Cassie's Brother

Album: Southern Rock Opera (2001)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song is about Steve Gaines. His sister, Cassie Gaines, was a back-up singer in Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1975. Both died in the plane crash on October 20, 1977 that also killed lead singer Ronnie Van Zant. Cassie Gaines kept telling the band that they should give her brother Steve a chance to play. They finally decided to let him play during one show. The band told the sound people that if Steve didn't sound good enough to just turn him off. The sound people never turned him off and the band was very impressed. A few days later, Steve Gaines was invited to join the band.
  • Steve Gaines is the only other member of Lynyrd Skynyrd (other than Ronnie Van Zant) to write lyrics and sing during a recording session. Prior to playing with Lynyrd Skynyrd, Steve Gaines' band was playing motels and lounge bars. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Aaron - Twin Cities, MN, for above 2

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Gary Brooker of Procol Harum

Gary Brooker of Procol HarumSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer and pianist for Procol Harum, Gary talks about finding the musical ideas to match the words.

Andy McClusky of OMD

Andy McClusky of OMDSongwriter Interviews

Known in America for the hit "If You Leave," OMD is a huge influence on modern electronic music.

Waiting For The Break of Day: Three Classic Songs About All-Nighters

Waiting For The Break of Day: Three Classic Songs About All-NightersSong Writing

These Three famous songs actually describe how they were written - late into the evening.

Donald Fagen

Donald FagenSongwriter Interviews

Fagen talks about how the Steely Dan songwriting strategy has changed over the years, and explains why you don't hear many covers of their songs.

Graham Nash

Graham NashSongwriter Interviews

Graham Nash tells the stories behind some of his famous songs and photos, and is asked about "yacht rock" for the first time.

Michael Sweet of Stryper

Michael Sweet of StryperSongwriter Interviews

Find out how God and glam metal go together from the Stryper frontman.