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Lynyrd Skynyrd
Lynyrd Skynyrd is the epitome of Southern rock, ripe with high-powered rock n’ roll and blues infusions, jazz-inspired improvisations, and down-to-earth country lyrics. Almost everyone can recognize their anthemic hits such as “Free Bird,” “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Simple Man,” “Tuesday’s Gone,” and “Gimme Three Steps.” To learn more about this charming, charged band that continues to be a standout force in music, keep reading.
In 1964, original members Ronnie Van Zant (vocals), Allen Collins (guitar), and Gary Rossington (guitar) formed a band called My Backyard in Jacksonville, FL. They were soon joined by Leon Wilkeson (bass) and Billy Powell (keyboard), changing their name to the infamous Lynyrd Skynyrd. The group played at local and regional shows through the ‘60s and ‘70s. Their uptick in popularity happened in 1972, when a music producer discovered them in an Atlanta club, Funocchio’s, and signed the group to MCA. When working on their debut album, guitarist Ed King joined the group. The album was a breakthrough—“Free Bird,” in particular, paved a way for Lynyrd Skynyrd in the limelight. The band began opening for major bands such as The Who. Their reach across America grew with new studio album releases such as Second Helping, Nuthin Fancy, Gimme Back My Bullets, and One More from the Road.
3 days after the band’s 5th studio album Street Survivors was released in ‘77, tragedy struck. Lynyrd Skynyrd’s 30-year-old tour plane crashed in Gillsburg Mississippi, injuring all on board and killing Van Zant, Steve and Cassie Gaines, Dean Kilpatrick, Walter McCreary, and William Gray Jr. To this day, people debate on the cause of the crash: mechanical error or fuel shortage? In interviews and writings, surviving members have opened up bout dark premonitions surrounding the plane and the route it took that day. This huge loss defined the band’s path forward. With the lead singer gone, most members sought intensive medical care, then turned to music or addiction to ease the pain. But in 1987, the survivors reunited with Johnny Van Zant—brother of Ronnie—at the helm. The tribute band continued to tour. They also released new albums from time to time. However, they have maintained the defined Lynyrd Skynyrd sound: triple-action guitars, wandering jam improv sessions, rock n roll rhythms, and bluesy twang.
Although they have secured a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, created over 60 albums, and sold over 30 million albums around the world, Lynyrd Skynyrd is still going strong.They have etched their name in music history, and they strive to share their love of music and legacy with fans. Despite this connection to music and people, the band began their farewell tour in 2018. As more band members pass away, and remaining members age, Lynyrd Skynyrd has reviewed how they feel about loss and grief yet again. It gets harder and harder to tour—but they are keeping on until they cannot play anymore.