There aren't many things more sacred to rock 'n roll fans who grew up in the south than Lynyrd Skynyrd.  There's no denying the band has always been chockful of talent, and has had more than their share of heartbreak. Bassist Leon Wilkeson was an intregal part of the band, having officially joined them after the sessions for the first album were finished (he was asked to be in the band before the recording began, but he initially dropped out thinking he was too young for the road.)  Leon's arm was badly injured in THE plane crash, and it forever effected his way of playing -- he'd hold the guitar more upright because his arm wasn't able to stretch out.  Leon was part of the Rossington Colllins Band after Skynyrd disbanded, then joined the Allen Collins band.  When Skynyrd reunited in 1987, Leon was there, and that's when I saw him many times in Atlanta over the next few years (as the station I was working at at the time, 96 Rock, had a close relationship with the band.)  In fact, I got to know most of the players a bit and -- though they'll rock your socks off --  they were some of the kindest, gentlest, humblest, and most talented guys I've ever met -- TRUE Southern Gentlemen!   Leon and  his crazy hats -- another member of Lynyrd Skynyrd whose life was cut short.  He died at age 59 on July 27,2001, having suffered from chronic liver and lung disease.  Today would have been his 60th birthday.  R.I.P. Leon Wilkeson.