Allen Collins

Allen Collins (July 19, 1952 - January 23, 1990) was one of the founding members and guitarists of Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. His unique guitar playing and songwriting skills was vital to the s

Allen Collins (July 19, 1952 - January 23, 1990) was one of the founding members and guitarists of Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. His unique guitar playing and songwriting skills was vital to the success of the band. He was born in Jacksonville, Florida.

Collins and childhood friends Ronnie Van Zant and Gary Rossington formed the band that would later become Lynyrd Skynyrd in the summer of 1964. The band received national success beginning in 1973, and ending in 1977 with a tragic plane crash that killed three band members.