Allen Collins (musician)

Allen Collins was an American guitarist and songwriter, best known as a founding member of the rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. Born on July 19, 1952, he played a crucial role in shaping the band's Southern rock sound, contributing to classic hits like "Free Bird" and "Sweet Home Alabama." His powerful guitar work and songwriting skills helped establish Lynyrd Skynyrd as one of the iconic bands of the 1970s. Following a tragic plane crash in 1977 that claimed several band members, Collins continued to perform and record music, eventually forming the band The Allen Collins Band before his death in 1990.