Stevie Gaines is absolutely one of the most underrated guitarists in the world even today ! He was so far ahead of his time and Allen Collins was just like him . Stevie knew exactly what he was doing when he picked that Stratocaster up and I honestly believe I'd recognize his guitar playing anywhere . And nobody to this day has made a Strat sound like he did .
Margie, thanx for reaching out. we appreciate your input. I agree but more importantly so did Ronnie who said to the band, "One day we will be cold in his Shadow"
A terrible tragedy! One child is devastating, but two children is almost incomprehensible. God bless their souls and their remaining family. Their fans will never forget these talented siblings!
It became more tragic, not sure exact date but less than 2 yrs from crash, she was visiting the cemetery & 2 miles away was involved in a car accident & was killed leaving a son Robert who died 2019, not sure abt their dad. That family had more than their share of tragedy
@@kathyrais574 I sure didn't know that ! That's just unbelievable that they went through this and what gifted talent . Stevie was one of the greatest guitarists in the world and nobody can make a Strat sound like he did .
@@margiewhitehead2453 I just read not too long ago abt their mother. Very tragic. I am not sure I could handle losing 1 child let alone 2 at same time. Steve was extremely gifted & put the energy for everyone back in the band. I believe he might have been the next SRV, he doesn't get much talk, I guess because he was only with them for less than 2 yrs but he was only in Skynyrd a Mos or so when they recorded One More from the road, he still had gigs with Crawdad & didn't want to leave them hanging so he went back & forth to record. If you watch the concert at Knebworth in Aug 76' h had only been with them since May but he added so much to that show. He was finally making it & Skynyrd had been trying to clean up their act when plane ceash happened, RVZ had taken up lifting weights & swimming & was fighting his alcoholism setting better example for the other guys, almost feels like they were punished. I know not the way God works but I really don't get it to this day!
Just simply undeniably one of the best guitarists ever , rock , blues , country , jazz , didn't matter he could do it all and without a blink of an eye just hear something and start playing it and most of the time much better that the artist he heard playing it and combined with Allen and Gary I mean come on !
Thanx for reaching out Sam. I totally agree, he was a very special talent whose light was snuffed out way to soon. Ronnie bragged on him, one day saying, one day we will all be standing in his shawdow.
@@oklahomamusiclegends6702 your very welcome. Like I heard rvz say so many times truth is truth facts are facts and ol okie is one of the best guitarists to ever step on a stage , fact lol 😆
Thanks for this video. I recently caught the Lynyrd Skynyrd Live In Asbury Park 1977 concert. It was my first real close look at Steve Gaines live. It is one thing to hear the story, but what hit me hard was how young and exuberant he was. And how freakishly talented and disciplined a musician he was. Nothing against Rossington and Collins, who are both virtuosos in their own right. But I think it was clear Steve was just getting started, and was going to eventually rise to a new level, and keep the other two guys honest and sharp in the process. But you could see how excited he was up on stage just to be there. Confident, and could sing too. But ultimately just a sweet old boy from Oklahoma who could play guitar like nobody’s business. And it just makes the tragedy that much harder to bear.
Good Morning Grey, I so appreciate your taking the time to reach out. He was a very talented player and songwriter too. Ronnie stated to the band, "one day we will all be standing in his shadow. Cassie his sister was a very talented singer. Your right the plane crash snuffed out a shinning light. Best regards, Tommy Henshaw
@@oklahomamusiclegends6702 I was just brought back to this thread a year later to read a new comment made below, and I was reminded of your YT moniker relating to OK music legends. And in the past year, I “discovered” another OK legend and supreme talent. I’d heard of Elvin Bishop before, but was not familiar with his music or the fact that it was his band that recorded “Fooled Around And Fell In Love”, which also gave Mickey Thomas, one of rock’s greatest tenors of all time, his big break. But it was the video for Walking Shoes live in 1975 I think, with Tommy Vernazza (who I initially mistook for Dickey Betts not just because of the way he looks but also his playing style). But it isn’t just Elvin and Tommy that impressed. It’s the whole band, especially the drummer. Really just so tight and they’re track all just complete virtuosos; the bass player, piano player - all of it - just top notch musicianship! And it’s great to see Elvin still out there looking and playing great still to this day. He truly is a living legend that more people should know about. Especially his slide guitar playing. Lots of guys can play proficient slide guitar. But Elvin puts more feeling into his playing than most, and just gets this amazing tone that is a joy to listen to.
@@jameslomenzo1139 yeah you’re right the colorized version is awesome, as is the shoe itself. You know, others may disagree, but it seems to me that some of their best shows were actually in Yankee territory. Ohio, New Jersey, Winterland, New York, etc. And I think it’s because they felt they had something more to prove up there, or outside the south. They already knew they had southern loyalty. And of course they put on a great show every time down there as well. But I think they just said that extra competitive spark. Also, Ronnie for all his southern charm and bluster, he was a bit of a Yankee-phile. Yes I just made up a word. But he liked Northerners and was in also a fan of the New York Yankees as well, which blew my mind when I learned that, and saw a pic of him wearing a Yankee hat. But really, my favorite shows all of them is the Knebworth concert from 1976. If they want to impress the Yankees, I think they wanted to impress the BRITs even more. Especially with the show being headlines by the Stones cause they were huge fans of. And I remember as I was washing the concert just here in like this noise like what is that it’s like constant screaming. And it’s the women. The British women going nuts for these rough and tumble southerners. I’m sure they give a lot of proper British boyfriends a complex for a while. But also, if you watch the crowds, it’s amazing how much both of the men and the women in England we’re getting into the music. Some of it’s pretty funny to watch.. but yeah, they went nuts over there for Lynyrd Skynyrd. And it just seemed to feed the energy that the band was already putting out, back to Skynyrd, making it just an amazing show as a result. And the way it ends with them walking out on the forbidden tongue on, pissing of Mick Jagger to no end. F*cking classic!
@@greypilgrim6157 I never did get to see the original Lynyrd Skynyrd I was only 16 when i got my driver's license, but we had our tickets to their show at Austin Peay University, just 25 minutes north of Nashville October 27th, but the plane crash stopped it, i lived here in Nashville were I grew up all my life. That Asbury dvd sounds good on my Sony sound bar, color looks good also I found it on Esty for around $15. You're very lucky to have been there at Ashbury, it's's nice talking to someone that was there. I bought that Knebworth show on Blu-ray DVD with the documentary if I leave here tomorrow. You're right, I think it was their best show on film. I liked the way they did live shows, they played the music just like on the Lp, not fast like some bands do just to get through the concert. I did get to see Elvin Bishop around 1980 here in Nashville, that was a great show. Yes I believe Ronnie loved the north, I was fortunate to hang out with his cousin around 1981,and he told us some stories of the band, and the plane crash, why it happened, that alot of people don't even know about.
Thankyou for reaching out Ree. I'm glad to hear you liked the story. When you have time you might check out some of our other Oklahoma Music Legends stories. I'll bet you will find a few surprises. Thanx Again Tommy
I lived in Joplin, Missouri and had a USA Today paper route that included Miami, Oklahoma. At one of the stores I ended up getting to know one of the convenience store employees a little through our mutual love of Lynyrd Skynyrd. One night I mentioned Steve Gaines and he told me that Cassie used to babysit him and his sister when they were little. At the time I had no idea they were from Miami so I took what he said with a grain of salt, lol. Several years later I ended up moving to Miami and found out not only were they from Miami but also that I was living about half a mile from the farm they grew up on. Ended meeting a few of their cousins and also his bass player in Crawdad. The one thing I recall him telling me was even though Steve Gaines was considered the best guitar player in that area by far that he had ZERO ego. He would invite other players to jam with him regardless of their musical ability and was encouraging to everyone. I remember hearing several years ago that they finally put up a statue in Miami honoring their hometown hero status. I thought the whole time I lived there what a shame it was that there was nothing.to commemorate them being from Miami. Ended up moving back to Maine where I'm from, but still wish I could have been there for the unveiling of the statue.
Thanx for reaching out Jay. Remember Ronnie said, "One day we will all be in his Shadow". That is indeed high praise. I agree with you. He was one of the best, whose life was indeed cut short by great sadness.
Steve & Ed & Allen were so F.......ing Awesome, they were born to be The Best , just natural at whet they did, God Bless Them always, they are Freebirds Now.
This is Great and on it. Story i remember, Cassie "My Brother plays guitar". 'We'll turn him down if he can't cut it'. Steve,,,Great player ? You Got That Right !
I really hope there’s all kinds of young folks in here checking out how real rock n roll was played before everything turned digital. This guy was the real deal.
Like you I hope they do too. Steve, really was the real deal! Ronnie was really embressed on his skills. We will never know how far he could have helped them reach more audiences. He was also becoming an accomplished song writer too. Thanx for reaching out Ben. I hope you have time to listen to some of our other Legends. You will find more surprises.
20 years old year in college I play music myself. A few weeks ago I became gripped by the story of Skynyrd and took a deep plunge into the magic that was this band. Steve and Cassie died 23 years before I was born but I still feel a pain in my heart from this tradgedy
He was the real deal. All the guitarist were great and Steve stood out among them. That's how great he was. Awesome blues guitarist. I wish I could have heard more from him.
@@Anabelleandthedesertscrubs awesome. I hope you listen to Black Sabbath , Led Zeppelin , Van Halen and the many more. Enjoy em all young lad , it’s unfortunate that all the good shit has pretty much vanished.
Thank you for this tribute to Steve and Cassie Gaines. May their memory live forever through the soul and music of Lynyrd Skynyrd. Fly on, Free Birds ♥️🕊☮️
In Miami, Oklahoma's Baptist Hospital, the 19 inch Steve Earl Gaines weighed 7 pounds, 12 ounces when born at 3:15 pm on September 14, 1949. This from his daughter directly.
Thank you for sharing this story abt Steve & Cassie, glad they got to live their dream. Love the concert footage after Steve joined, he looked like he was having the time of his life
Kathy, thanks for reaching out. I'm glad you enjoyed their story. If you get a chance, you might check out some of our other stories. I'm sure you will find a few surprises.
Wow Sharon, You were so lucky to have known them, basically as they were begining thier Musical Journey. They were so very talented, you won't be surprised to know that their story on our Podcast is without a close second the most listened too Oklahoma Music Legend Story. Thank you for reaching out and sharing. I hope you get a chance to listen to some of our other Legends from our Great Musical State.
@@oklahomamusiclegends6702 thank you 😊 my older brother knows more about them i was real young then 70s Cassie was lifeguard at rotory park swim pool ..her brother helped me home one day i stepped on glass at that park they lived about 4 houses down same side as my family and i believe my friend becky lived down by them too her cousin is keith Anderson ..i will check out more your videos thanks!🕺⚡️
A wonderful addition to an already great , great band. RIP Steve and Ronnie. I mean being raised in Memphis put the boogie woogie in my bones, and I know all about the best music on our planet. And regardless of how deep and loyal I am towards my Allman Brothers_and I put Skynyrd neck and neck with my Allman Brothers but my heart is with my mentor and hero, n this will always be Ronnie Van Zant . He was a real man's man and I have never gotten over his loss. If anything I am worse., he wrote more rock anthems than anybody out there and Id put him up against the baddest of the bad in a brawl. Love you Ronnie, from ur biggest fan on the planet, Eugene Weaver. @ real Memphis boy, now living in beautiful Colorado!! Sure love the greenery! 🕊
Thanx for reaching out Gene. You are so right. Its unfortunate how it ended so abrutly. I think the sky was the limit for Steve. Ronnie sure thought so.
True! Poor Cassie. She was always afraid of that plane w/ good reason, & tried to book a commercial flight that day, but the only flight available @ that point would’ve landed only 10mins before the show began, so it was a no go. I believe it was Gene Odom, who was Ronnie’s childhood friend-fishing buddy, ex military mechanic who caught the pilot & co-pilot having a look @ the engine that was problematic on the trip to Greenville, where he said he saw a 15 foot blue “fireball” shoot out of. He asked if they were fixing the plane there in Greenville, & was told no, it would be fixed in Baton Rouge. Gene, who Ronnie asked to be security & help get the band cleaned up, was a no nonsense guy, & argued w/ the captain, saying it wasn’t safe to fly the plane. The captain argued it was safe to fly, & threatened Gene if he said another word he’d not let him on the plane to Baton Rouge. People knew it was unsafe, they were scared, & Gene tried to get them to fix it in Greenville to no avail. If that captain put his pride aside, he wouldn’t have died in that crash, taking innocent people w/ him. So sad!
@@coderscameron6876 That is so cruel to say that he would intentionally put her in danger like that she had rode in the van before even with his belief that he would not live to be 30 that still does not mean he could have foreseen what was coming he did not intentional harm anyone that's So stupid of anyone to say Ronnie died too you know and left a widow and one year old baby girl
@@Blue-Lotus888 Gene also allegedly saw them passing a bottle of Jack Daniels around why did he not tell Ronnie its easy to smear Ronnie's name since he is not here to give his side but its even worse to imply that he would intentionally put a woman's life in danger or get her killed he did encourage her but I do not believe he forced her onto the plane as she had rode in the van before on other occasions
Steve and Cassie were both born in Miami, Oklahoma. Steve’s band in college was called Cellar Door and the one after that was the Pink Peach Mob. He was a friend of my brother during their college days.
That’s so strangely ironic. In the movie Donnie Darko, (which wasn’t released until 2001) There’s a scene where Drew Barrymore was fired from her HS teaching job, & sitting in her classroom alone. Main character Donnie (Jake Gyllenhaal), 1 of her students walks in asks what’s going on, & notices she wrote “Cellar Door” on the blackboard. When he inquires about it, she says a famous linguist once said, “Out of all the combinations of letters & words in the English language, “Cellar Door” is the most beautiful.”. I understand it’s a scene from a movie, & I inadvertently came to this video b/c I was watching Lynyrd Skynyrd vids, fell asleep on my phone, & ended up here. Steve Gaines was talented beyond words, & I was only 5yrs old when that plane crashed, but was well familiar w/ Lynyrd Skynyrd at that young age. I didn’t know till I read your comment that Cellar Door was the name of Steve’s band in college. It’s very strange b/c that movie was ultimately about time travel. Thank you for sharing that info. R.I.P. Steve & Cassie Gaines 🕊️❤️❤️🕊️
Ed didnt leave the band due to heart issues the first time. According to Ed he couldn't take Ronnie's overbearingness. I also think it was 1975, not 76 when Ed left.
Someone may have already said it but the photo they showed of a girl in the red bandana isn’t Cassie Gains. That was Steve Gains Daughter. Not nitpicking just thought I’d share it. I Grew up listening to Lynard Skynyrd because of my Dad and now my kids are into it. Anyways thinking about how many great Songs would’ve come out of this group if the tragic accident never happened. Live life being a Simple Man!!! Stay safe y’all!!!
Cassie was a wonderful singer & by all accounts, an absolutely delightful young woman. Steve was a Great guitar player who could also sing his butt off! We ALL lost on that terrible Oct 77 day & that damn plane, because we were ALL robbed of all the great music Steve, Cassie & the band were going to make in the future 😢 Thanks for the great video, just one small correction, it's One more "From" the road, not "For" the road, Thanks again! 👍
@@oklahomamusiclegends6702 Hi loved this informative video. I am a guitar player and was stationed at Ft. Sill Oklahoma for almost two years in the Polar Bear Infantry battalion. The title spelling of the band's name is Lynyrd Skynyrd. Couple of Y's missing in this title. Changing it is an easy fix by going to "Your videos" > "Channel content" > hover the mouse over this Gaines video in the list, and click the edit pencil to do a second take on the Title. 🍀🎶🎸
@@breech123 How can I think you? Your simple instructions, allowed me to be able to fix the Spell Check errors. I appreciate your idea and Thank You for your suggestion.
I liked your video here. You supplied allot more information about Steve abd Cassie than all the other videos I have seen. Steve definitely gave the band the kick they needed at that time. I "by a slim chance" got back stage at a concert in Oakland California in 1977. I met Steve, Ronnie, Allen, and Gary and had brief conversations with each of them about guitars, amps and accessories. I had played, repaired, and built custom guitars for several years at that time. Steve sure seemed like a peaceful, easy going guy. My brief conversation with Ronnie was about Neil young. He was wearing a t-shirt with Neil Young's picture on it. I pointed to his shirt and jokenly said "NEIL YOUNG?", he replied "A peace offering" and laughed. They then went on to play an outstanding performance. Allen had given me a phone number to contact someone about possibly becoming a guitar tec for them. I had hitch hiked from Columbus Ohio to California with a friend and like I said, by a slim and crazy chance' got to go to and back stage at this concert. Exactally 109 days when I made it back to Ohio that tragic plane crash happen. There was never an answer from the number Allen gave me after that. Such a sad, sad day and I still feel the heartbreak from that day. Excellent video you did. Thank you for your time and effort here. Deeply appreciated!!!
Ed King did not leave due to heart problems. He left because Ronnie became violent with him. When the surviving members including Ed, got back together in 1987, Ed rejoined the band.He would later be fired from the band because he couldn't tour due to heart problems. I love all the people who played in the original band. Not the cover band touring now. That stupid plane crash caused more hurt and pain than anything I know. The beautiful lives cut short. The songs unwritten. I really love that band.
Sorry to say, but Ronnie threatened members w/ their jobs if they didn’t get on the plane the day it crashed-That’s well documented. You can check out hours of documentaries & hear that from the mouths of survivors & band members. Also, the health insurance lapsed on the Honkettes @ the time of the crash. I’ve heard Ronnie wanted the legalities of the band handled by lawyers, but got the feeling it had more to do w/ finances, than the wellbeing of the members, b/c he always thought people were stealing from him. That much was true, as there was over 1 million dollars unaccounted for @ the time of the crash. So either he was dealing w/ a shady legal representation, or not such the great guy you think he was. Though I love the music, I know it was a bit of both.
@@Blue-Lotus888 Yes I'm aware of his threats and violence toward the band. It was why Ed left. Ronnie could be a very big arsehole to people. However I do believe he had a strong sense of family and that would be of great value in the end. You can hear it in his interviews and read in writing.
James thanks for reaching out. If you have an opportunity to speak to your cousing about Steve and learn more about him and Cassie getting into music. Good Luck
Steve and Cassie would be in their 70s now. Hard to imagine them in their 70s!! They were just kids back in 77. So tragic that we never got to see Steve Gaines further his career. As Ronnie said, someday they would all be living in Steve Gaines' shadow. I'm sure Steve would have went on to become a hugely successful. Maybe even have his own band. From what I've read about Steve and Cassie they were very fine people. Didn't drink or abuse drugs. Cassie was an absolutely stunningly beautiful woman. I'm sure she was just as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside. If I could take a time machine back to 77 and do something to stop them all from getting on that fateful flight.
Thanx for reaching out. Youre right, to all accounts they were really good people. One point I find interesting, Steve and his Dad went to Kansas City to see the Beatles. It was this trip that was his Muse to play guitar. Cassie was beautiful and very talented and gifted singer. Who knows what a full life had in store for them. They made a big impact in a short period of time. I hope you get a chance to check out some of our other stories.
I'm not sure what you consider "abuse", or a "drug", but I've read that other members of the band claimed that Steve grew some mighty fine "tomato plants". Now what I read, didn't actually distinguish that they may have really been referring to tomato plants, and they didn't say, that he actually ever endulged in the fruits of that labor. But, with the level of respect Ronnie developed for him, in such a short time, I doubt seriously if Steve had any abuse issues. Now I'm not sure who was making the final decisions on which members went to the HOF, but I do know there was one person not in the band, involved in all decisions concerning the band, after the crash. Although it's probably more likely, that backup musicians for solo acts & backup singers, just aren't usually included, for music awards. Great video, by the way. I treasure the couple of live performances with this lineup, that are available online. I read nearly all of the comments for their videos. Mostly about Ronnie being the Greatest, and their preference between Ed and Steve. But for some reason, Leon rarely gets any love in the comments. So, if you get a chance someday; would you please do a video on the contributions of Leon Russell Wilkeson to Lynyrd Skynyrd?
@@southvaron757 Ron thanx for reaching out. I don't know about the Tomatoes but i do know how Steve wasnt sure he wanted to take Cassie's suggestion and give Steve a listen. But after he did, he was sure he made the right decesion. We all know he did.
Steve might have had his head on about him. But the rest of the band along with Ronnie was always fighting. Ronnie loved fighting. I'm not sure how they would have lasted through time. Ronnie was most unique. The band wasn't the same after Ronnie and Steve gone. They were all a wild bunch. Lived fast.
as Ronnie unfortunately said, quote "if your times up, it was mean't to be" sure enough it was, wish i never heard that, sounded like he felt something, and he said to his father he'd wouldn't live to 30
Ottty thank you for taking the time to reach out. We appreciate your contribution. Hope you have to check out some of our other Oklahoma Music Legend Stories.
It's a crying shame and a damn disgrace that the Honkettes weren't inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the rest of the band.I wouldn't be surprised if Judy Van Zant Jenness had a role in their snub,to be honest.
Hi, Thanx for reaching out. You are so right about Steve's possibilites. Ronnie said it best when he said, One day we will all be in his Shawdow. Cassie was a fine singer too! Thanx again for your comments. Please take a few minutes to check out some of our other Oklahoma Music Legends.
Love Steve and Cassie, their personalities shine thru even in the few videos and photos we have, Artimus told me that they were the best humanity had to offer,...in every aspect of their lives, not just musically,...he said their parents had a canteen they would play at,..where they sharpened their skills.
Cassie Gaines was a pretty woman along with Jo Jo Billingsley & Leslie Hawkins ( the original backup singers known as the Honkettes)!!!! The Rock 'N Roll Hall Of Fame should had inducted them along with Lynyrd Skynyrd in the Hall Of Fame!!!! I'd like to personally say that in my book that Cassie Gaines and the other two original backup singers are my favorites than today's Skynyrd's two backup singers!!!!! Steve Gaines and Cassie Gaines we all miss you both along with Ronnie Van Zant and Dean Kilpatrick!!!!!
There must not be very many pictures of cassie gaines because she is never shown just by herself, so it's hard to tell which one of the 3 she is. Whereas Steve Gaines has seemingly millions of single portrait photos. WOW, very odd.
I know what you mean, but if you keep looking you'll find pictures of Cassie by herself. There is a really good picture of Steve and Cassie on a stage together (not during a concert, but for a photo shoot), and it's a really good photograph of them. This same photo shoot shows Steve posing with all three Honkets also. What a huge loss this was, and still is 47 years later!!!
growing up my father was mean to me.....he never liked me, so in 1989 i had a legal name change.....changed it to Steve Gaines.....in honor of Steve...
Ronnie Van Zant was a song writing genius. The Lynyrd Skynyrd band are southern rock legends. I haven’t bought anything from them since they reformed in 1987. This band called Lynyrd Skynyrd today is not the same band as the old Lynyrd Skynyrd. They will never capture the magic of old.
The crash site marker shown at 5:37 is of the one at the PRICE HOUSE near Woodruff, SC in the Switzer community. It happenned during WW2. Why was that put in this video?
Steve jump-started a fatigued band & got LS going again. King didn’t leave LS out of concern for his heart... he was sick of the drugs, drinking, & violent behavior plaguing the group & his own cocaine addiction.
First and Foremost this was the worst loss to RNR ever in my opinion! The talent we/fans and family lost so young is unimaginable, every time they came to the Bay Area we would go see them at Winterland and cow palace! Such a heart-wrenching loss I still tear up in sadness! Love Y'all!
We never got a chance to watch their talent grow. Ronnie said speaking about Steve " We will all be stanking in his shadow one day" Cassie was a very talented singer and actress. Besides their loss to their families. Very Tragic,.
Ronnie said one day, they would all be cold in Steve's shawdow. The band would have been the Southern Rock's answer to the beatles. I hope you get a ride on that time machine. Thanx for reaching out. Hope you get a chance to check out some of our othere stories.
Beyond the death of these two wonderful talents, the other tragedy was that the revitalized band has just released what was arguably their best album. The future looked unlimited.
I think he meant the musical, Hair. It was a play that was popular among young people in the late 60's and early 70's. It wasn't the only mistake the guy in this clip made. He also said Ed King left Skynyrd in 1975 due to a bad heart. As a matter of fact, he left because he was fed up with Ronnie for being an abusive drunk. He left Skynyrd due to heart trouble in the early 1990's after they reformed in 1987.
Hi, Thanx for reaching out to us. You're right. Ronnie said, one day they would all be standing in his shadow. It's so sad that his life was snuffed out so soon. I believe had he survied he would have entertained us with great music for many years. I hope you have time to listen to other of our stories on Oklahoma Music Legends.
Well put Jeffrey. I think mostly because his time with the band was cut so short by the plane crash. I'm afraid we are left with a mystery. Just having to ponder what Ronnie said about Steve " One day we will all be standing in his shadow".
Hughe, not really you've joined several folks who have told me. I got bit by the auto correct and i didn't catch it. I"m not smart enough to know how to fix it withuout messing it up. No worries I hope you enjoyed the story and take some to time to check out some of our other stories.
No, in my opinion you are not being petty! People should show enough respect that they get the spelling correct, because it dims the light on just how important Lynyrd Skynyrd was during and way after their time. Thanks
Just read your reply after I made mine and maybe it is me who should show a little patience and respect. It's easy to misspell such a name, and if you can't figure out how to correct the spelling it just makes it that much more frustrating! I've been there.
Nice presentation . Only bad thing is the Title Block above hint - Oklahoma Music Makers Siblings ,Steve and Cassie Gaines will forever be linked to Lynard Skynard . Did any one see the typo error ? Lynard Skynard ???????????????????????? Really ?
HI Kevin, Thanx for reaching out. Yes, I realize we misspelled the bands name. I have tried to repair without deleting and reposting but I didn't want to lose the count of listeners. I'm glad you enjoyed the story. I hope you will have time to check out some of our other Oklahoma Music Legends Stories.
I know how to spell, the bands name. As I have written on several occasions, my spell check changed the spelling. I am unable to change it after it posted. I don't want to delete everything to fix it. Please accept my apology. Thanx for reaching out
Good Morning, this is a very sad story. When in my research I came across information where the chartered plane had been having problems. to the point Cassie did not want to travel on it and had purchased a ticket on an airline for travel and to meet the band. She was convinced to get on the plane. That was a very sad part of the story. Thank you for your comment. Good Luck.
Thanx for reaching out. Yes I'm for real. As I have stated I didn't catch my spell check which changed what I had written. As far as the other issue you had.
@@oklahomamusiclegends6702 It's all good brotha. If you take the time to feature the greatest band ever . That's god enough for me. No sweat.Keep up the good work
Hi Chris, I have tried and I am unable to make that change without having to remove and repost the story. If you will look at the stream of comments you will see that I have apologized many times and will continue to do so here. With that issue, this story remains by far my most listened to story. Thanx for reaching out. ( I wasd Bit by the Spell check Bug.)
JoJo was the one who got Ronnie to hire Cassie. Don't think Oklahoma Music Legends trying to mislead any one with fake news. It just seems that they're not familiar with Lynyrd Skynyrd. Ed King quit LS because of a heated argument with Ronnie Van Zant about breaking guitar strings during concert.
@@tedperry6466 Ed quit the second time around because of his heart issues. The first time was him just being sick of the drama of being on the road and all the craziness. Ed wasn't a "southern boy" and he just couldn't get on board with all the rowdiness. He even said once that he felt like the fact that he wasn't "southern" was sort of a point of contention with the rest of the band.
Carl Dean Radle was one of the greatest bass players ever. Jesse Ed Davis, Ace Moreland and Steve Pryor were pretty special Okie six string slingers that tend to get overlooked.
Stevie Gaines is absolutely one of the most underrated guitarists in the world even today ! He was so far ahead of his time and Allen Collins was just like him . Stevie knew exactly what he was doing when he picked that Stratocaster up and I honestly believe I'd recognize his guitar playing anywhere . And nobody to this day has made a Strat sound like he did .
Margie, thanx for reaching out. we appreciate your input. I agree but more importantly so did Ronnie who said to the band, "One day we will be cold in his Shadow"
He wasn't bad on a Les Paul either. That boy could make a guitar sing.
I really believe that had he lived he would have been on the level of Duane ALLMAN. His slide playing was wonderful. RIP Steve and Cassie Gaines.
Thanx for reaching out. I'll try your fix suggestion.
@@XOkie ONE OF THE BEST ON SLIDE
My fellow bluesman, you were efing awesome. I miss you and Ronnie. All those years. RIP.
A terrible tragedy! One child is devastating, but two children is almost incomprehensible. God bless their souls and their remaining family. Their fans will never forget these talented siblings!
You are so right Rita.
It became more tragic, not sure exact date but less than 2 yrs from crash, she was visiting the cemetery & 2 miles away was involved in a car accident & was killed leaving a son Robert who died 2019, not sure abt their dad. That family had more than their share of tragedy
@@kathyrais574 unbelievable, sometimes you wonder how people get through so much tragedy and pain
@@kathyrais574 I sure didn't know that ! That's just unbelievable that they went through this and what gifted talent . Stevie was one of the greatest guitarists in the world and nobody can make a Strat sound like he did .
@@margiewhitehead2453 I just read not too long ago abt their mother. Very tragic. I am not sure I could handle losing 1 child let alone 2 at same time.
Steve was extremely gifted & put the energy for everyone back in the band.
I believe he might have been the next SRV, he doesn't get much talk, I guess because he was only with them for less than 2 yrs but he was only in Skynyrd a Mos or so when they recorded One More from the road, he still had gigs with Crawdad & didn't want to leave them hanging so he went back & forth to record.
If you watch the concert at Knebworth in Aug 76' h had only been with them since May but he added so much to that show.
He was finally making it & Skynyrd had been trying to clean up their act when plane ceash happened, RVZ had taken up lifting weights & swimming & was fighting his alcoholism setting better example for the other guys, almost feels like they were punished. I know not the way God works but I really don't get it to this day!
Just simply undeniably one of the best guitarists ever , rock , blues , country , jazz , didn't matter he could do it all and without a blink of an eye just hear something and start playing it and most of the time much better that the artist he heard playing it and combined with Allen and Gary I mean come on !
Thanx for reaching out Sam. I totally agree, he was a very special talent whose light was snuffed out way to soon. Ronnie bragged on him, one day saying, one day we will all be standing in his shawdow.
@@oklahomamusiclegends6702 your very welcome. Like I heard rvz say so many times truth is truth facts are facts and ol okie is one of the best guitarists to ever step on a stage , fact lol 😆
Ronnie was smiling alot more when Steve joined! Great addition to a legendary band!
he was going to be a superstar
Thanks for this video. I recently caught the Lynyrd Skynyrd Live In Asbury Park 1977 concert. It was my first real close look at Steve Gaines live. It is one thing to hear the story, but what hit me hard was how young and exuberant he was. And how freakishly talented and disciplined a musician he was. Nothing against Rossington and Collins, who are both virtuosos in their own right.
But I think it was clear Steve was just getting started, and was going to eventually rise to a new level, and keep the other two guys honest and sharp in the process. But you could see how excited he was up on stage just to be there. Confident, and could sing too. But ultimately just a sweet old boy from Oklahoma who could play guitar like nobody’s business. And it just makes the tragedy that much harder to bear.
Good Morning Grey, I so appreciate your taking the time to reach out. He was a very talented player and songwriter too. Ronnie stated to the band, "one day we will all be standing in his shadow. Cassie his sister was a very talented singer.
Your right the plane crash snuffed out a shinning light.
Best regards, Tommy Henshaw
That was a great show, they did release that 7-13-77 film on dvd in color, Luckily I found it this year.
@@oklahomamusiclegends6702 I was just brought back to this thread a year later to read a new comment made below, and I was reminded of your YT moniker relating to OK music legends. And in the past year, I “discovered” another OK legend and supreme talent. I’d heard of Elvin Bishop before, but was not familiar with his music or the fact that it was his band that recorded “Fooled Around And Fell In Love”, which also gave Mickey Thomas, one of rock’s greatest tenors of all time, his big break.
But it was the video for Walking Shoes live in 1975 I think, with Tommy Vernazza (who I initially mistook for Dickey Betts not just because of the way he looks but also his playing style). But it isn’t just Elvin and Tommy that impressed. It’s the whole band, especially the drummer. Really just so tight and they’re track all just complete virtuosos; the bass player, piano player - all of it - just top notch musicianship!
And it’s great to see Elvin still out there looking and playing great still to this day. He truly is a living legend that more people should know about. Especially his slide guitar playing. Lots of guys can play proficient slide guitar. But Elvin puts more feeling into his playing than most, and just gets this amazing tone that is a joy to listen to.
@@jameslomenzo1139 yeah you’re right the colorized version is awesome, as is the shoe itself. You know, others may disagree, but it seems to me that some of their best shows were actually in Yankee territory. Ohio, New Jersey, Winterland, New York, etc. And I think it’s because they felt they had something more to prove up there, or outside the south. They already knew they had southern loyalty. And of course they put on a great show every time down there as well. But I think they just said that extra competitive spark. Also, Ronnie for all his southern charm and bluster, he was a bit of a Yankee-phile. Yes I just made up a word. But he liked Northerners and was in also a fan of the New York Yankees as well, which blew my mind when I learned that,
and saw a pic of him wearing a Yankee hat.
But really, my favorite shows all of them is the Knebworth concert from 1976. If they want to impress the Yankees, I think they wanted to impress the BRITs even more. Especially with the show being headlines by the Stones cause they were huge fans of. And I remember as I was washing the concert just here in like this noise like what is that it’s like constant screaming. And it’s the women. The British women going nuts for these rough and tumble southerners. I’m sure they give a lot of proper British boyfriends a complex for a while.
But also, if you watch the crowds, it’s amazing how much both of the men and the women in England we’re getting into the music. Some of it’s pretty funny to watch.. but yeah, they went nuts over there for Lynyrd Skynyrd. And it just seemed to feed the energy that the band was already putting out, back to Skynyrd, making it just an amazing show as a result. And the way it ends with them walking out on the forbidden tongue on, pissing of Mick Jagger to no end. F*cking classic!
@@greypilgrim6157 I never did get to see the original Lynyrd Skynyrd I was only 16 when i got my driver's license, but we had our tickets to their show at Austin Peay University, just 25 minutes north of Nashville October 27th, but the plane crash stopped it, i lived here in Nashville were I grew up all my life.
That Asbury dvd sounds good on my Sony sound bar, color looks good also I found it on Esty for around $15.
You're very lucky to have been there at Ashbury, it's's nice talking to someone that was there.
I bought that Knebworth show on Blu-ray DVD with the documentary if I leave here tomorrow. You're right, I think it was their best show on film. I liked the way they did live shows, they played the music just like on the Lp, not fast like some bands do just to get through the concert.
I did get to see Elvin Bishop around 1980 here in Nashville, that was a great show.
Yes I believe Ronnie loved the north, I was fortunate to hang out with his cousin around 1981,and he told us some stories of the band, and the plane crash, why it happened, that alot of people don't even know about.
So glad to hear Steve & Cassie was recognized for thier talent. Such a nice tribute, well deserved.
Thankyou for reaching out Ree. I'm glad to hear you liked the story. When you have time you might check out some of our other Oklahoma Music Legends stories. I'll bet you will find a few surprises.
Thanx Again Tommy
I lived in Joplin, Missouri and had a USA Today paper route that included Miami, Oklahoma. At one of the stores I ended up getting to know one of the convenience store employees a little through our mutual love of Lynyrd Skynyrd. One night I mentioned Steve Gaines and he told me that Cassie used to babysit him and his sister when they were little. At the time I had no idea they were from Miami so I took what he said with a grain of salt, lol. Several years later I ended up moving to Miami and found out not only were they from Miami but also that I was living about half a mile from the farm they grew up on. Ended meeting a few of their cousins and also his bass player in Crawdad. The one thing I recall him telling me was even though Steve Gaines was considered the best guitar player in that area by far that he had ZERO ego. He would invite other players to jam with him regardless of their musical ability and was encouraging to everyone. I remember hearing several years ago that they finally put up a statue in Miami honoring their hometown hero status. I thought the whole time I lived there what a shame it was that there was nothing.to commemorate them being from Miami. Ended up moving back to Maine where I'm from, but still wish I could have been there for the unveiling of the statue.
I'm from Ada Oklahoma, and steve is one of my best guitar players
Thanx for reaching out Jay. Remember Ronnie said, "One day we will all be in his Shadow". That is indeed high praise. I agree with you. He was one of the best, whose life was indeed cut short by great sadness.
I really love Steve and Cassie. Fly Freebird, Forever...
Very Well Put Hillbilly
Steve was one of the greatest pickers of all times! Missed so badly!
Steve & Ed & Allen were so F.......ing Awesome, they were born to be The Best , just natural at whet they did, God Bless Them always, they are Freebirds Now.
This is Great and on it.
Story i remember, Cassie "My Brother plays guitar".
'We'll turn him down if he can't cut it'.
Steve,,,Great player ?
You Got That Right !
I really hope there’s all kinds of young folks in here checking out how real rock n roll was played before everything turned digital. This guy was the real deal.
Like you I hope they do too. Steve, really was the real deal! Ronnie was really embressed on his skills. We will never know how far he could have helped them reach more audiences. He was also becoming an accomplished song writer too. Thanx for reaching out Ben.
I hope you have time to listen to some of our other Legends. You will find more surprises.
20 years old year in college I play music myself. A few weeks ago I became gripped by the story of Skynyrd and took a deep plunge into the magic that was this band. Steve and Cassie died 23 years before I was born but I still feel a pain in my heart from this tradgedy
He was the real deal. All the guitarist were great and Steve stood out among them. That's how great he was. Awesome blues guitarist. I wish I could have heard more from him.
I just turned 14 but have been in love with this band since 6th grade!!
@@Anabelleandthedesertscrubs awesome. I hope you listen to Black Sabbath , Led Zeppelin , Van Halen and the many more. Enjoy em all young lad , it’s unfortunate that all the good shit has pretty much vanished.
T For Tennessee here... TY for this bio on Cassie and Steve Gaines. Amazin' musicians
Thank you for this tribute to Steve and Cassie Gaines. May their memory live forever through the soul and music of Lynyrd Skynyrd. Fly on, Free Birds ♥️🕊☮️
In Miami, Oklahoma's Baptist Hospital, the 19 inch Steve Earl Gaines weighed 7 pounds, 12 ounces when born at 3:15 pm on September 14, 1949. This from his daughter directly.
Not a day goes by…Will you still remember me? Forever RVZ Forever. RIP Mr. Steve Gains and Ms. Cassie Gains.
Thank you for sharing this story abt Steve & Cassie, glad they got to live their dream. Love the concert footage after Steve joined, he looked like he was having the time of his life
Kathy, thanks for reaching out. I'm glad you enjoyed their story. If you get a chance, you might check out some of our other stories. I'm sure you will find a few surprises.
Steve broke out the slide, playing T for Texas,. The band just knew then. Yes sir
Cassie & Steve gaines family were my Neighbors in miami oklahoma 1970s i knew them . Sad they are gone
Wow Sharon, You were so lucky to have known them, basically as they were begining thier Musical Journey. They were so very talented, you won't be surprised to know that their story on our Podcast is without a close second the most listened too Oklahoma Music Legend Story. Thank you for reaching out and sharing. I hope you get a chance to listen to some of our other Legends from our Great Musical State.
@@oklahomamusiclegends6702 thank you 😊 my older brother knows more about them i was real young then 70s Cassie was lifeguard at rotory park swim pool ..her brother helped me home one day i stepped on glass at that park they lived about 4 houses down same side as my family and i believe my friend becky lived down by them too her cousin is keith Anderson ..i will check out more your videos thanks!🕺⚡️
A wonderful addition to an already great , great band. RIP Steve and Ronnie. I mean being raised in Memphis put the boogie woogie in my bones, and I know all about the best music on our planet. And regardless of how deep and loyal I am towards my Allman Brothers_and I put Skynyrd neck and neck with my Allman Brothers but my heart is with my mentor and hero, n this will always be Ronnie Van Zant . He was a real man's man and I have never gotten over his loss. If anything I am worse., he wrote more rock anthems than anybody out there and Id put him up against the baddest of the bad in a brawl. Love you Ronnie, from ur biggest fan on the planet, Eugene Weaver. @ real Memphis boy, now living in beautiful Colorado!! Sure love the greenery! 🕊
Thanx for reaching out Gene. You are so right. Its unfortunate how it ended so abrutly. I think the sky was the limit for Steve. Ronnie sure thought so.
Such an awesome guitar player.
God bless Steve and Cassie 😇🙏
Thanks for reaching out Alice. Their is a warming Oklahoma Music Legends Story. I hope you have time to check out a few of our other stories.
They both were amazing
One of my favorite musicians. Great guitar player.
SO AMAZING. SUCH A LOSS OF TREMENDOUS TALENT
Of all the original bands to come around for a second time years later this is the top band everyone would have liked to see the most and the best.
i love these ladies.
Cassie DID NOT want to get on that plane. Can't imagine the fear she was feeling all the way up until it crashed.
A few of them were apprehensive to get on.....
True! Poor Cassie. She was always afraid of that plane w/ good reason, & tried to book a commercial flight that day, but the only flight available @ that point would’ve landed only 10mins before the show began, so it was a no go. I believe it was Gene Odom, who was Ronnie’s childhood friend-fishing buddy, ex military mechanic who caught the pilot & co-pilot having a look @ the engine that was problematic on the trip to Greenville, where he said he saw a 15 foot blue “fireball” shoot out of. He asked if they were fixing the plane there in Greenville, & was told no, it would be fixed in Baton Rouge. Gene, who Ronnie asked to be security & help get the band cleaned up, was a no nonsense guy, & argued w/ the captain, saying it wasn’t safe to fly the plane. The captain argued it was safe to fly, & threatened Gene if he said another word he’d not let him on the plane to Baton Rouge. People knew it was unsafe, they were scared, & Gene tried to get them to fix it in Greenville to no avail. If that captain put his pride aside, he wouldn’t have died in that crash, taking innocent people w/ him. So sad!
Poor girls intuition was screaming at her but Ronnie did not care
@@coderscameron6876 That is so cruel to say that he would intentionally put her in danger like that she had rode in the van before even with his belief that he would not live to be 30 that still does not mean he could have foreseen what was coming he did not intentional harm anyone that's So stupid of anyone to say Ronnie died too you know and left a widow and one year old baby girl
@@Blue-Lotus888 Gene also allegedly saw them passing a bottle of Jack Daniels around why did he not tell Ronnie its easy to smear Ronnie's name since he is not here to give his side but its even worse to imply that he would intentionally put a woman's life in danger or get her killed he did encourage her but I do not believe he forced her onto the plane as she had rode in the van before on other occasions
Can't wait to see look on my family's face when i run past them to see Skynyrd! On the biggest stage of all..
Steve and Cassie were both born in Miami, Oklahoma. Steve’s band in college was called Cellar Door and the one after that was the Pink Peach Mob. He was a friend of my brother during their college days.
Thanx for taking time to write.
We appreciate your comments
I think my father in law was in Cellar Door with him. 🤔
Steve was in an incredible band called Man Alive in the late 60's that played around Pittsburg Ks. and Miami Ok. area.
His "solo" album he did with crawdad is an awesome collection of music man, one in the sun deserved to be a hit
That’s so strangely ironic. In the movie Donnie Darko, (which wasn’t released until 2001) There’s a scene where Drew Barrymore was fired from her HS teaching job, & sitting in her classroom alone. Main character Donnie (Jake Gyllenhaal), 1 of her students walks in asks what’s going on, & notices she wrote “Cellar Door” on the blackboard. When he inquires about it, she says a famous linguist once said, “Out of all the combinations of letters & words in the English language, “Cellar Door” is the most beautiful.”. I understand it’s a scene from a movie, & I inadvertently came to this video b/c I was watching Lynyrd Skynyrd vids, fell asleep on my phone, & ended up here. Steve Gaines was talented beyond words, & I was only 5yrs old when that plane crashed, but was well familiar w/ Lynyrd Skynyrd at that young age. I didn’t know till I read your comment that Cellar Door was the name of Steve’s band in college. It’s very strange b/c that movie was ultimately about time travel. Thank you for sharing that info. R.I.P. Steve & Cassie Gaines 🕊️❤️❤️🕊️
what a beautiful story :). thanks OML
Extremely informative and interesting.
Allan, Thankyou for reaching out. I hope you get a chance to listen too other of our Oklahoma Music Legends Stories.
Enorme banda q acompaño mi adolescencia y hasta hoy me marca el camino rebeldes por siempre
I've listened to the group since the beginning. Never knew Cassie & Steve were Okies. What a tragedy.
Steve saw the Beatles in 1965. I saw the Beatles in 1964 and it was such event, it changed our music careers over night. Amazing TD Atlanta
Ed didnt leave the band due to heart issues the first time. According to Ed he couldn't take Ronnie's overbearingness. I also think it was 1975, not 76 when Ed left.
Yes on both counts.
Someone may have already said it but the photo they showed of a girl in the red bandana isn’t Cassie Gains. That was Steve Gains Daughter. Not nitpicking just thought I’d share it. I Grew up listening to Lynard Skynyrd because of my Dad and now my kids are into it. Anyways thinking about how many great Songs would’ve come out of this group if the tragic accident never happened. Live life being a Simple Man!!! Stay safe y’all!!!
Thanx for heads up James. Thanx for taking time to reach out.
It's hard to believe these girls where not on the payroll from what Jojo said years later in a interview
Steve brought the boys to a new level...
Cassie was a wonderful singer & by all accounts, an absolutely delightful young woman. Steve was a Great guitar player who could also sing his butt off! We ALL lost on that terrible Oct 77 day & that damn plane, because we were ALL robbed of all the great music Steve, Cassie & the band were going to make in the future 😢 Thanks for the great video, just one small correction, it's One more "From" the road, not "For" the road, Thanks again! 👍
Thanx for taking the time to reach out Robert. You are correct. It was a terrible loss for us all when the ill fated plane crashed.
@@oklahomamusiclegends6702 Hi loved this informative video. I am a guitar player and was stationed at Ft. Sill Oklahoma for almost two years in the Polar Bear Infantry battalion. The title spelling of the band's name is Lynyrd Skynyrd. Couple of Y's missing in this title. Changing it is an easy fix by going to "Your videos" > "Channel content" > hover the mouse over this Gaines video in the list, and click the edit pencil to do a second take on the Title. 🍀🎶🎸
@@breech123 How can I think you? Your simple instructions, allowed me to be able to fix the Spell Check errors. I appreciate your idea and Thank You for your suggestion.
@@oklahomamusiclegends6702 dang spell checker ... it was my pleasure.
I liked your video here. You supplied allot more information about Steve abd Cassie than all the other videos I have seen. Steve definitely gave the band the kick they needed at that time. I "by a slim chance" got back stage at a concert in Oakland California in 1977. I met Steve, Ronnie, Allen, and Gary and had brief conversations with each of them about guitars, amps and accessories. I had played, repaired, and built custom guitars for several years at that time. Steve sure seemed like a peaceful, easy going guy. My brief conversation with Ronnie was about Neil young. He was wearing a t-shirt with Neil Young's picture on it. I pointed to his shirt and jokenly said "NEIL YOUNG?", he replied "A peace offering" and laughed. They then went on to play an outstanding performance. Allen had given me a phone number to contact someone about possibly becoming a guitar tec for them. I had hitch hiked from Columbus Ohio to California with a friend and like I said, by a slim and crazy chance' got to go to and back stage at this concert. Exactally 109 days when I made it back to Ohio that tragic plane crash happen. There was never an answer from the number Allen gave me after that. Such a sad, sad day and I still feel the heartbreak from that day.
Excellent video you did. Thank you for your time and effort here. Deeply appreciated!!!
Ed King did not leave due to heart problems. He left because Ronnie became violent with him. When the surviving members including Ed, got back together in 1987, Ed rejoined the band.He would later be fired from the band because he couldn't tour due to heart problems. I love all the people who played in the original band. Not the cover band touring now. That stupid plane crash caused more hurt and pain than anything I know. The beautiful lives cut short. The songs unwritten. I really love that band.
That was awesome thank you
Ronnie never would have left them off. They were a family and I would have liked to think that only would have grown stronger.
Sorry to say, but Ronnie threatened members w/ their jobs if they didn’t get on the plane the day it crashed-That’s well documented. You can check out hours of documentaries & hear that from the mouths of survivors & band members. Also, the health insurance lapsed on the Honkettes @ the time of the crash. I’ve heard Ronnie wanted the legalities of the band handled by lawyers, but got the feeling it had more to do w/ finances, than the wellbeing of the members, b/c he always thought people were stealing from him. That much was true, as there was over 1 million dollars unaccounted for @ the time of the crash. So either he was dealing w/ a shady legal representation, or not such the great guy you think he was. Though I love the music, I know it was a bit of both.
@@Blue-Lotus888 Yes I'm aware of his threats and violence toward the band. It was why Ed left. Ronnie could be a very big arsehole to people. However I do believe he had a strong sense of family and that would be of great value in the end. You can hear it in his interviews and read in writing.
My older cousin David Taylor was good friends with Steve Gaines
James thanks for reaching out. If you have an opportunity to speak to your cousing about Steve and learn more about him and Cassie getting into music. Good Luck
Ronnie said in 10 years we all will be standing in Stevie's shadow.to bad we didn't get to see it and hear it gb
you are absolutely right Keith. Its sad we didn't get to see Ronnie's premonition come true.
Steve and Cassie would be in their 70s now. Hard to imagine them in their 70s!! They were just kids back in 77. So tragic that we never got to see Steve Gaines further his career. As Ronnie said, someday they would all be living in Steve Gaines' shadow. I'm sure Steve would have went on to become a hugely successful. Maybe even have his own band. From what I've read about Steve and Cassie they were very fine people. Didn't drink or abuse drugs.
Cassie was an absolutely stunningly beautiful woman. I'm sure she was just as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside. If I could take a time machine back to 77 and do something to stop them all from getting on that fateful flight.
Thanx for reaching out. Youre right, to all accounts they were really good people. One point I find interesting, Steve and his Dad went to Kansas City to see the Beatles. It was this trip that was his Muse to play guitar. Cassie was beautiful and very talented and gifted singer. Who knows what a full life had in store for them. They made a big impact in a short period of time.
I hope you get a chance to check out some of our other stories.
I'm not sure what you consider "abuse", or a "drug", but I've read that other members of the band claimed that Steve grew some mighty fine "tomato plants". Now what I read, didn't actually distinguish that they may have really been referring to tomato plants, and they didn't say, that he actually ever endulged in the fruits of that labor. But, with the level of respect Ronnie developed for him, in such a short time, I doubt seriously if Steve had any abuse issues. Now I'm not sure who was making the final decisions on which members went to the HOF, but I do know there was one person not in the band, involved in all decisions concerning the band, after the crash. Although it's probably more likely, that backup musicians for solo acts & backup singers, just aren't usually included, for music awards. Great video, by the way. I treasure the couple of live performances with this lineup, that are available online. I read nearly all of the comments for their videos. Mostly about Ronnie being the Greatest, and their preference between Ed and Steve. But for some reason, Leon rarely gets any love in the comments. So, if you get a chance someday; would you please do a video on the contributions of Leon Russell Wilkeson to Lynyrd Skynyrd?
@@southvaron757 Ron thanx for reaching out. I don't know about the Tomatoes but i do know how Steve wasnt sure he wanted to take Cassie's suggestion and give Steve a listen. But after he did, he was sure he made the right decesion. We all know he did.
Steve might have had his head on about him. But the rest of the band along with Ronnie was always fighting. Ronnie loved fighting. I'm not sure how they would have lasted through time. Ronnie was most unique. The band wasn't the same after Ronnie and Steve gone. They were all a wild bunch. Lived fast.
Steve and Cassie loved weed
RVZ: "Watch out I'm gonna sick an Okie on ya!"
as Ronnie unfortunately said, quote "if your times up, it was mean't to be" sure enough it was, wish i never heard that, sounded like he felt something, and he said to his father he'd wouldn't live to 30
Ottty thank you for taking the time to reach out. We appreciate your contribution. Hope you have to check out some of our other Oklahoma Music Legend Stories.
It's a crying shame and a damn disgrace that the Honkettes weren't inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the rest of the band.I wouldn't be surprised if Judy Van Zant Jenness had a role in their snub,to be honest.
David you are right.. The Honkettes were a large part of the bands special sound.. Thanx for reaching out to us..
so sad they didn't get to grow, Street Survivors was just a taste of what they were capable of with Steve Gains
Hi, Thanx for reaching out. You are so right about Steve's possibilites. Ronnie said it best when he said, One day we will all be in his Shawdow. Cassie was a fine singer too!
Thanx again for your comments. Please take a few minutes to check out some of our other
Oklahoma Music Legends.
Turns out my one of favorite musicians (Steve Gaines) has the same birthday. Weird how that happened.
1:04 that is Corrina Gaines, Steve's lovely daughter with Teresa
I'll check it out. Thanx for reaching out
Far as I'm concerned the three best band members died
Billy Powell was right up there with them! In my opinion Billy Powell was the best rock n roll pianist/keyboard player of them all!
Love Steve and Cassie, their personalities shine thru even in the few videos and photos we have, Artimus told me that they were the best humanity had to offer,...in every aspect of their lives, not just musically,...he said their parents had a canteen they would play at,..where they sharpened their skills.
Cassie Gaines was a pretty woman along with Jo Jo Billingsley & Leslie Hawkins ( the original backup singers known as the Honkettes)!!!! The Rock 'N Roll Hall Of Fame should had inducted them along with Lynyrd Skynyrd in the Hall Of Fame!!!! I'd like to personally say that in my book that Cassie Gaines and the other two original backup singers are my favorites than today's Skynyrd's two backup singers!!!!! Steve Gaines and Cassie Gaines we all miss you both along with Ronnie Van Zant and Dean Kilpatrick!!!!!
Nobody can play like Steve could , and Cassie had the voice of an Angel FLY ON FREE BIRDS !!
There must not be very many pictures of cassie gaines because she is never shown just by herself, so it's hard to tell which one of the 3 she is. Whereas Steve Gaines has seemingly millions of single portrait photos. WOW, very odd.
I know what you mean, but if you keep looking you'll find pictures of Cassie by herself. There is a really good picture of Steve and Cassie on a stage together (not during a concert, but for a photo shoot), and it's a really good photograph of them. This same photo shoot shows Steve posing with all three Honkets also. What a huge loss this was, and still is 47 years later!!!
@@gregwellman8459wish Cassie had more pics ..she was pretty
growing up my father was mean to me.....he never liked me, so in 1989 i had a legal name change.....changed it to Steve Gaines.....in honor of Steve...
Ronnie Van Zant was a song writing genius. The Lynyrd Skynyrd band are southern rock legends. I haven’t bought anything from them since they reformed in 1987. This band called Lynyrd Skynyrd today is not the same band as the old Lynyrd Skynyrd. They will never capture the magic of old.
The crash site marker shown at 5:37 is of the one at the PRICE HOUSE near Woodruff, SC in the Switzer community. It happenned during WW2.
Why was that put in this video?
Hello Martin, Thank you for pointing out our error. We flat missed it., I'll be checking to see if we can edit the picture.
Please edit this Video's text! The proper spelling is Lynyrd Skynyrd, (the only vowell is Y)
You are so correct on the porper spelling. I'm not tech savy enough to figure out how to correct my error. You are correct on the proper spelling.
“One More FROM The Road”
In 1975, my dad seemed to step in dog shit about twice a week and track it thru the office
And????? What the hell does that have anything at all to do with this story??? 🙄
It's an experiment to bring out the "Karen's", and right now you're number 1 Karen!!!!
Steve jump-started a fatigued band & got LS going again. King didn’t leave LS out of concern for his heart... he was sick of the drugs, drinking, & violent behavior plaguing the group & his own cocaine addiction.
First and Foremost this was the worst loss to RNR ever in my opinion! The talent we/fans and family lost so young is unimaginable, every time they came to the Bay Area we would go see them at Winterland and cow palace! Such a heart-wrenching loss I still tear up in sadness! Love Y'all!
I agree with you. Thanx for taking the time to Reach out.
It was all tragic, but I always thought Steve and Cassie's losses
seemed like more of a gyp.
We never got a chance to watch their talent grow. Ronnie said speaking about Steve " We will all be stanking in his shadow one day" Cassie was a very talented singer and actress. Besides their loss to their families. Very Tragic,.
Love Steve and Cassie Gaines.
Man, some day I swear. Im gonna save em. There better be a time machine before I die.
Ronnie said one day, they would all be cold in Steve's shawdow. The band would have been the Southern Rock's answer to the beatles.
I hope you get a ride on that time machine.
Thanx for reaching out. Hope you get a chance to check out some of our othere stories.
Legendary.
Old Florida people pronounce Miami the same way.
Yep! I had an old girlfriend who's grandaddy worked for the city of Miami, Fla, and he pronounced it that way also!
Rest in peace Cassie and Steve
Beyond the death of these two wonderful talents, the other tragedy was that the revitalized band has just released what was arguably their best album. The future looked unlimited.
I love me some Cassie to this day!
Cassie in hairspray? In 1975? It was made in the 80s.
I think he meant the musical, Hair. It was a play that was popular among young people in the late 60's and early 70's. It wasn't the only mistake the guy in this clip made. He also said Ed King left Skynyrd in 1975 due to a bad heart. As a matter of fact, he left because he was fed up with Ronnie for being an abusive drunk. He left Skynyrd due to heart trouble in the early 1990's after they reformed in 1987.
Okies know how!
Long overdue
They were sooners 4 sure
They sure were Rodney. Thanx for reaching out
You got that right
Steve was the best!
Hi, Thanx for reaching out to us. You're right. Ronnie said, one day they would all be standing in his shadow. It's so sad that his life was snuffed out so soon. I believe had he survied he would have entertained us with great music for many years.
I hope you have time to listen to other of our stories on Oklahoma Music Legends.
There is about as much video and records on Steve Gaines as Robert Johnson.
Well put Jeffrey. I think mostly because his time with the band was cut so short by the plane crash. I'm afraid we are left with a mystery. Just having to ponder what Ronnie said about Steve " One day we will all be standing in his shadow".
@@oklahomamusiclegends6702 Thanks for the video and response.
I know I'm being petty but it is Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Hughe, not really you've joined several folks who have told me. I got bit by the auto correct and i didn't catch it. I"m not smart enough to know how to fix it withuout messing it up. No worries I hope you enjoyed the story and take some to time to check out some of our other stories.
No, in my opinion you are not being petty! People should show enough respect that they get the spelling correct, because it dims the light on just how important Lynyrd Skynyrd was during and way after their time. Thanks
Just read your reply after I made mine and maybe it is me who should show a little patience and respect. It's easy to misspell such a name, and if you can't figure out how to correct the spelling it just makes it that much more frustrating! I've been there.
God always selects the best
Raymond, you are absolutely right. Thank you for taking time to comment. We appreciate it.
Aledgely
Nice presentation . Only bad thing is the Title Block above hint - Oklahoma Music Makers Siblings ,Steve and Cassie Gaines will forever be linked to Lynard Skynard . Did any one see the typo error ? Lynard Skynard ???????????????????????? Really ?
HI Kevin, Thanx for reaching out. Yes, I realize we misspelled the bands name. I have tried to repair without deleting and reposting but I didn't want to lose the count of listeners.
I'm glad you enjoyed the story. I hope you will have time to check out some of our other Oklahoma Music Legends Stories.
Why don't you at least have the courtesy to spell Lynyrd Skynyrd correctly?
I know how to spell, the bands name. As I have written on several occasions, my spell check changed the spelling. I am unable to change it after it posted. I don't want to delete everything to fix it. Please accept my apology. Thanx for reaching out
Why did you spell that name wrong?
Still cying.
Good Morning, this is a very sad story. When in my research I came across information where the chartered plane had been having problems. to the point Cassie did not want to travel on it and had purchased a ticket on an airline for travel and to meet the band. She was convinced to get on the plane. That was a very sad part of the story.
Thank you for your comment. Good Luck.
Cassie was in the musical "Hair" not "Hairspray" also the photo at 1:26 is not cassie gaines
I believe it is Steve's daughter, Corina.
OMG. Gary himself said the song Steve played on that night was "Call Me the Breeze" NOT "T For Texas" . Are you for real dude?
Thanx for reaching out. Yes I'm for real. As I have stated I didn't catch my spell check which changed what I had written. As far as the other issue you had.
@@oklahomamusiclegends6702 It's all good brotha. If you take the time to feature the greatest band ever . That's god enough for me. No sweat.Keep up the good work
That's Steve's daughter Corrina in the picture you posted not Cassie
Totally wrong of the RRHF to leave the girls out ...there i said it
Joe I completely agree. They were an important part of that special Sound.
@@oklahomamusiclegends6702they sang on like on album and barely did ..I'm not counting live one
Please correct the spelling in your header. 🤨
Hi Chris, I have tried and I am unable to make that change without having to remove and repost the story. If you will look at the stream of comments you will see that I have apologized many times and will continue to do so here. With that issue, this story remains by far my most listened to story. Thanx for reaching out. ( I wasd Bit by the Spell check Bug.)
Nice piece, just wish you'd spelled the name of the band correctly. That error really stands out.
Thanx for Reaching out TLAS, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Believe me when I say if I could fix my error I would do it.
more fake new. Ed did not leave in 75 due to heart issues. Not sure JoJo was in the band before Cassie.
JoJo was the one who got Ronnie to hire Cassie. Don't think Oklahoma Music Legends trying to mislead any one with fake news. It just seems that they're not familiar with Lynyrd Skynyrd. Ed King quit LS because of a heated argument with Ronnie Van Zant about breaking guitar strings during concert.
@@tedperry6466 Ed quit the second time around because of his heart issues. The first time was him just being sick of the drama of being on the road and all the craziness. Ed wasn't a "southern boy" and he just couldn't get on board with all the rowdiness. He even said once that he felt like the fact that he wasn't "southern" was sort of a point of contention with the rest of the band.
🙄🤨🤬 I really hate nit-pickers!!!
It's One More FROM the Road.... not One More For the Road... ffs
Lynard Skynard?
yes, too bad they misspelled the bands name!
@@Elite59 too bed you can't spell they. LOL
@@tedperry6466 bed?
Pretty hard to convince me that you know anything about a band if you cant even spell the bands name.
Love me some
I'm Whit you late but I'm whit you brother.
Carl Radle
Carl Dean Radle was one of the greatest bass players ever. Jesse Ed Davis, Ace Moreland and Steve Pryor were pretty special Okie six string slingers that tend to get overlooked.
Miami not Seneca.