Lynyrd Skynyrd

Lynyrd Skynyrd is an American rock band that became a prominent figure in the Southern rock genre. The band formed in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1964 under the name My Backyard, with original members Ronnie Van Zant (vocals), Gary Rossington (guitar), Allen Collins (guitar), Larry Junstrom (bass), and Bob Burns (drums). After several name changes, they settled on "Lynyrd Skynyrd" in 1969, a sarcastic reference to Leonard Skinner, a high school gym teacher who was strict about the school's policy against long hair on boys.

Rise to Fame and Signature Sound

The band was discovered by musician and producer Al Kooper of Blood, Sweat & Tears in 1972. He signed them to MCA Records and produced their debut album in 1973, titled (Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd). This album featured the iconic song "Free Bird," which became one of rock's most legendary anthems. Their sound was defined by a powerful triple-guitar attack and a blend of rock, blues, and country. The band's lineup for their debut album solidified with Leon Wilkeson on bass and Billy Powell on keyboards.

Their second album, Second Helping, released in 1974, included their biggest hit single, "Sweet Home Alabama". This song was a response to Neil Young's songs "Southern Man" and "Alabama." Other notable songs from their peak years include "Simple Man," "Tuesday's Gone," "Gimme Three Steps," and "Call Me the Breeze."

The 1977 Plane Crash

At the height of their success on October 20, 1977, just three days after releasing the album Street Survivors, the band's chartered Convair CV-240 plane ran out of fuel and crashed in a wooded area near Gillsburg, Mississippi. The crash killed lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, backing vocalist Cassie Gaines (Steve's sister), and assistant road manager Dean Kilpatrick, along with the pilot and co-pilot. The other band members were seriously injured, and the tragedy brought an abrupt halt to the band's career.

Reformation and Later Career

The surviving members of the band reunited in 1987 for a tribute tour, with Ronnie Van Zant's younger brother, Johnny Van Zant, as the lead vocalist. Although intended as a one-time event, the tour's success led to the band's official reformation. They have continued to tour and record new music since. The lineup has seen numerous changes over the decades, with Rickey Medlocke, who was with the band in its early days, rejoining in 1996. Lynyrd Skynyrd was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on March 13, 2006. Following the death of the last original member, Gary Rossington, in March 2023, the band decided to continue touring to keep the music alive for their dedicated fanbase.