Lynyrd Skynyrd’s story is as quintessentially American as their music. Formed in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1964 by a group of high school friends—Ronnie Van Zant, Gary Rossington, Allen Collins, Larry Junstrom, and Bob Burns—the band began honing their craft in garages and local dives. By the time they released their self-titled debut album in 1973 they had perfected a sound that blended Southern gospel soul with boogie-woogie swagger. Hits like “Free Bird,” with its soaring extended guitar solo that basically defined the sound of 70’s rock, and vibey thumpers like “Gimme Three Steps” and “I Ain’t The One” showcased their knack for bar-rock, while tracks like “Tuesday’s Gone” and “Simple Man” celebrated a sound that borrowed from Sunday church services to tell a more sentimental version of the events. This duality of God-fearing and hell-raising elements of the human spirit provided the blueprint for what would become Southern rock. In no small part this album was a defining one for classic rock, rooted in the heart of the South and infused with a rebellious spirit.
The band’s signature three-guitar attack—featuring Rossington, Collins, and Ed King—delivered blistering solos that electrified live performances, while Van Zant’s soulful, rough-edged vocals anchored their songs with authenticity. Their music was a tapestry of blues, gospel, and country influences brought to life with undeniable charisma and technical prowess. And the fact that the band was named after their old gym teacher named Leonard Skinner who was a zealot for enforcing school regulations surrounding male hair length (he probably had a panic attack looking at this album cover) makes the legend behind Lynyrd Skynrd even more iconic.
Tragically the journey of the band came to a devastating halt on October 20, 1977 when their plane crashed in Mississippi, claiming the lives of Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, and backing vocalist Cassie Gaines. The loss shocked the music world, halting the ascent of a band that had come to define a genre. And yet Lynyrd Skynyrd’s legacy endures, their music continuing to inspire generations. From their early days as scrappy high school dreamers to their abbreviated reign as Southern rock royalty, their influence remains as enduring as the final notes of “Free Bird” echoing into the night.
Standout Songs: “Simple Man”, “Gimme Three Steps”, “I Ain’t The One”, “Free Bird”, “Tuesday’s Gone”
