Observe “Moment Of Silence” On October 20th In Remembrance Of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Ronnie Van Zant [VIDEO]

October 20, 1977 was the day Southern Rock literally crashed. A small plane carrying the band Lynyrd Skynyrd fell out of the sky and ended the original group's short but brilliant career. Founding member, frontman and lyricist Ronnie Van Zant will be remembered, 35 years later, with a "moment of silence".

Three original members, Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines and Cassie Gaines lost their lives in the crash, along with assistant road manager Dean Kilpatrick, pilot Walter McCreary and co-pilot William Gray. A "moment of silence" will be observed worldwide on October 20, 2012 at 6:45 pm CST (5:45 pm MST). Ron Eckerman, former tour manager and friend, said: "We ask for all stations and all people to observe this date by going silent for 20 seconds, and follow that with the airing of "Free Bird", the most requested song in history".

Ronnie Van Zant wrote dozens of hits in a career that spanned only four short years, including "Free Bird", "Gimme Three Steps", "Simple Man" and "Sweet Home Alabama" (which he co-wrote). He is one of the greatest lyricists in rock history who has long been overlooked as such. Let's pay the man his due this October 20th. We do still remember you!