Ed King, former Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist who co-wrote 'Sweet Home Alabama', dies at 68

Ed King, a vital part of the Lynyrd Skynyrd during the band's decades-long run, died at his home in Nashville, his family confirmed.

King is credited with co-writing "Sweet Home Alabama," one of the band's biggest hits.

PHOTOS: Jacksonville home of Lynyrd Skynyrd becomes part of history

Multiple outlets reported that King died at his home in Nashville on Wednesday. King was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a mmeber of the band in 2006.

King joined the band as a guitarist in 1972 and left in 1975, but rejoined the group in 1987.

Lynyrd Skynyrd formed in Jacksonville in the 1960s and remains active to this day with original member Gary Rossington. The band will play a show at TIAA Bank on Sept. 2. 

In 1977, three members of Lynyrd Skynyrd -- Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines and his sister Cassie -- were killed in a plane crash in Mississippi. Gaines was the guitarist who replaced King after the latter left the band.

King wasn't only known for Lynyrd Skynyrd, he also was a founding member of Strawberry Alarm Clock.

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