April 02
Leon Wilkeson
April 2, 1952 – July 27, 2001. Lynyrd Skynyrd solidified their iconic Southern rock rhythm section when Leon Russell Wilkeson joined as the bassist in 1972. Aside from a very brief departure before the recording of their debut album, he remained the bassist for Lynyrd Skynyrd from 1972 to 2001. Known for his flashy hats and melodic low-end contributions, he played a vital role on definitive records like Second Helping and Street Survivors.
After recovering from his injuries sustained in the 1977 plane crash in Mississippi, he helped form the Rossington Collins Band in 1979. He continued his duties as the bassist for the Rossington Collins Band from 1979 to 1982, contributing to their debut release, Anytime, Anyplace, Anywhere.
In 1987, Leon rejoined Lynyrd Skynyrd for a reunion tour and remained with the group up until his death.
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Joe Vitale
April 2, 1949. The Amboy Dukes recruited Joseph Anthony Vitale as their drummer in 1971, marking his first major national exposure alongside Ted Nugent. Soon after, he moved to Colorado to reunite with former college classmate Joe Walsh, helping to form the influential group Barnstorm. Vitale served as the drummer and flautist for Barnstorm from 1972 to 1975, contributing heavily to their adventurous studio sound and co-writing the classic Rocky Mountain Way.
Their creative partnership continued long after the trio disbanded, with Vitale recording drums, keyboards, and flute for Walsh on his subsequent solo ventures. He provided the steady backbeat for the Stills-Young Band in 1976 and became a staple of the Crosby, Stills & Nash touring and recording unit starting in 1977. He also toured with the Eagles from 1978 to 1980.
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David Robinson
April 2, 1949. The Cars achieved international stardom with David Robinson as their definitive drummer from 1976 to 1988. Before finding massive success in Boston, he provided the steady beat for the Modern Lovers between 1970 and 1974. He later joined DMZ and the Pop! during the mid-seventies.
Beyond his percussion work, he was instrumental in crafting the visual identity of The Cars, famously suggesting the band name and designing their sleek album covers.
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