Gary Rossington, a founding guitarist for Lynyrd Skynyrd and the last original member of the classic Southern rock band, died on Sunday at age 71.

“It is with our deepest sympathy and sadness that we have to advise, that we lost our brother, friend, family member, songwriter and guitarist, Gary Rossington, today,” the band said Sunday night in a Facebook post. “Gary is now with his Skynyrd brothers and family in heaven and playing it pretty, like he always does. Please keep Dale, Mary, Annie and the entire Rossington family in your prayers and respect the family’s privacy at this difficult time.”

No cause of death was given, but Rossington had suffered from heart problems for several years. He had emergency heart surgery in July 2021, the band said via Facebook, and at the time, said Rossington expected to make a full recovery. Alabama guitarist Damon Johnson, known for his work with bands such as Brother Cane and Thin Lizzy, has been filling in for Rossington on tour.

Rossington, a stoic figure, wasn’t a showboat on stage but his skillful and slippery slide playing on hits such as “Free Bird” helped to fuel the band’s legend and make that song a rock classic.

Skynyrd, formed in 1964 in in Jacksonville, Florida, has a long, rich history that’s been marked by triumph, tragedy and many lineup changes. Rossington was a constant, however, and he survived the infamous 1977 plane crash that killed Ronnie Van Zant, the band’s lead singer, along with guitarist Steve Gaines and backup singer Cassie Gaines.

Skynyrd, a favorite in Alabama, has a long history of performances in the state and a songbook that includes enduring anthems such as “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Gimme Three Steps,” “Simple Man,” “What’s Your Name,” “That Smell,” “Tuesday’s Gone,” “You Got That Right” and more.

In a 1999 interview with The Birmingham News, Rossington said Skynyrd was happy to perform vintage hits in concert, and the musicians realized fans would leave disappointed if they didn’t get a rip-roaring dose of their favorites.

“We go out each summer and play so people can clap and sing and cry and whatever they do,” Rossington said. “The band loves to play the old standard songs because people love to hear ‘em.”

“Sweet Home Alabama” was a no-brainer on the setlist when Skynyrd played in the state, Rossington said. “I’ve been told that it should be the state song,” he said, laughing. “Well, let’s say it’s the self-appointed state song.”

Rossington said uplifting lyrics were crucial ingredients of Skynyrd’s hard-driving country-rock tunes — not religious sermons or deep philosophical tracts, but grassroots comments about happiness and freedom and independence.

”We always try to write positive things, songs that have a message and a story,” Rossington said. “We try to spread that, and do good.”

The band’s lineup now features singer Johnny Van Zant, Ronnie’s brother, guitarist Rickey Medlocke, drummer Michael Cartellone, guitarist Mark “Sparky” Matejka and keyboard player Peter Keys.