From Strawberry Alarm Clock to Lynyrd Skynyrd: The Hidden Link Between Two Iconic Bands
The connection between the sunny folk-rock of the 1960s and the gritty Southern rock of the 1970s is closer than you might think. A one-hit wonder from 1967, Strawberry Alarm Clock, had a hidden link to Lynyrd Skynyrd, the iconic band of the 1970s. Before Lynyrd Skynyrd, guitarist Ed King and keyboardist Mark Weitz were part of Strawberry Alarm Clock, known for their hit song "Incense and Peppermints".
Strawberry Alarm Clock's success with "Incense and Peppermints" should have been a triumph for all involved, but unfortunately, Weitz and King were not properly credited for their contributions to the song. Despite their significant roles in creating the track, the songwriting credit went solely to John S. Carter and Tim Gilbert, leaving Weitz and King without royalties or recognition.
The dispute over songwriting credits led to a lawsuit that was eventually dropped, leaving Weitz and King without the acknowledgment they deserved. This experience was undoubtedly frustrating for the two musicians, who had to watch their work go uncredited while others reaped the benefits.
Despite the setback with Strawberry Alarm Clock, Ed King found a new opportunity with Lynyrd Skynyrd. After befriending members of the band, including Ronnie Van Zant, King joined Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1972 and played bass on their first three albums. Lynyrd Skynyrd quickly rose to fame with hits like "Simple Man", "Free Bird", and "Sweet Home Alabama", solidifying their status as Southern rock legends.
The journey from Strawberry Alarm Clock to Lynyrd Skynyrd was a significant one for Ed King, who found success and recognition with the latter band. The connection between these two seemingly disparate moments in music history highlights the intertwined nature of the music world and the unexpected paths that can lead to greatness.