He was standing beside a road on the other side of a row of trees separating the cemetery property from the mall. Others sustained grave injuries but otherwise survived the accident (via Taste of Country). Chris Soldt, a Boston photographer who spent much of his life in Jacksonville, recently took a tour of the citys Southern rock graves. Recorded in the renowned Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, Gaines contributed four original compositions, two singles of his own, and two in collaboration with Van Zant. Following her death in the 1977 plane crash, Gaines was buried just behind her brother Steve's grave in Jacksonville Memory Gardens. 1 What date did Steve Gaines join Lynyrd Skynyrd? It's about 2 inches thick.". In fact, Southern rock is arguably as popular now as it was in its heyday, and more recent Jacksonville bands, including JJ Grey and Mofro and the Tedeschi Trucks Band, continue to carry on its legacy. He died along with his sister and Van Zant in the 1977 crash and was buried in Jacksonville Memory Gardens. "It was broken into about six large pieces found on the ground," she said. "The family has said they need a day or two to decide whether or not they want to put the casket back in [the original mausoleum], with additional security, bury it somewhere else on the property, marked or unmarked, or move it to another burial site," Justino said. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. The ashes of her partner, Maria Desiderio, and their dog Ember were later interred with her. Ronnie Van Zant often proclaimed that Whiteys Fish Camp was his favorite restaurant. With an audience of approximately 150,000 and 200,000 people, Lynyrd Skynyrd delivered a performance that took the southern rock artiststo new heights. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Ronnie Van Zant, one of his sisters, and his parents, are now buried here. Laying on the ground, still alive for only a moment, to slowly bleed to death. Only three days later on October 20, tragedy struck when the plane carrying the band crashed in a Mississippi countryside, leaving vocalists Ronnie Van Zant and Cassie Gaines, as well as guitarist Steve Gaines, dead. But for the year and a half he played with Lynyrd Skynyrd, they were simply untouchable. "On behalf of the Van Zant family," Jenness said, "I would like to personally thank all of those who have been so caring. The first of the three shows recorded for the album was only Gaines third time playing with the band. He was an actor, known for A Way Back In (2010), Locked in! When he was 15 years old, he saw the Beatles performing live in Kansas City. Clay County Sheriff's deputies found Van Zant's unopened casket on the ground about 3 a.m. at the rear of a marble mausoleum on the northern edge of the cemetery grounds next to the Orange Park Mall on Blanding Boulevard. His grave was vandalized on June 29, 2000, which prompted his family to move his remains to an unknown location. ORANGE PARK -- Nearly 23 years after Lynyrd Skynyrd rock singer Ronnie Van Zant and guitarist Steve Gaines were laid to rest at Jacksonville Memory Gardens, vandals broke into a tomb and. Steve Gaines - Biography - IMDb It has some of my favorite things in life. Her mother, also named Cassie Gaines, and father Earl Gaines are buried in adjacent plots and memorialized on the same headstone. "The family is extremely upset," Justino said. In 1975, his sister, Cassie, whose group had been hired to sing back up. It does not store any personal data. Though they shipped out for Macon, Georgia just a few weeks later, their impact was immense in their city of origin, with a number of bands following in their footsteps over the next decade. But he soon proved his worth and his career thus took off. These alleged sightings also happened at Lake Delancy, one of Ronnie's favored fishing spots. Everybody Knows The Words, But What Is Hotel California About? A remarkable singer and guitarist, Gaines may have had his initial inspiration from the Beatles. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Is Sweet Home Alabama Song racist? Steve Gaines (1949 1977) joined Lynyrd Skynyrd in May 1976. 10 Things That Have Happened To Rock Stars' Ashes He is best known as a guitarist, vocalist and songwriter with rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd from 1976 until his death in the October 1977 airplane crash that claimed other band members and crew. On February 15, 1979, the mother of Steve and Cassie, also named Cassie LaRue Gaines, was killed in an automobile accident near the cemetery where Steve and Cassie are buried. (The two musicians were killed in a 1977 plane crash.) Use your Rocks Off Mag account to vote in our "G.O.A.T. The gravesite is on the border of mall and cemetery property, an elaborate memorial of marble set off from the rest of the cemetery, with park benches, hedges and a large magnolia tree. Although the band themselves couldn't hear Steve's playing onstage, soundman Kevin Elson was listening through headphones and told the band that Steve was an outstanding player. Their father worked for the Illinois Central Railroad and retired in 1976 as a track supervisor. Laura Nyro: Laura Nyro wrote songs for some of the most popular rock stars of all time before ovarian cancer claimed her in 1997. His guitar-picking and songwriting skills were a major revelation to the band, as proven on his one studio album, 1977'sStreet Survivors. Originally, he was buried at Jacksonville Memory Gardens in Orange Park, but due to vandalism, was moved from there to Riverside Memorial Park on Normandy Boulevard. However, Kevin Elson, the sound technician, had been listening intently through headphones. Steve Gaines - IMDb Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Steve Gaines_CROPPED.jpg. But their greatest achievement was playing a show in Memphis with ZZ Top. Some very odd things have occurred with famous ashes, so being the resident morbid person on staff, I've gathered those stories to present them to you. Cassie began suggesting her brother for the role, but the band had hesitations. Recently, I explored some of the strange things that musicians have been buried with. Although initially reluctant, the band relented and on May 11, 1976 Steve joined Skynyrd on stage for one song. Steve Gaines: Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Steve Gaines was cremated and had his ashes housed not far from the gravesite of fellow Skynyrd member Ronnie Van Zant. In 2001, Steve Gaines was further penned down in the history of music when the band, Drive-By Truckers, wrote the song Cassies Brother about him. Burial. He obtained his first guitar at about age 14. Buried Here - Leon Wilkeson, Allen Collins, Ronnie Van Zant - Lynyrd They and their music have always played a big role in my life. and help keep the future of the Houston Press, Use of this website constitutes acceptance of our. In the 1970s Steve played with bands Rio Smokehouse,DetroitwithRusty Day(formerlyThe Detroit Wheels) and Crawdad (a band that Steve had started around 1974). This scene also featured in the video to the song, Down on Brickyard Road, written by Johnny Van Zant in paying tribute to his late brother. Van Zant and the Gaines siblings were originally laid to rest in nearby plots at Jacksonville Memory Gardens in Orange Park, Florida, with Van Zant entombed in a marble mausoleum. How many times should a shock absorber bounce? His family requested supporters to make contributions to the Musician's Assistance Program instead of giving flowers. They jammed with him informally a couple of times more, then invited him into the band just in time for the recording of Skynyrd's live albumOne More From The Road. Buried Here - Cassie Gaines, Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines Her mother, also named Cassie Gaines, and father Earl Gaines are buried in adjacent plots and memorialized on the same headstone. He died tragically on the 20th of October in 1977. His work has been featured in major newspapers and magazines, and he has over 300 radio and TV gigs to his credit, including appearances on The Learning Channel, The Travel Channel, Turner South, and A&E. Can a leprechaun get away if you look at him? Steve Gaines was killed instantly upon impact and his sister Cassie Gaines perished as well. After he was hit by a car in 1990, he left the hospital without being seen because he was bored. But the break-in at the mausoleum has left the family particularly shaken, Justino said. What is causing the plague in Thebes and how can it be fixed? "They are no longer at Jacksonville Memory Gardens," said Mary Justino, sheriff's spokeswoman. Cassie and Steve Gaines were buried in Orange Park, Florida. Less than two years after the plane crash, the Gaines' mother, Cassie LaRue Gaines, was killed in an automobile accident near the cemetery where Steve and Cassie were buried. At the height of their fame in the 1970s, the band popularized the Southern rock genre with songs such as Sweet Home Alabama and Free Bird. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. The Gaines siblings and Van Zant, along with three members of the group's road crew, were killed in October 1977 when their twin-engine airplane crashed into a Mississippi swamp. "They don't understand why, after almost 23 years, anybody would go to this extent to do something like this.". In 1977, the body of Steve Gaines was cremated and his ashes buried in Orange Park, Florida. I have placed it behind the read more link (but like most things WordPress, its probably not working right). Cassie and Steve Gaines were buried in Orange Park, Florida. Steve Gaines/Spouse. To complete the sign up process please verify your email address by clicking on the link that has been sent to you previously speficifed email. Cassie was buried in Orange Park, Florida, together with her brother, Steve Gains. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Powell's nose had been nearly ripped from his face after crashing head first through a table. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. According to Louder Sound, a lot of people claimed to have seen a figure dressed in black holding a yellow fishing pole the same color that Ronnie was buried with. Let's go, man. Steve Gaines (1949-1977): homenaje de Find a Grave Steve Gaines' Death - Cause and Date. He died in his sleep later than night. Sept. 14, 1949 - Oct. 20, 1977. To me, this was the most somber, heart-wrenching site on my entire trip. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - For more than 10 years, people have wondered where Lynyrd Skynyrd front man Ronnie Van Zant was buried. Their mausoleums remain as memorials for fans to visit. Ronnie grabbed a pillow from the back of the plane, walked back to his seat, and smiled at Pyle. 9. The program provides counseling about different issues including depression, stress, anxiety, and relationships. On February 15, 1979, the mother of Steve and Cassie, also named Cassie LaRue Gaines, was killed in an automobile accident near the cemetery where Steve and Cassie are buried. Memorial bench for Ronnie Van Zant at Riverside Memorial Park. "Investigators said it's unlikely anybody could have broken it with their fist or foot. Steve Gaines: Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Steve Gaines was cremated and had his ashes housed not far from the gravesite of fellow Skynyrd member Ronnie Van Zant. Five years later, the Strawberry Fields Memorial was dedicated on the approximate spot, and more or less serves as Lennon's official gravesite. What characteristics allow plants to survive in the desert? A few months later, Gaines was invited to join the band for the production of their live album, One More from the Road. At 90 acres, the park first opened in 1990 and has been continually been added onto. This positive aura and thriving energy are not only visible in his songs, but is also reflected in his band members whom he brought a sense of unity to as well as new levels of creativity and inspiration. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Gaines, along with Allen Collins and Gary Rossington (who later formed the Rossington Collins Band), came together for what is arguably the best guitar trio in rock music. The ash remains of Cassie Gaines, Steve Gaines' sister and a vocalist with the band, were undisturbed. However, he had his own vision and in 1974 formed his own band, Crawdad. Born Steven Earl Gaines, the son of Cassie Hatfield and Earl Gaines. Dee Dee has a proper grave, but Johnny sports a cenotaph as a memorial marker for fans to visit. Steve Gaines was born on September 14, 1949 in Miami, Oklahoma, USA. As his family returned back home, he pleaded with his father until he bought him his own guitar. Its where part of the 1970s Pepsi Cola Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute video was shot. In 1975, his sister, Cassie, whose group had been hired to sing back. This is that day. A fish that dies naturally in the ocean sinks to the depths, taking with it all the carbon it contains. Pat Fitzhugh is best known for his extensive research and books about the history, legends, and lore of the American South, and his epic investigations of the paranormal. The intruders may have been frightened off by the first deputy who arrived on the scene shortly after someone telephoned the Sheriff's Office about 3 a.m. and reported hearing unusual noises coming from the cemetery. Our content aims to be informative and entertaining, often discussing the lesser-known moments in history. Lynyrd Skynyrd graves vandalized - The Florida Times-Union Other successful bands to emerge from Jacksonvilles fertile scene at this time included Cowboy, Blackfoot, Molly Hatchet, and 38 Special. He obtained his first guitar at about age 14. Excerpts and links may be used in the interests of education and fair use, and in a non-defamatory manner, provided full and clear credit is given to Pat Fitzhugh and www.patfitzhugh.com, with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Tragic Details Found In Leon Wilkeson's Autopsy Report - Grunge.com Also in the area are benches bearing inscriptions about music. Ronnie Van Zant - Biography - IMDb In 2000, their graves were vandalized and opened, some say in order to prove whether or not Van Zant had been wearing a Neil Young shirt when he was buried. His first band recorded its debut at Sun Recording Studio in Memphis, and later bands included RIO Smokehouse and Rusty Day. Don't worry! He looked at life and music in a positive way, never taking his success for granted. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. He was previously married to Teresa Gaines. I really wish I lived next door to this place. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. In December 1975, Steve's older sister, Cassie, became a member of Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd's female backup singers, The Honkettes. At the time, the band was in need of a new guitarist to replace the position of Ed King who departed from the band in the middle of 1975. "The bag had a hole in it," Justino said. Remembering Lynyrd Skynyrd's Deadly 1977 Plane Crash It was on the original dock that Ronnie Van Zant would sit and fish, swat at alligators, and come up with the lyrics to the bands most famous songs. 19741977 When not researching cases and sharing his findings on radio and TV, Pat Fitzhugh can be found speaking at paranormal conferences, teaching classes on paranormal research, and leading live, professional investigations of Americas most haunted locations. Steve Gaines brought a kind of magic to Lynyrd Skynyrd that no other member quite had He was a great songwriter and singerand an incredible guitarist. A plane that had problems the previous year. His older sister Cassie Gaines, a backup vocalist with the band, likewise died in the crash. A bit of an old soul who enjoys a good hit of nostalgia! And the music was all I played while learning guitar and for the first 25-30 years of my musical life. Only three days later on October 20, tragedy struck when the plane carrying the band crashed in a Mississippi countryside, leaving vocalists Ronnie Van Zant and Cassie Gaines, as well as guitarist Steve Gaines dead. The Outlaws and Ghosts of The NatchezTrace, Movie Trailer: The Mark of the BellWitch, "From Turkey Creek A Memoir" Fan Page on Facebook, "Ghostly Cries From Dixie" Fan Page on Facebook, "MORE Ghostly Cries From Dixie" Fan Page on Facebook, "The Bell Witch: The Full Account" Fan Page on Facebook, "The Outlaws and Ghosts of The Natchez Trace" Fan Page on Facebook. The pair shared vocals on the song You Got That Right.. Cassie Gaines Lynard Skynyrd plane crash was one of the band's most challenging moments. Born Steven Earl Gaines, the son of Cassie Hatfield and Earl Gaines. So confident was Skynyrd's leader of Steve's abilities that the album (and some concerts) featured Steve delivering his self-penned bluesy "Ain't No Good Life" one of the few songs in the pre-crash Skynyrd catalog to feature a lead vocalist other thanRonnie Van Zant. We cannot record everything. Born Steven Earl Gaines, the son of Cassie Hatfield and Earl Gaines. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. How were Steve and Cassie Gaines related? A tour of Jacksonville's Southern rock graves On October 17, 1977, Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd released their fifth studio album titled "Street Survivors." "And at the family's request, the cemetery will pay off-duty officers to provide additional security as well for the next couple of weeks," she said. (1964) and Surfari (1967). Steve was the guitarist for Lynyrd Skynyrd. "We're really bummed," Carpenter said. Craigslist posting reveals Ronnie Van Zant's burial site - WKMG The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Celebrities Who Died in Plane and Helicopter Crashes, The Rock Road Claims Another Tragic Victim: Ronnie Van Zant of the Lynyrd Skynyrd Band, The Skynyrd Tragedy Behind Them, Rossington Collins Now Plays 'Anytime, Anyplace, Anywhere', Remembering the 59 Slain Victims of the Las Vegas Concert Massacre, 3 Years Later, Heaven's Gate, 25 Years Later: Remembering 38 People Who Died with Cult Leader.