the age of 68 years old. King was best known as the guitarist for psychedelic rock band Strawberry Alarm Clock, and more recently, the guitarist and bassist for Lynyrd Skynyrd from 1972 to 1975 and again from 1987 to 1996. Giving Lynyrd Skynyrd its unmistakeable three-guitar sound, King was credited for co-writing “Sweet Home Alabama”, arguably the band’s greatest hit. In addition, he co-wrote the southern rock band’s “Workin’ for MCA” and “Saturday Night Special”. In 2006, he was inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Lynyrd Skynyrd.

King passed away at his home in Nashville, Tennessee yesterday, August 22nd. The news was confirmed via his Facebook page this morning. King’s cause of death was not specified, though he had reportedly been battling lung cancer and was recently hospitalized for the disease, according to Rolling Stone.

Lynyrd Skynyrd – Full Concert – 4/27/75 – Winterland – San Francisco, CA

[Video: Lynyrd Skynyrd on MV]

Rest In Peace, Ed King!Â