Larkin Allen Collins
July 19, 1952 – January 23, 1990
Allen Collins was a founding guitarist of and sometime co-writer for southern rock giants, Lynyrd Skynyrd. The band’s ride to fame was partially due to songs co-written by Collins. That list includes “That Smell,” “Free Bird,” and “Gimme Three Steps.” When Ronnie Van Zant and others from the band were killed in a plane crash in 1977, Collins went on to have success with the Rossington-Collins Band. Their biggest hit was 1980’s “Don’t Misunderstand Me.” Tragedy struck Collins again in 1986 when he caused a car accident that killed his girlfriend and left him paralyzed from the waist down. Since he was under the influence, he was charged with vehicular manslaughter. He accepted a plea which kept him out of jail, but had him, among other penalties, speak out against drunk driving at all future Lynyrd Skynyrd concerts. Collins died of pneumonia, brought on by the paralysis on January 23, 1990. He was 37 years old.
Own A Piece Of Rock ‘n Roll History
What You Should Own
