Lynyrd Skynyrd Crash: Rock Tragedy in Mississippi
A chartered plane crashed through a foggy Mississippi night, claiming the lives of lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, backup singer Cassie Gaines, and three crew members. The tragedy abruptly silenced one of rock's most distinctive voices and halted the momentum of Southern rock just as it was reaching its peak commercial success.
October 20, 1977
49 years ago
Key Figures & Places
What Else Happened on October 20
Alonso de Mendoza founded La Paz in a valley 11,975 feet above sea level on orders from Charles V. He named it Nuestra Señora de La Paz—Our Lady of Peace—becaus…
The Duke of Alba crushed William the Silent’s forces at the Battle of Jodoigne, scattering the Dutch rebel army and forcing William into exile. This victory sec…
Cristóbal de Mondragón led 3,000 Spanish soldiers through ten miles of freezing, waist-deep seawater to surprise the Dutch rebels besieging Goes. This daring mi…
Spanish troops waded through fifteen miles of freezing, waist-deep seawater in a single night to reach the besieged city of Goes. This grueling amphibious maneu…
Royal Navy forces captured the pirate John Rackham, known as Calico Jack, off the coast of Jamaica after his crew failed to mount a defense while intoxicated. H…
Maria Theresa inherited the Austrian throne in 1740 at age 23. Her father had spent years securing promises that Europe would accept a female ruler. France, Pru…
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