Bassobit: Donald "Ean" Evans

Ean Evans, Lynyrd Skynyrd bassist, has died at the age of 48.

Born in Augusta, Evans had built a local following as a member of Cupid's Arrow before switching to session work. It was Hughie Thomasson who persuaded him back on the road, as part of the group Outlaw - an arrangement that remained in place until Thomasson was drafted into Lynyrd Skynyrd. Evans then formed his own outfit, Noon (rotten band names would haunt him through his entire career), with whom he would remain until his own call-up to the Skynyrd came through.

Following the death of Leon Wilkeson, in August 2001, Evans became a member of the band. He remained with them through until his cancer diagnosis late last year.

Evans is survived by a wife and two daughters; Lowndes County Coroner Greg Merchant said Evans died Wednesday.

[Related obituary: Billy Powell]