In the early 1970s a new form of rock began to emanate from the south, combining old blues sounds with the new rock sounds of the late 60s. Pioneered by the likes of the Allman Brothers, the genre became known as Southern rock. In 1973 arguably the greatest Southern rock band, and probably one of the greastest rock bands period, released its first major single. Lynyrd Skynyrd had begun its amazing career.
The band was from Jacksonville, Florida, and headed by Ronnie Van Zant, a gifted songwriter who sang with a simple yet entrancing Southern style. He's in the middle of the bottom row of this picture, wearing the black hat. The band had a slow start, playing various clubs, dances, proms, etc. Eventually they were discovered by an agent who heard "Free Bird" and knew they were going to be huge. And so they were. The name comes from a high school teacher by the name of Leonard Skinner.
The band thrived on its unique sound of Ronnie's wonderful singing, a three guitar attack, and the rolls of a great jazz pianist. The pianist, Billy Powell (top row with glasses), was originally just a roadie. One night after playing at a prom he sat down at a piano and started playing his own lyrical version of "Free Bird." Ronnie heard it, went over to Billy, and said "You can play piano like that and you never told me? You're in the band!" Other members of the band included Leon Wilkeson, a bassist whose trademark is his many hats (top row right), and guitarists who changed over the years--Gary Rossington, Steve Gaines, and Allen Collins are the three most usually associated. Also, the importance of Ed King, a bassist and later guitarist who left due to massive stress, can not be denied. Skynyrd increased its diverse sound by occasionally using horns and even string sections. From 1973 to 1977 they released a string of successful albums and singles. Then tragedy struck. In 1977 the band was involved in a plane crash. Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines, and Cassie Gaines, a backup singer, were killed. Their latest album, Street Survivors, which depicts the band members before a background of fire, had just been released. Skynyrd's triumph was apparently over.
Over the next decades the remaining members of Skynyrd tried to move on with their lives, some with more success than others. Allen Collins was involved in a bad accident, and eventually died in 1990. In 1987 some members of the band reunited for a tribute, with Ronnie's younger brother Johnny singing. It was the beginning of a new band that took several years to evolved into the next form of Lynyrd Skynyrd, which I consider first being successful with its 1997 release of the album Twenty and the subsequent tour.
Today the band is led by Johnny, who does a great job of honoring his brother with every note he sings. Former members still with the band are Gary Rossington, Leon Wilkeson, and Billy Powell. Both the album Twenty and the newer one Edge of Forever contain great songs that are perhaps not as grand as the masterpieces of Ronnie's crew but still highly recommended by this fan. I have seen them in concert three times to date.
Comments on Some of my Favorite Songs (click on each for lyrics and thoughts)
"Free Bird"--What can I possibly say? This 10-minute masterpiece has become one of the greatest
classic rock epics. The bittersweet slide guitar solo and Ronnie's haunting vocals will mesmerize you,
and the amazing solo at the end will leave you breathless. If I leave here tomorrow, would you still
remember me?
"Gimme Three Steps"--What you are hearing right now. Often Ronnie tried to say something
with his songs, but here he's just having fun, telling a story about how he asked the wrong woman
for a dance. It's based on a true story. The three guitar attack figures prominently toward the end.
"Sweet Home Alabama"--The definitive Southern rock anthem. Ronnie was not a racist nor did he hate Northerners or Neil Young; he was merely answering Northern stereotypes of the South and having a lot of fun with it.
"Simple Man"--A heartwarming ballad about a mother giving her son advice for life. The lyrics are
simple yet profound, Ronnie's typical style (this one was written in the shower). Oh, listen to that man wail.
"I Know A Little"--I can't listen to this song without wanting to swing dance. The words mean little
but they aren't the focus--this is a high energy boogie that doesn't let you go and features an awesome
piano solo.
"Call Me the Breeze"--Another high energy romp, this song is simply amazing because it is all built
off a basic blues riff--what they do with it is spectacular. At one point the guitars drop out
completely and it's just the rhythm section, then in come the horns and it's awesome.
:Tuesday's Gone"--A beautiful ballad in 3/4 time, very unusual; you can waltz to it. Ronnie must have had to leave a lot of women in his time. The string feature is particularly nice.
"Was I Right or Wrong"--Not one of their well-known hits, this song gave me goosebumps the first
time I heard it. Ronnie tells the story of a young man not respected by his parents, so he goes away to become a famous musician. He achieves success and comes back to show his mom and dad, only
to find them dead.
From the new band:
"Berneice"--God bless 'em, they still know how to use horns.
"Workin'"--My, the three guitar attack never sounded so good. Why can't this song receive airplay
on more than just classic rock stations? It smashes the NSyncDegreeBoys any day.
"Tomorrow's Goodbye"--Johnny can write ballads just like his brother. This has a environmental
theme, like Ronnie's "All I Can Do is Write About It," and is simply wonderful.
Click here for a collection of Lynyrd Skynyrd MIDIs, hopefully eventually I will have quite a few available.
Skynyrd Documents
Quotes--A long list of quotes from the band members and others giving a brief history of Skynyrd and details concerning songs and such. I compiled them from a wonderful book, and they are truly interesting.
"As Free As A Bird"--My essay on experiencing a Skynyrd concert.
Two Great Skynyrd Links
The Freebird Foundation--Here's where to go to get all the info about albums, songs, and the
like that I don't have enough energy to write about. You can even join the Foundation if you like.
Lynyrd Skynyrd's Official Web Site--Tour dates, merchandise, and the usual. They don't update it
very often for some stupid reason.