Who is Artimus Pyle? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: Thomas Delmer Pyle

Age: 76 Years, 76 Year Old Males

Family:

father: larence Pyle

mother: Mildred Pyle

children: Chris Pyle, Kelly Pyle

Drummers American Men

U.S. State: Kentucky

City: Louisville, Kentucky

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1

What role did Artimus Pyle play in the band Lynyrd Skynyrd?

Artimus Pyle was the drummer for the iconic Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd.
2

What led to Artimus Pyle's departure from Lynyrd Skynyrd?

Artimus Pyle left Lynyrd Skynyrd following the tragic plane crash in 1977 that claimed the lives of several band members.
3

How did Artimus Pyle contribute to the music of Lynyrd Skynyrd?

Artimus Pyle's drumming style and skills played a significant role in shaping the sound and success of Lynyrd Skynyrd's music.
4

Has Artimus Pyle collaborated with any other musicians or bands outside of Lynyrd Skynyrd?

Yes, Artimus Pyle has worked with various artists and bands over the years, showcasing his drumming talents in different musical projects.
5

What is Artimus Pyle's perspective on the legacy of Lynyrd Skynyrd?

Artimus Pyle has expressed pride in the band's legacy and the impact their music continues to have on fans around the world.

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Childhood & Early Life

Thomas Delmer “Artimus” Pyle was born on 15th July 1948 in Louisville, Kentucky in the US. His father Clarence Pyle was a construction superintendent while his mother was a homemaker. His father had also served with the US Marines during the World War II. Artimus had a younger sister named Marilyn.

As a child, he was inspired by country music stars such as Frank Sinatra, Herbie Hancock and Patti Page. He learnt to play the drum from the radio by copying drummers such as Ringo Starr and Joe Morello.

Pyle studied at the Eastmoor High School in Columbus, Ohio, from where he graduated in 1966. Later, he also studied for some time at the Tennessee Technological University. It was while there that he received the name ‘Artimus’ because of his boyish face.

In 1968, he enlisted in the US Marine Corps, where he was soon promoted to private first class. He mostly worked as an avionics mechanic at several military bases. Eventually he rose to the rank of sergeant. He received an honorable discharge in 1971 after his father’s death in an accident.

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American Musicians

Career

Artimus Pyle began his musical career in 1974 after he joined Lynyrd Skynyrd by replacing the original drummer Bob Burns. He made his recording debut in 'Saturday Night Special', a single from ‘Nuthin’ Fancy,’ the band's third album. The album was released in March the following year. It stood at ninth position on the US albums chart.

Pyle played drums for the band's fourth album 'Gimme Back My Bullets'. The album was released on February 1976. It was a success and stood at twentieth position on the US Albums Chart. Over the next few years, he also worked on the albums 'One More from the Road', 'Street Survivors' and 'Southern By the Grace of God'.

He was a survivor of the 1977 Convair CV-240 crash which killed some of his bandmates. The surviving members of the band reunited after two years for Charlie Daniels’ fifth annual Volunteer Jam concert, which was held in Nashville.

The surviving bandmates eventually formed the Rossington Collins Band. However, Pyle was forced to drop out because of a leg injury. Later in 1982, he stared recording and touring with the Artimus Pyle Band, along with Darryl Otis Smith and Steve Brewington. The band's albums include ‘Nightcaller’ (1983) and ‘Live from Planet Earth’ (2000).

Pyle’s more recent works include a guest performance in ‘Primitive Son’ an album by American singer Eli Cook. In 2017, he was supposed to publish his memoir ‘Street Survivor: Keeping the Beat in Lynyrd Skynyrd’. However, he has been unable to publish it because of a lawsuit against him.

Major Works

‘Nuthin Fancy’ the third album of the band Lynyrd Skynyrd was the first album where Artimus Pyle played. The album peaked at the ninth position on the US Albums Chart, making it the band’s first work to reach the top ten. The tracks of the album included ‘Saturday Night Special’, ‘I’m a Country Boy’, ‘On the Hunt’, and ‘Railroad Song’.

Pyle also played for ‘Street Survivors,’ the band’s fifth studio album. It was released in October 1977. The album performed quite well on the charts and was a huge commercial success. The tracks included ‘What’s Your Name’, ‘One More Time’, ‘You Got That Right’ ‘I Never Dreamed’ ‘and ‘Ain’t No Good Life’. Unfortunately, just three days after the release of the album, the band’s airplane crashed, killing the pilot and some of the members.

Awards & Achievements

In 2006, along with the bandmates of the band Lynyrd Skynyrd, Artimus Pyle was inducted into the ‘Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’.

Personal Life

Artimus Pyle has been married twice. He has three sons, two daughters, and two grandchildren.

His oldest son Christopher Chapel Pyle plays the trumpet, flute, guitar, and drums. His second son Marshall Daniel Pyle plays the drums and the guitar and is also a singer and a songwriter.

Artimus Pyle was charged with attempted sexual assault on two girls in 1993. However, he strongly denied the charges, and also claimed the allegations were made to extort money from the Lynyrd Skynyrd organization.

Facts About Artimus Pyle

He is a talented songwriter and has written several songs for Lynyrd Skynyrd, including the iconic track "Sweet Home Alabama."

Pyle is known for his philanthropic efforts, supporting various charities and organizations that focus on helping veterans and those in need.

In addition to his work in music, Pyle is also a skilled visual artist and has created a collection of paintings and drawings.

Artimus Pyle Biography

You wanted to know

What role did Artimus Pyle play in the band Lynyrd Skynyrd?

What led to Artimus Pyle's departure from Lynyrd Skynyrd?

How did Artimus Pyle contribute to the music of Lynyrd Skynyrd?

Has Artimus Pyle collaborated with any other musicians or bands outside of Lynyrd Skynyrd?

What is Artimus Pyle's perspective on the legacy of Lynyrd Skynyrd?