Lynyrd Skynyrd is a legendary Southern rock band, best known for their gritty guitar riffs and anthemic songs like "Sweet Home Alabama" and "Free Bird”. Formed in the 1960s, they rose to prominence in the 1970s with their blend of rock, blues, and country influences. The band's career was tragically cut short in 1977 by a plane crash that killed several members, including lead singer Ronnie Van Zant. Despite numerous lineup changes, Lynyrd Skynyrd continues to perform.
Lynyrd Skynyrd Career Highlights
1964-1972
Lynyrd Skynyrd was formed in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1964 The band initially went by several names before settling on Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1969.
1973
Debut Album "Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd" - Released their debut album, featuring the hit singles "Free Bird" and "Gimme Three Steps”
1974
"Second Helping" - Their second album included the classic hit "Sweet Home Alabama”
1976
"One More from the Road" - Released their first live album, which captured their powerful live performances and solidified their reputation.
1977
Released their fifth album, "Street Survivors”. Just days after its release, a plane crash killed Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines, and backup singer Cassie Gaines
1987
The band reformed with surviving members and Ronnie Van Zant's younger brother, Johnny Van Zant, taking over as lead vocalist.
2006
Lynyrd Skynyrd was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Lynyrd Skynyrd Members
Current Members
Gary Rossington – guitar (1964–present)
Johnny Van Zant – lead vocals (1987–present)
Rickey Medlocke – guitar (1971, 1996–present)
Michael Cartellone – drums (1999–present)
Mark Matejka – guitar (2006–present)
Peter Keys – keyboards (2009–present)
Keith Christopher – bass (2017–present)
Former Members
Ronnie Van Zant – lead vocals (1964–1977)
Allen Collins – guitar (1964–1980)
Bob Burns – drums (1964–1974, 1976–1977)
Larry Junstrom – bass (1964–1971)
Steve Gaines – guitar (1976–1977)
Lynyrd Skynyrd Grammy Awards
Despite their significant impact on rock music and enduring popularity, Lynyrd Skynyrd has not won a Grammy Award, a disgrace.
3 Most Famous Lynyrd Skynyrd Songs
1. "Free Bird" (1973) - A powerful anthem featuring an iconic guitar solo, "Free Bird" is often considered one of the greatest rock songs of all time. It is the perennial guitarist’s question “What key is it in?” The answer is G Major so you can solo over it in a E pentatonic – easy, just make sure it lasts at least 5 minutes!.
2. "Sweet Home Alabama" (1974) - Perhaps their most recognizable song, "Sweet Home Alabama" became an anthem for Southern rock and remains a staple on classic rock radio.
3. "Simple Man" (1973) - A heartfelt ballad from their debut album, "Simple Man"
Lynyrd Skynyrd Quotes
Ronnie Van Zant
We just play from the heart and hope people feel it.
Gary Rossington on their legacy
We’ve been through a lot, but the music keeps us going. It’s all about the fans and the love for rock 'n' roll.
Lynyrd Skynyrd Scandal/Gossip/Trivia
Plane Crash Tragedy On October 20, 1977, the band's chartered plane crashed in Mississippi, killing Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines, Cassie Gaines, and three others.
Album Cover Change The original cover of "Street Survivors" depicted the band surrounded by flames. Out of respect for the deceased members, MCA Records altered the cover after the crash.
Ronnie Van Zant's Prophetic Words It’s often noted that Ronnie Van Zant predicted he would not live to see 30, a tragic foreshadowing given he was 29 at the time of the plane crash.
Legal Battles The use of the band's name and music has been the subject of legal disputes among surviving members and the families of the deceased.
Survival and Resilience Despite numerous lineup changes and tragedies, Lynyrd Skynyrd has continued to perform and record music, maintaining a dedicated fan base and influencing countless rock bands.
Lynyrd Skynyrd ratings
Songs: Sweet Home Alabama, Free Bird
Gear: Fender Stratocaster Marshall Amplifier