A lot of folks around these parts have vivid recollections of the plane crash that claimed the heart and soul of Southern Rock–Lynyrd Skynyrd. That was thirty years ago today.

Where are they now?

Of those who were members when the plane crashed Oct. 20, 1977:

ARTIMUS PYLE Drummer: Lives in North Carolina and plays with the Artimus Pyle Band

CASSIE GAINES Backup vocals: Died in plane crash

BILLY POWELL Keyboards: Lives in Jacksonville, still playing with Skynyrd

LEON WILKESON Bass: Died 2001 of chronic liver and lung disease

ALLEN COLLINS Guitar: Died 1990 of pneumonia, following paralysis from a 1986 car crash

LESLIE HAWKINS Backup vocals: Lives in Middleburg, still dealing with health issues from plane crash but sings occasionally with tribute bands

GARY ROSSINGTON Guitarist: Lives in North Georgia, still playing with Skynyrd

RONNIE VAN ZANT Vocals: Died in plane crash

JO JO BILLINGSLEY Backup vocals: Now a minister in Alabama, left band two months before crash

STEVE GAINES Guitar: Died in plane crash

Just how high could Lynyrd Skynyrd really have flown? Wonderful piece in the Jacksonville Times-Union. Read it all

Here is Lynyrd Skynyrd, from 1976, doing a live performance of “Searching”

Enjoy your boiled peanuts and root beer on this beautiful college football Saturday in Dixie! Later y’all.