I was on Ed's Facebook page during his final years. I listened to Ed talk a lot, he did a lot of video. He was a good man, he treated everybody with respect but if you were a jerk, he had no place for you in his world. Few know that he had male breast cancer and had been in remission for a long time. It came back. We all knew he was sick, you could see it. He didn't say too much about it. We saw he was going to the doctors a lot. When he said he was taking a break to work on his health it was no surprise. But, it was a surprise when he passed so soon after that. Good bye Ed, thanks for letting me into your life even for a little while, I am better for it.
I met Ed after he left the band in 75. He lived for many years in a little town known as Belleplain in southern New Jersey. He live there with his, then wife and two sons. He was quite the local legend. He later moved to Nashville where he had the heart transplant. We remained in touch until right before his passing. He was a very humble and caring person and one of the finest gentlemen I have ever known! With out doubt one of the finest guitar players the world has ever known!!
I live about 10 miles from Belleplain. Can't remember the year, maybe late 70's or early 80's, a local newspaper did a story on Ed King, the only thing I remember from the article was a picture of Ed standing by some gear boxes with Lynyrd Skynyrd on them. Wasn't a big Skynyrd fan back then but knew who they were but I always wondered how Ed ended up in the middle of nowhere in the little town of Belleplain.
@@chuckm6592 It was the late 70's not long after the plane crash in Oct.77. It was the Atlantic City Press that ran the story if memory serves me right. Either them or the County Gazette.
I lived near Ed in Cape May County NJ after he left the band. He was married to a local woman at the time. I met him at a music store and told him what a fan I was. I took a lesson or two from him but spent a whole day driving to music stores to help me buy a new guitar. The drive in the car and chatting a will never forget. He was such a down to earth lovely soul who was never full of himself when he could have been. I learned so much about him and the band and his life and it was just like hanging out with an old friend, he was just that decent and casual of a human being. His talents are way out there, just a flat out amazing guitarist but a better person who made my day hanging with him. His legacy is huge in the music world more than has been mentioned. People like Ed don’t come along often.
Remember working with Ed at a local Campground in Cape May County which his father in law owned. many good times with Ed, very humble, He always thought he was just in the right place at the right time. I think Ed was a legend and did not take the credit he was due.
Ed was my best friend in 1963 at Toll Jr. High in Glendale, Ca. I played classical guitar and he said I would get famous some day. The opposite happened. He was a good dude and I was fortunate to get to know him. R.I.P. my friend.
I firmly believe that we would not know Skynyrd in the way we do without Ed King. His contribution to the band cannot be overstated. As an aside, I believe Ed’s lead on “Workin’ For MCA” to be one of the finest ever recorded. In all of Rock music. RIP Ed.
I always thought Ed was extremely polished and a better fit in the pre-crash Skynyrd than Steve Gaines was. Ed knew just how much to play as a 3rd guitar to an established band without sucking all the oxygen out of the room, which Steve would have done eventually. Ed's leaving was a huge loss to Skynyrd.
@@yessirrr8180 together, all were the best in their roles. Ronnie worked em hard, cuz he knew talent alone wouldn't make it. Never saw em live, but on video-I've never seen a band tighter on stage. Then came Steve for awhile, then..it was over, man. Soo sux!
He co-wrote eight songs while playing for LS. He did not play the best solos from pre77 LS. Great guitarist and his contribution to the band stand alone.
RIP Ed King, your accomplishments will stand as a reminder that you were more than just a guitar player, you were an inspiration to everyone that crossed your path!
Alot of people don't realize just how many songs written by Ed or not written by him he arranged for Lynyrd Skynyrd. Bob Burns described Ed as a musical genius during his time with Skynyrd.
I was having lunch one day at the Airport Grocery in Cleveland, MS… this big SUV drives up… this guy hops out… and starts dancing to the music. He enters the restaurant, walks by my table… and I commented about the rug he was cutting out front. He started laughing, offered his hand and said… ‘I’m Ed King’… I replied that I recognized him as soon as he got out of his truck… A fine fellow… Rest In Peace…
Ed you were and always will be 100% Lynyrd Skynyrd. Thank you for your music and your many guitar lessons on TH-cam. I was in “Awe” every time I saw you play. RIP
Brought a breath of fresh air to the band. Switched from bass to triple threat guitarist. Guys like Ed King or even Mick Taylor never get too comfortable in one band. Brilliant musicians!!
..... and both of them brought Skynyrd & the Stones some of the greatest music they ever made . I mean the Mick Taylor version of the RS were by far their best
Let it Bleed and Sticky Fingers the pinnacle of the Stones. Let it Bleed was all Keith Richards , because Brian Jones was useless by then. And, of course Sticky Fingers is with Mick Taylor. @@peterherard8207
I'm from the Uk and was blessed to see them here in 75, after Ed left..He's my my favorite guitar player of all time, and he must of boosted sales of Fender Strats when Alabama was released, such a beautiful song,and a wonderful Band, how we miss them all
First of all man, GREAT video! Got to meet Ed a couple of times. He lived near my cousin Jared. When Jared asked me if I knew who Ed King was, I said: "are you kidding? Hell yeah, loved the guy!" Then he asked me if I'd like to meet him? I jumped up & down, like some crazy kid and said WHOO- HOO! Ed was so nice, he would sit and talk about whatever you wanted! I must've asked him at least 50 questions? And he was so happy to answer EVERY-single one! Showed us his guitar collection, told the story with every one he showed us! We went swimming in his pool. He fed us lunch, and his wife was very sweet too. The next time I came to visit my cousin, he remembered who I was? Ed King in my book was so much more than a great guitar player... He was a REALLY great person! I really miss him! But the cool thing is that I'll always listen to his music differently, now that I know a lot of the stories! I look forward to your next video brother. You always make such great content!!!!! ✌
Ed's slide playing on "The Ballad of Curtis Loew" takes a decent song and makes into an all-time classic. He really captured the feeling of Ronnie's storytelling .
Ed King was more than a great musician. He was an awesome human being. He knew and understood his boundaries in life. Even up to the moment he died. The world was blessed to have Ed King when it did, and it is obvious he is truly missed. God Bless Ed King & family🙏🕯️✝️🇺🇸
I was on Eds facebook page and asked him what tuning they used on Curtis Lowe . Ed answered me back the next day and wrote standard tuning, I was amazed that he answered back at all and the next day. RIP Ed King
I met Ed when he was on his way to a Dallas Guitar Show with his wife. They picked my little town to stop and eat BBQ, I was the cook and Pit Master. I had time that day and sat down in the eating area and that was when I met Ed. He even stopped by on his way back home for another round of BBQ and to sign my Skynyrd CD's. He was my friend from then until he passed away. He had told me about his Internet group, which I joined and he even phoned me several times. He also gave me his RRHOF business card with all his numbers and said call anytime. I only called once and had a great conversation but I didn't call again not wanting to abuse the situation. We, in his group, all knew he was in bad shape before his passing, so we kinda knew the outcome and was somewhat ready for it to happen. I miss talking to him, he was an awesome guy that used the same words the day we met. "I'm the luckiest guitar player ever". Rest in peace my friend.
Skynyrd wouldn’t have been the same without Ed . He said he wrote one great lick but whole heartedly disagree cause he wrote many great songs . Skynyrd is my favorite band and Ed was a big part of that . Thanks for the documentary. That lead on Am I losing is incredible by the way
Ed was my favorite Skynyrd guitar player, loved all of their playing, but there was just something about Eds playing that gave me goosebumps...RIP Mr. KIng!
Me, too. I loved all three guitarists, but in the end, the songs he wrote simply had a certain something, like The Ballad Of Curtis Loew. Those slide parts are mouth-wateringly tasteful. @@russblack443
Being a Skynyrd fan from the beginning, I'll never forget when "Gimme Back My Bullets" came out noticing the absence of Ed on the cover shot of the band. There was also no mention of him anywhere on the album. Ed was MIA! There was no internet back then and normally this kind of info for me was usually found in "Hit Parader" or "Cream" magazine, popular music publications at that time. I didn't know where Ed went or why but his absence was most noticable to me when I listened to GBMB. It for me anyway was a kinda dark album that seemed to be missing something. There seemed to be a certain magic missing. Ed King gave that band so much of thier defining sound. They were never the same band again without him. As talented as Steve was, he was a different thing all together and they again changed. The first 3 Skynyrd albums "for me" will always be special in ways nothing after could duplicate. There was only 1 Ed King and he could never be replaced!
Missing Al Kooper made a huge difference too .. I heard the sonic dropoff immediately . Dowd let them get away with out of tune playing and the mix and drum sounds were lifeless in comparison to the first three Kooper albums. Songs were still solid... the recording standards were not. After the live album they did Street Survivors with Dowd in Miami at Criteria and the tracks were so bad people close to the band told them if they released them their career would be over ...they went back to Studio One in Doraville with Rodney Mills basically in charge and Dowd was not even in town. Dowd was a pivotal genius in music history but he was done by the time Skynyrd got him.
Thank you for making this video! I've been preaching the Ed King gospel for years, dude was a brilliant songwriter and guitarist. You really did a fine job telling his story.
I love every note Ed plays on "Sweet Home Alabama." I didn't know the difference between single-coil and humbucker pickups at the time, but he was the first person I ever heard play pinch harmonics on a Stratocaster. Switching from a Les Paul to a Strat was a brilliant move on his part.
I saw Ed with Skynyrd in Philadelphia back in 74, always liked his playing remember him from Alarm Clock. He was one of the best I will always be a fan.
Out of attending 200 concerts including the Best of the Best , Skynyrd and Bad Co show in 1992 at Merriweather Post Pavillion. My brother and I had seats ( folding chairs) literally dead center Front Row.During Sweet Home ....Ed was ripping up the solo and my bro and I were pointing at Ed...and he looked smack at us and winked and nodded w/o missing a beat...All BS aside...one of the coolest moments of my life.A great man and great talent...Mr King RIP!!!
Loved reading some of the comments by people who knew the man the myth the legend Ed King if i could play guitar as half as good as he could then id be twice as good as anyone out there RIP Mr King 🎸🤘✌️🙏💕
Holy cow I LOVED this video! I think Ed King is the most unsung guitarist ever. His two solos on Sweet Home Alabama alone grant him immortality. NO ONE before him EVER played like that! Thanks for this informative video!
I always liked Ed , and especially liked the TH-cam video he did with Another great guitarist Marty Schwartz. He was really a genuine down to Earth kind of guy . R.I.P. Ed . And thanks for posting this tribute here 😎👍
Ed King was an exceptional guitarist and a gifted songwriter! I spoke with a few times on an old form he was a member of back in the early 2000s! He spoke very highly of Leon and Ronnie but absolutely had zero use for Garry Rossington he said it was Garry who made him feel like an outsider and never accepted him
LYNYRD SKYNYRD would have never reached the heights it did without Ed. Hearing Duane Allman on the radio for the first time brought out some ancient southern spirit that lived within him. Even though he was a California hippie, his soul was from the south and he was drawn there. Some of the most powerful and legendary Skynyrd songs such as Swamp Musuc. Saturday Night Special, Poison Whiskey, Sweet Home Alabama, Working for MCA and Whiskey Rock a Roller would not have come into being without him. His destiny was to play in that band.
i talked with ED one evening he was out on his boat and we got to talking and talked for about 30 mins and he told me it seemed things were kinda at a head with the parting and fussing in the band and they had been working and on the road so long he was really just tiered and needed a break from every thing this was about 7 or 8 months before he died he was such a nice guy really down to earth
River Docs, thank you man for a fine tribute to such a treasured musician. Thank you Ed King, for all the gifts you presented all of us who loved what you produced and how you went about it. Style, grace and a talent appreciated here...sincerely.
I met Ed at Alpine Valley in Wisconsin in August 1987. Most did not know who he was but I saw him the previous October at UIC Pavilion in Chicago. He was super kind! I was playing guitar in a pro band, often opening for everyone! We talked gear and music. He told me the guest that night was Steve Morse! Awesome show! One thing not talked about was there was a musical chemistry between him and Gary. Even Hughie Thomasson has stated that. Saw Skynryrd in 1991 at Alpine and they all played like the meant it! Hungry and and that was joy too see! Gary would play something different than normal snd Ed would respond. When Steve Gaines replaced Ed that interplay would be between Steve and Allen Collins. Ed’s playing on Workin’ for MCA was different than a blues based rock solo. Using pinch harmonics etc. Ed was a great and unique stylist. A big influence on me. Nice person!
Interesting post. I saw a TH-cam video with Ed King and Marty Schwartz. Ed really comes off as a nice guy. When you mention the interplay with Gary and Ed I really had noticed what you mentioned about the interplay with Allen and Steve Gaines. There is a video on TH-cam that shows the wonderful musical chemistry between Allen and Steve trading leads and rhytym guitar parts on "That Smell" during a live performance. It was phenomenal.
I went to school at Hoover High in Glendale with Ed and his band, Six Pence, at the time. I remember when they turned into the Strawberry Alarm Clock and had the hit, Incense and Peppermints, with the excellent fuzz tone rift. I was a year younger than Ed and was in a band called Common and the Other People. Great times!
I got "One More from the Road" when I was a joung boy. This one iconic riff brought me to the guitar. No youtobe tor learn it. For decades I played it wrong. But I learned so much because of him. Ed King, such a emense part of Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Enjoyed this! He was obviously a great guitar talent - but when I first watched interviews with him what really struck me was his humble and genuine nature. We could use a few more like Ed King!
Most of my favorite Skynyrd songs were Ed King compositions. Severely underrated for years, it seems like he's finally starting to get his just do. Too bad it ended badly between him and Ronnie, but ultimately maybe that was for the best for Ed. Great video, buddy.
Ed had a feeling inside himself that music was in him a part of him.Ed had a discipline dedication devotionadream and drive of perfection of personal style.He had the intregal part the he played in the band that completed a missing part and helped make them who they became. Ed fit in with his contributions and help create a style.didnt just participate in it but lived it. HE WAS DIFFERENT SPECIAL AND UNIQUE AND ADDED AN INTREGAL INGREDIENT that completed their sound.Thank You Ed for your music you shared and gave to us . MISS YOU.
Wow this is so awesome...I remember strawberry alarm clock, strawberry and peppermint, biggest strong song ever. When I was a child. Lynerd skynard one of my fav bands brought in a classic individual 🎉😊😀
Lynyrd Skynyrd was my favorite band in the mid 70's. I played one of more of their albums literally every day. Truth be told Ed was my favorite guitarist in the band. He had a style that was very noticeable.
I listened to Ed King speaking about his being on the outs from the band. Being from California and everyone being from the South. That is if you can believe everything that you hear. God Bless Ed King!
Great video/story. I'm a huge Skynyrd fan so I have to be an Ed King fan as well. He contributed as much to the band as everyone else, maybe more in some ways. I like the fact that he intentionally switched to a Strat because of the different sound/tone of that particular guitar. That's one of the things I always loved about the band's guitar sound, you could distinguish the different guitarist's by not only their playing style, but by the guitar sound. They rarely colored the sound with a lot of effects. I'm a Les Paul guy so I've always been partial to Gary's playing, but whenever I've tried out a Strat in a store for a possible purchase, I have to play the opening lick in Sweet Home. And if it doesn't sound like Ed King, I won't buy it. RIP Ed. You're one of the greatest musicians from one of the greatest bands in the history of rock and roll. That makes you a genuine 100% badass.
Ed many times said some pretty hard stuff about the band. Glad they worked that all out. Being a Cali guy of course was going to be a culture shock for him and the boys. Him being so good is proof in that he joined them and did so well. Have nothing but love for the guy. He played the licks that set the tone to millions of our lives. Legend. Pure legend. Many thanks sir for another fine doc!!
A little of both, no doubt. There’s a lot of people out there can tear it up but never make it out of their own yard. Definitely took luck. I suppose it still does, but these kids can create and stream themselves. Ed King was really good. ❤
I was one of the privileged to chat with him on Facebook Messenger. He was such a nice guy, and freely talked about things, even non musical subjects. Every time I hear Sweet Home... it makes me smile. Thanks for the video!
Awesome RD《☆》Wonderful Documentary Brother😎🤳I never met Ed in person but I feel like I knew him because of Great Videos like this. I was a Military brat but lived in Jacksonville from 72 to 79 and off & on to this day. I crossed paths with Allen & Gary on separate occasions after meeting JoJo Billingsley who was a Honkette with SKYNYRD. Unfortunately I was a Cocky teenager at the time. Me & a Pal were invited to JoJos house to party. As it turned out We were the party. Allen knocked on the front door when JoJo was getting changed into something more comfortable. I had to answer the door. I knew immediately who Allen was but I just shook his hand & invited him in without saying anything about him being one of my Guitar Heroes or anything. He said he was checking in to make sure Jo was ok as he saw our Motorcycles in her driveway. He got in his Big JEEP & left without talking to Jo. I couldn't stay very long due to a parental curfew but my Pal did. He was an older guy that was dating my GFs bestie. He showed up at KMart as I was ending my shift at 9pm. He offered to buy some Beer & we were going to just park our Bikes in the Treeline next to Jax Liquors which was near KMart. JoJo was in the Jax Drivethru in a Cadillac Convertible with the Top down. I popped a wheelie as we were coming up into the drivethru on my 73 RD350. She stood up in her car, turned around & said Hey Y'all wanna Party??We had no idea who she was but it sounded way better than sitting on our bikes & drinking beer. When we walked thru the foyer in her modest 3 bedroom starter home close to Jax Liquors we could see the Gold & Platinum Records framed on the wall. Anyway My Pal apparently invited himself back to her house when she wasn't home & stole some valuable items. He disappeared after that happened. JoJo came to KMart to ask me if I'd seen him as his fingerprints were found on her bathroom window. Interestingly enough Gary came up to me when I was on Door Greeter duty at KMart a few days after Jo had talked to me. I think it was just a coincidence. Gary was in a hurry & asked me Where's the Birthday Candles man. Again my Koolness prevented me from letting on that he was also a Guitar Hero of mine. Keep up the good work🔔Big Like & Sub✌🏼😎☯️
I've been an Ed King fan since I heard the first album in high school. He was an ace with Skynyrd. His songwriting and pop arranging chops were as important as his great guitar performances. He could play through the changes so well. Ed's work still gives me the old school tingle, timeless craftsmanship. But he could rock, too, had that hard rock bear tooth at the root of it. Salute.
Thank you for taking the time and effort to make this mini-documentary about Ed. I was lucky enough to be a young man growing up in the 70s when L.S. hit the radio waves. All of that great music that I grew up with would end up changing my life, it made me the person I am today. Guitar player for 50+ years, I am a vary nice person who still believes in love and peace. I loved Ed and the music he played. Rock on in heaven Ed.
I remember when Lynyrd Skynyrd was recording the 'Pronounced' album in Doraville,Georgia. There was excitement all the way over from my neck of the woods in Marietta to Atlanta and back! Oh, we waited for that album with baited breath! We weren't disappointed!!! I was a young guitar player back then who idolized Lynyrd Skynyrd but I got the opportunity later on when Ed became a guitarist to see them perform a few times while helping my friend's parents who owned clubs in the Atlanta area. I always watched Ed King perform because he was always listening for what the other two were playing and he could change styles justlikethat to wrap around whatever they were doing! It wasn't actual lead guitar or rhythm guitar but it made an already loud, noisy musical sound sound completed, filled in with all the right notes or chords! Sometimes lead, sometimes rhythm, sometimes both! I made up my mind that THAT was the type of guitar I wanted to play. Not flashy but totally indispensable! The glue that made the song work! I certainly never achieved Mr. King's celebrity, but my bands loved that I was always willing to listen to what they wanted to do and then I did my best to fill in what else they wanted to hear! The resulting product always made both us and our audiences smile! It also stretched me as a player to learn new techniques and ways to get that music perfect in our ears! I had no idea Ed had passed. My condolences to his family and friends. I will always remember him as the quietest member of Skynyrd but the one who made the music whole and perfect! Thank you Ed for many great years of music! May you find peace in your latest adventure!
I'm in a huge Lynyrd Skynyrd fan and I've got to say, that's one of the best documentaries I've seen. Very informative. I was very impressed. I learned things I didn't know about and when it comes to Lynyrd Skynyrd, I know just about everything there is to know. I've got to see my friend that that was very well done! 👏 Bravo!
I remember meeting Ed at a gig I played at The Purple Turnip in Modesto, CA in '66. He seemed more professional than most of the other musicians I had met back then. He played great, I think they were called the Three Sixpence at that time, English sounding. Nice guy, great guitar picker.
1 other comment about these documentaries. They are awesome. There is a lot of work going into them and really interesting. Congratulations to the person doing them and thank you for that effort.👍💪🇺🇸
I used to go see him play in a band called Smokehouse with female singer in a club in Greenville NC 72, then I worked at the attic cpl years saw Lynard Skinner quite a few times he was good
I grew up about half of a mile from hell house during the 60s and 70s. Just preteens a couple of the neighborhood boys would jump on our bicycles and go sit on the train trusses and listen to the band practice. What a memorable experience.
I was on Ed's Facebook page during his final years. I listened to Ed talk a lot, he did a lot of video. He was a good man, he treated everybody with respect but if you were a jerk, he had no place for you in his world. Few know that he had male breast cancer and had been in remission for a long time. It came back. We all knew he was sick, you could see it. He didn't say too much about it. We saw he was going to the doctors a lot. When he said he was taking a break to work on his health it was no surprise. But, it was a surprise when he passed so soon after that. Good bye Ed, thanks for letting me into your life even for a little while, I am better for it.
I met Ed after he left the band in 75. He lived for many years in a little town known as Belleplain in southern New Jersey. He live there with his, then wife and two sons. He was quite the local legend. He later moved to Nashville where he had the heart transplant. We remained in touch until right before his passing. He was a very humble and caring person and one of the finest gentlemen I have ever known! With out doubt one of the finest guitar players the world has ever known!!
I met Ed at a recording studio in Newfield, NJ (late 80’s). Every account is true. Humble, thoughtful man. Great player.
Very interesting I never knew this! I live close by!
I live about 10 miles from Belleplain. Can't remember the year, maybe late 70's or early 80's, a local newspaper did a story on Ed King, the only thing I remember from the article was a picture of Ed standing by some gear boxes with Lynyrd Skynyrd on them. Wasn't a big Skynyrd fan back then but knew who they were but I always wondered how Ed ended up in the middle of nowhere in the little town of Belleplain.
@@chuckm6592 It was the late 70's not long after the plane crash in Oct.77. It was the Atlantic City Press that ran the story if memory serves me right. Either them or the County Gazette.
Excellent work here! Love Ed’s musical legacy!
Ed King was my friend. RIP Ed. I will not forget your friendship.
I lived near Ed in Cape May County NJ after he left the band. He was married to a local woman at the time. I met him at a music store and told him what a fan I was. I took a lesson or two from him but spent a whole day driving to music stores to help me buy a new guitar. The drive in the car and chatting a will never forget. He was such a down to earth lovely soul who was never full of himself when he could have been. I learned so much about him and the band and his life and it was just like hanging out with an old friend, he was just that decent and casual of a human being. His talents are way out there, just a flat out amazing guitarist but a better person who made my day hanging with him. His legacy is huge in the music world more than has been mentioned. People like Ed don’t come along often.
What a blessing.
Thanks for sharing. You are very lucky and blessed
Remember working with Ed at a local Campground in Cape May County which his father in law owned. many good times with Ed, very humble, He always thought he was just in the right place at the right time. I think Ed was a legend and did not take the credit he was due.
What a beautiful story that emphasizes what a champion, top notch, human being Ed was.
@@JohnTheFloridaRealEstateGuy yes. Harry Hand, owned King Nummy Trail Campground.
Ed was my best friend in 1963 at Toll Jr. High in Glendale, Ca. I played classical guitar and he said I would get famous some day. The opposite happened. He was a good dude and I was fortunate to get to know him. R.I.P. my friend.
I firmly believe that we would not know Skynyrd in the way we do without Ed King. His contribution to the band cannot be overstated. As an aside, I believe Ed’s lead on “Workin’ For MCA” to be one of the finest ever recorded. In all of Rock music. RIP Ed.
Right on to that
I always thought Ed was extremely polished and a better fit in the pre-crash Skynyrd than Steve Gaines was. Ed knew just how much to play as a 3rd guitar to an established band without sucking all the oxygen out of the room, which Steve would have done eventually. Ed's leaving was a huge loss to Skynyrd.
@@wagliz163 All of my favorite Skynyrd was with Ed King playing!
I always thought Workin for MCA was Skynyrds best song. Everything comes together perfectly on it, lyrics, instrumentals etc.
Amen to that
ED King was the MAN. He played all of the best early skynyrd solos and wrote most of the hits and in this house he is a national treasure!
The best not really but pretty good more like it.fourth best on band!!
@@yessirrr8180 together, all were the best in their roles. Ronnie worked em hard, cuz he knew talent alone wouldn't make it. Never saw em live, but on video-I've never seen a band tighter on stage. Then came Steve for awhile, then..it was over, man. Soo sux!
He co-wrote eight songs while playing for LS. He did not play the best solos from pre77 LS. Great guitarist and his contribution to the band stand alone.
RIP Ed King, your accomplishments will stand as a reminder that you were more than just a guitar player, you were an inspiration to everyone that crossed your path!
What a life he had.... great story
Alot of people don't realize just how many songs written by Ed or not written by him he arranged for Lynyrd Skynyrd. Bob Burns described Ed as a musical genius during his time with Skynyrd.
I was having lunch one day at the Airport Grocery in Cleveland, MS… this big SUV drives up… this guy hops out… and starts dancing to the music. He enters the restaurant, walks by my table… and I commented about the rug he was cutting out front.
He started laughing, offered his hand and said… ‘I’m Ed King’…
I replied that I recognized him as soon as he got out of his truck…
A fine fellow… Rest In Peace…
Ed you were and always will be 100% Lynyrd Skynyrd. Thank you for your music and your many guitar lessons on TH-cam. I was in “Awe” every time I saw you play. RIP
Brought a breath of fresh air to the band. Switched from bass to triple threat guitarist. Guys like Ed King or even Mick Taylor never get too comfortable in one band. Brilliant musicians!!
..... and both of them brought Skynyrd & the Stones some of the greatest music they ever made . I mean the Mick Taylor version of the RS were by far their best
Let it Bleed and Sticky Fingers the pinnacle of the Stones. Let it Bleed was all Keith Richards , because Brian Jones was useless by then. And, of course Sticky Fingers is with Mick Taylor. @@peterherard8207
Good parallel
You couldn't have named 2 more fitting and incredibly talented musicians.
Ed was my friend. He was humble, grateful, and funny! I miss drinking coffee and reading his morning Facebook posts.
I'm from the Uk and was blessed to see them here in 75, after Ed left..He's my my favorite guitar player of all time, and he must of boosted sales of Fender Strats when Alabama was released, such a beautiful song,and a wonderful Band, how we miss them all
Ed was such a talent and so humble and approachable. RIP big guy!
First of all man, GREAT video! Got to meet Ed a couple of times. He lived near my cousin Jared.
When Jared asked me if I knew who Ed King was, I said: "are you kidding? Hell yeah, loved the guy!"
Then he asked me if I'd like to meet him? I jumped up & down, like some crazy kid and said WHOO-
HOO! Ed was so nice, he would sit and talk about whatever you wanted! I must've asked him at least
50 questions? And he was so happy to answer EVERY-single one! Showed us his guitar collection, told
the story with every one he showed us! We went swimming in his pool. He fed us lunch, and his wife
was very sweet too. The next time I came to visit my cousin, he remembered who I was? Ed King in
my book was so much more than a great guitar player... He was a REALLY great person! I really miss
him! But the cool thing is that I'll always listen to his music differently, now that I know a lot of the stories!
I look forward to your next video brother. You always make such great content!!!!! ✌
Thanks Jeff I appreciate it. I wish I could have met Ed. I've heard nothing but good about the man.
Ed's slide playing on "The Ballad of Curtis Loew" takes a decent song and makes into an all-time classic. He really captured the feeling of Ronnie's storytelling .
Agree!!
Absolutely right 👌
Right On Man !!!
I have always loved Ed's slide playing on I'm a country boy. Without it the song just wouldn't be that great.
Ed King was more than a great musician. He was an awesome human being. He knew and understood his boundaries in life. Even up to the moment he died. The world was blessed to have Ed King when it did, and it is obvious he is truly missed. God Bless Ed King & family🙏🕯️✝️🇺🇸
Beautifully written. My compliments.
I was on Eds facebook page and asked him what tuning they used on Curtis Lowe . Ed answered me back the next day and wrote standard tuning, I was amazed that he answered back at all and the next day. RIP Ed King
Ed was a great guitarist!! RIP Ed!!
I met Ed when he was on his way to a Dallas Guitar Show with his wife. They picked my little town to stop and eat BBQ, I was the cook and Pit Master. I had time that day and sat down in the eating area and that was when I met Ed. He even stopped by on his way back home for another round of BBQ and to sign my Skynyrd CD's. He was my friend from then until he passed away. He had told me about his Internet group, which I joined and he even phoned me several times. He also gave me his RRHOF business card with all his numbers and said call anytime. I only called once and had a great conversation but I didn't call again not wanting to abuse the situation. We, in his group, all knew he was in bad shape before his passing, so we kinda knew the outcome and was somewhat ready for it to happen. I miss talking to him, he was an awesome guy that used the same words the day we met. "I'm the luckiest guitar player ever". Rest in peace my friend.
I always wanted Ed and Steve Gains to get a chance to play with eachother! How crazy would that have been!!!!!
Skynyrd wouldn’t have been the same without Ed . He said he wrote one great lick but whole heartedly disagree cause he wrote many great songs . Skynyrd is my favorite band and Ed was a big part of that . Thanks for the documentary. That lead on Am I losing is incredible by the way
Ed was my favorite Skynyrd guitar player, loved all of their playing, but there was just something about Eds playing that gave me goosebumps...RIP Mr. KIng!
100% agree!
Ed has always been my favorite also
Me, too. I loved all three guitarists, but in the end, the songs he wrote simply had a certain something, like The Ballad Of Curtis Loew. Those slide parts are mouth-wateringly tasteful. @@russblack443
👍💯❤
Ed has a very thoughtful soloing style,Am I Losin' comes to mind
Thank you for the awesome tribute to the late great Ed King!
Admiration for Ed King's writing and playing has grown over the years. I was happy to see "Redeye" go to someone who truly appreciates it.
Being a Skynyrd fan from the beginning, I'll never forget when "Gimme Back My Bullets" came out noticing the absence of Ed on the cover shot of the band. There was also no mention of him anywhere on the album. Ed was MIA! There was no internet back then and normally this kind of info for me was usually found in "Hit Parader" or "Cream" magazine, popular music publications at that time. I didn't know where Ed went or why but his absence was most noticable to me when I listened to GBMB. It for me anyway was a kinda dark album that seemed to be missing something. There seemed to be a certain magic missing. Ed King gave that band so much of thier defining sound. They were never the same band again without him. As talented as Steve was, he was a different thing all together and they again changed.
The first 3 Skynyrd albums "for me" will always be special in ways nothing after could duplicate.
There was only 1 Ed King and he could never be replaced!
Well said.
@@falconsnfl thanks I figured there had to be someone out there that felt the same way
Skynyrd certainly lost something when ed left I think skynyrd was at there best when ed was in the band
I could not agree more and it’s the first three albums that have the best songs and playing on them… Ed King RIP
Missing Al Kooper made a huge difference too .. I heard the sonic dropoff immediately . Dowd let them get away with out of tune playing and the mix and drum sounds were lifeless in comparison to the first three Kooper albums. Songs were still solid... the recording standards were not. After the live album they did Street Survivors with Dowd in Miami at Criteria and the tracks were so bad people close to the band told them if they released them their career would be over ...they went back to Studio One in Doraville with Rodney Mills basically in charge and Dowd was not even in town. Dowd was a pivotal genius in music history but he was done by the time Skynyrd got him.
Thank you for making this video! I've been preaching the Ed King gospel for years, dude was a brilliant songwriter and guitarist. You really did a fine job telling his story.
You're welcome! Appreciate your kind words!
These guys are still the best band ive heard to date. Better live than studio.
I love every note Ed plays on "Sweet Home Alabama." I didn't know the difference between single-coil and humbucker pickups at the time, but he was the first person I ever heard play pinch harmonics on a Stratocaster. Switching from a Les Paul to a Strat was a brilliant move on his part.
All those southern rock bands with dual and triple lead guitars make such great songs, I love it.
I saw Ed with Skynyrd in Philadelphia back in 74, always liked his playing remember him from Alarm Clock. He was one of the best I will always be a fan.
Great Doc.Ed was one of keys that unlocked some of the best songs I feel that were ever written.The true master key was RVZ.😊
Out of attending 200 concerts including the Best of the Best , Skynyrd and Bad Co show in 1992 at Merriweather Post Pavillion. My brother and I had seats ( folding chairs) literally dead center Front Row.During Sweet Home ....Ed was ripping up the solo and my bro and I were pointing at Ed...and he looked smack at us and winked and nodded w/o missing a beat...All BS aside...one of the coolest moments of my life.A great man and great talent...Mr King RIP!!!
I think his contribution to Saturday night special is almost as important as Sweet Home Alabama. RIP Ted King! ❤
Love his history with Lynyrd Skynyrd. True talent.
each member of the band make a band, and Ed and the guys made one hell of a band. Long live Lynyrd.
Loved reading some of the comments by people who knew the man the myth the legend Ed King if i could play guitar as half as good as he could then id be twice as good as anyone out there RIP Mr King 🎸🤘✌️🙏💕
Holy cow I LOVED this video! I think Ed King is the most unsung guitarist ever. His two solos on Sweet Home Alabama alone grant him immortality. NO ONE before him EVER played like that! Thanks for this informative video!
You're welcome. Thanks!
So true! Those solos are so perfect for the song!
Ed King's style is what got me interested in playing. This is probably my favorite of your documentaries.
Wow thank you. Hey you can't go wrong with Ed. He was a great player and a very smart musical mind!
RIP Ed...Southern California born and bred outstanding guitarist..
I always liked Ed , and especially liked the TH-cam video he did with Another great guitarist Marty Schwartz. He was really a genuine down to Earth kind of guy . R.I.P. Ed . And thanks for posting this tribute here 😎👍
When they reformed the band in the late 80s he was at the peek of his powers. Saw them every year during that period, he was on fire
Ed had a dream about the lead in Alabama
Everything I know about Ed King he was a class act. Nothing wrong with being good… And lucky.
A SUPER individual with a heart of gold - God Bless Ed King.
Ed King was an exceptional guitarist and a gifted songwriter! I spoke with a few times on an old form he was a member of back in the early 2000s! He spoke very highly of Leon and Ronnie but absolutely had zero use for Garry Rossington he said it was Garry who made him feel like an outsider and never accepted him
RIP Ed you will always be part of Skynyrd.
LYNYRD SKYNYRD would have never reached the heights it did without Ed. Hearing Duane Allman on the radio for the first time brought out some ancient southern spirit that lived within him. Even though he was a California hippie, his soul was from the south and he was drawn there. Some of the most powerful and legendary Skynyrd songs such as Swamp Musuc. Saturday Night Special, Poison Whiskey, Sweet Home Alabama, Working for MCA and Whiskey Rock a Roller would not have come into being without him. His destiny was to play in that band.
Excellent and thorough job on the guitarist who needs to be recognized and appreciated. Thank you for a job well done.
Thank you too!
i talked with ED one evening he was out on his boat and we got to talking and talked for about 30 mins and he told me it seemed things were kinda at a head with the parting and fussing in the band and they had been working and on the road so long he was really just tiered and needed a break from every thing this was about 7 or 8 months before he died he was such a nice guy really down to earth
River Docs, thank you man for a fine tribute to such a treasured musician. Thank you Ed King, for all the gifts you presented all of us who loved what you produced and how you went about it. Style, grace and a talent appreciated here...sincerely.
You're very welcome. Glad you enjoyed it
Legendary. Saw him many times with the reformed Skynyrd.
I didn't know that Ed had passed away he was so talented and great in everything and band he was in great man RIP ED
Talk about a versatile player. One helluva musician.
Excellent video! Thank you for giving Ed the respect he deserves. My favorite album is Nuthin' Fancy.
You're welcome and thanks for watching.
Best Documentary on Ed King ive ever seen! Thank
You're welcome. I appreciate it!
I met Ed at Alpine Valley in Wisconsin in August 1987. Most did not know who he was but I saw him the previous October at UIC Pavilion in Chicago. He was super kind! I was playing guitar in a pro band, often opening for everyone! We talked gear and music. He told me the guest that night was Steve Morse! Awesome show! One thing not talked about was there was a musical chemistry between him and Gary. Even Hughie Thomasson has stated that. Saw Skynryrd in 1991 at Alpine and they all played like the meant it! Hungry and and that was joy too see! Gary would play something different than normal snd Ed would respond. When Steve Gaines replaced Ed that interplay would be between Steve and Allen Collins. Ed’s playing on Workin’ for MCA was different than a blues based rock solo. Using pinch harmonics etc. Ed was a great and unique stylist. A big influence on me. Nice person!
😮
Interesting post. I saw a TH-cam video with Ed King and Marty Schwartz. Ed really comes off as a nice guy.
When you mention the interplay with Gary and Ed I really had noticed what you mentioned about the interplay with Allen and Steve Gaines. There is a video on TH-cam that shows the wonderful musical chemistry between Allen and Steve trading leads and rhytym guitar parts on "That Smell" during a live performance. It was phenomenal.
He's one of the best guitar player ever. He knew what he was doing. Ttul one of a kind.
I went to school at Hoover High in Glendale with Ed and his band, Six Pence, at the time. I remember when they turned into the Strawberry Alarm Clock and had the hit, Incense and Peppermints, with the excellent fuzz tone rift. I was a year younger than Ed and was in a band called Common and the Other People. Great times!
Awesome! How was Glendale back in those days? Was it still expensive as it is now? Do you have any recordings of your band?
Informative and enjoyable summary of Ed's musical career. Thank you for the time and effort you put into this!
You're very welcome. Thank you for watching! Much appreciated.
Ed was always my favorite in the band.
I got "One More from the Road" when I was a joung boy. This one iconic riff brought me to the guitar. No youtobe tor learn it. For decades I played it wrong. But I learned so much because of him. Ed King, such a emense part of Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Enjoyed this! He was obviously a great guitar talent - but when I first watched interviews with him what really struck me was his humble and genuine nature. We could use a few more like Ed King!
Most of my favorite Skynyrd songs were Ed King compositions. Severely underrated for years, it seems like he's finally starting to get his just do. Too bad it ended badly between him and Ronnie, but ultimately maybe that was for the best for Ed. Great video, buddy.
Ed had a feeling inside himself that music was in him a part of him.Ed had a discipline dedication devotionadream and drive of perfection of personal style.He had the intregal part the he played in the band that completed a missing part and helped make them who they became. Ed fit in with his contributions and help create a style.didnt just participate in it but lived it. HE WAS DIFFERENT SPECIAL AND UNIQUE AND ADDED AN INTREGAL INGREDIENT that completed their sound.Thank You Ed for your music you shared and gave to us . MISS YOU.
Thank you for this excellent video and honoring Ed.
He was indeed a great guy, as well as a great guitarist !
You're welcome. Glad you enjoyed it
Wow this is so awesome...I remember strawberry alarm clock, strawberry and peppermint, biggest strong song ever. When I was a child. Lynerd skynard one of my fav bands brought in a classic individual 🎉😊😀
Lynyrd Skynyrd was my favorite band in the mid 70's. I played one of more of their albums literally every day. Truth be told Ed was my favorite guitarist in the band. He had a style that was very noticeable.
I love need all my friends great song wish Ronnie lived longer he was brilliant singer ed was a great player i miss him
I listened to Ed King speaking about his being on the outs from the band. Being from California and everyone being from the South.
That is if you can believe everything that you hear.
God Bless Ed King!
I met Ed. Was a great guy. I met him in the dallas in the 90s at trees.Very giving man🤘🏴☠️🎸
What show was that at Trees?
@@IvanLendl87 afterparty for the greater southwest guitar show.
Great video/story. I'm a huge Skynyrd fan so I have to be an Ed King fan as well. He contributed as much to the band as everyone else, maybe more in some ways. I like the fact that he intentionally switched to a Strat because of the different sound/tone of that particular guitar. That's one of the things I always loved about the band's guitar sound, you could distinguish the different guitarist's by not only their playing style, but by the guitar sound. They rarely colored the sound with a lot of effects. I'm a Les Paul guy so I've always been partial to Gary's playing, but whenever I've tried out a Strat in a store for a possible purchase, I have to play the opening lick in Sweet Home. And if it doesn't sound like Ed King, I won't buy it.
RIP Ed. You're one of the greatest musicians from one of the greatest bands in the history of rock and roll. That makes you a genuine 100% badass.
Thanks...and well said!!
Ed many times said some pretty hard stuff about the band. Glad they worked that all out.
Being a Cali guy of course was going to be a culture shock for him and the boys.
Him being so good is proof in that he joined them and did so well.
Have nothing but love for the guy.
He played the licks that set the tone to millions of our lives.
Legend. Pure legend.
Many thanks sir for another fine doc!!
A little of both, no doubt. There’s a lot of people out there can tear it up but never make it out of their own yard. Definitely took luck. I suppose it still does, but these kids can create and stream themselves. Ed King was really good. ❤
Appreciate this. Thank you. Rest in Peace Ed
I was one of the privileged to chat with him on Facebook Messenger. He was such a nice guy, and freely talked about things, even non musical subjects. Every time I hear Sweet Home... it makes me smile. Thanks for the video!
You're welcome. Ed was a good guy for sure.
Huge Fan of Ed, like a lot of successful people it was hard work and a lot of luck. John Lennon felt this was a true virtue of the music business
Awesome RD《☆》Wonderful Documentary Brother😎🤳I never met Ed in person but I feel like I knew him because of Great Videos like this. I was a Military brat but lived in Jacksonville from 72 to 79 and off & on to this day. I crossed paths with Allen & Gary on separate occasions after meeting JoJo Billingsley who was a Honkette with SKYNYRD. Unfortunately I was a Cocky teenager at the time. Me & a Pal were invited to JoJos house to party. As it turned out We were the party. Allen knocked on the front door when JoJo was getting changed into something more comfortable. I had to answer the door. I knew immediately who Allen was but I just shook his hand & invited him in without saying anything about him being one of my Guitar Heroes or anything. He said he was checking in to make sure Jo was ok as he saw our Motorcycles in her driveway. He got in his Big JEEP & left without talking to Jo. I couldn't stay very long due to a parental curfew but my Pal did. He was an older guy that was dating my GFs bestie. He showed up at KMart as I was ending my shift at 9pm. He offered to buy some Beer & we were going to just park our Bikes in the Treeline next to Jax Liquors which was near KMart. JoJo was in the Jax Drivethru in a Cadillac Convertible with the Top down. I popped a wheelie as we were coming up into the drivethru on my 73 RD350. She stood up in her car, turned around & said Hey Y'all wanna Party??We had no idea who she was but it sounded way better than sitting on our bikes & drinking beer. When we walked thru the foyer in her modest 3 bedroom starter home close to Jax Liquors we could see the Gold & Platinum Records framed on the wall. Anyway My Pal apparently invited himself back to her house when she wasn't home & stole some valuable items. He disappeared after that happened. JoJo came to KMart to ask me if I'd seen him as his fingerprints were found on her bathroom window. Interestingly enough Gary came up to me when I was on Door Greeter duty at KMart a few days after Jo had talked to me. I think it was just a coincidence. Gary was in a hurry & asked me Where's the Birthday Candles man. Again my Koolness prevented me from letting on that he was also a Guitar Hero of mine. Keep up the good work🔔Big Like & Sub✌🏼😎☯️
Great story BDOG thanks for sharing. Appreciate your support!
What a great guy! Made a big difference to the band over all.god speed brother and thank you for the Ride.
His lead on "Working for MCA" incredible sound.
He had a humble, cool confidence about him and he wore it well!! RIP Ed!
I've been an Ed King fan since I heard the first album in high school. He was an ace with Skynyrd. His songwriting and pop arranging chops were as important as his great guitar performances. He could play through the changes so well. Ed's work still gives me the old school tingle, timeless craftsmanship. But he could rock, too, had that hard rock bear tooth at the root of it. Salute.
Thank you for taking the time and effort to make this mini-documentary about Ed. I was lucky enough to be a young man growing up in the 70s when L.S. hit the radio waves. All of that great music that I grew up with would end up changing my life, it made me the person I am today. Guitar player for 50+ years, I am a vary nice person who still believes in love and peace. I loved Ed and the music he played. Rock on in heaven Ed.
You're welcome. Thanks for watching.
Ed king was the reason i started to take lessons at age 59. 2 years later i bought a black and white Stratocaster
Great tribute to Mr. Ed King!
I remember when Lynyrd Skynyrd was recording the 'Pronounced' album in Doraville,Georgia. There was excitement all the way over from my neck of the woods in Marietta to Atlanta and back! Oh, we waited for that album with baited breath! We weren't disappointed!!! I was a young guitar player back then who idolized Lynyrd Skynyrd but I got the opportunity later on when Ed became a guitarist to see them perform a few times while helping my friend's parents who owned clubs in the Atlanta area. I always watched Ed King perform because he was always listening for what the other two were playing and he could change styles justlikethat to wrap around whatever they were doing! It wasn't actual lead guitar or rhythm guitar but it made an already loud, noisy musical sound sound completed, filled in with all the right notes or chords! Sometimes lead, sometimes rhythm, sometimes both! I made up my mind that THAT was the type of guitar I wanted to play. Not flashy but totally indispensable! The glue that made the song work! I certainly never achieved Mr. King's celebrity, but my bands loved that I was always willing to listen to what they wanted to do and then I did my best to fill in what else they wanted to hear! The resulting product always made both us and our audiences smile! It also stretched me as a player to learn new techniques and ways to get that music perfect in our ears! I had no idea Ed had passed. My condolences to his family and friends. I will always remember him as the quietest member of Skynyrd but the one who made the music whole and perfect! Thank you Ed for many great years of music! May you find peace in your latest adventure!
By far my favorite guitarist of all time.
Excellent job… Thank you very much … 🦅
You're welcome. Thanks for watching.
Ed was a great guitar player
I'm in a huge Lynyrd Skynyrd fan and I've got to say, that's one of the best documentaries I've seen. Very informative. I was very impressed. I learned things I didn't know about and when it comes to Lynyrd Skynyrd, I know just about everything there is to know. I've got to see my friend that that was very well done! 👏 Bravo!
a great player. RIP Ed.
I remember meeting Ed at a gig I played at The Purple Turnip in Modesto, CA in '66. He seemed more professional than most of the other musicians I had met back then. He played great, I think they were called the Three Sixpence at that time, English sounding. Nice guy, great guitar picker.
1 other comment about these documentaries. They are awesome. There is a lot of work going into them and really interesting. Congratulations to the person doing them and thank you for that effort.👍💪🇺🇸
You're welcome. Appreciate your comment!! Thank for watching!
I always enjoy these documentaries. I missed out on all these stories when I was younger. Thank you River Docs.
You are very welcome my friend!
Another great video!
I loved his bass playing style as much as his awesome guitar playing riffs!
Such a humble man!
great guitarist, thanks for the music. another thanks to gaines, you guys shaped the way i play.
I used to go see him play in a band called Smokehouse with female singer in a club in Greenville NC 72, then I worked at the attic cpl years saw Lynard Skinner quite a few times he was good
It's a tough go with 3 guitar players in one band but Ed had music history, he didn't need to brag
I grew up about half of a mile from hell house during the 60s and 70s. Just preteens a couple of the neighborhood boys would jump on our bicycles and go sit on the train trusses and listen to the band practice. What a memorable experience.
Man what great memories to have!! Thanks for sharing and thanks for watching!
Adding Ed's strat changed everything for the better. Ed King was the man. My Man! My main man! GB.