Died On This Date (October 20, 1977) Steve Gaines / Lynyrd Skynyrd
themusicsover Steve Gaines
September 14, 1949 – October 20, 1977
Steve Gaines was an up-and-coming rock guitarist and songwriter when he was invited to join Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1976, thanks in part to a recommendation by his sister, Cassie Gaines who had recently joined the band as a backup singer. Altough he played on just one album, Street Survivors, his contribution to the band’s legacy can not be denied. On October 20, 1977, while flying between shows in Greenville, South Carolina and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, their small chartered plane experienced engine trouble causing it to crash outside of Gillsburg, Mississippi. Dead on impact were band members, Ronnie Van Zant (29), Cassie Gaines (29), Steve Gaines (28), road manager, Dean Kilpatrick, the pilot and co-pilot.
What You Should Own
Cassie Gaines was part of gospel trio who, in 1975 were invited to join Lynyrd Skynyrd as back-up singers. Her brother, 
Rudy Ray Moore was a singer, comedian and actor who is best remembered for his character, Dolemite, the pimp from the film of the same name. After performing as an R&B singer, Moore switched to stand-up and released several “blue” albums during the ’60s and ’70s. During the ’90s he appeared on albums by Big Daddy Kane and 2 Live Crew. In 2000, Moore revived his Dolemite character in the Insane Clown Posse’s film, Big Money Hustlas. Rudy Ray Moore died of complications from diabetes at the age of 81.
