What does ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ say about Neil Young? 8 on the Billboard Hot 100, per Billboard. Rolling Stone reviewed the group’s album in 1974, comparing Lynyrd Skynyrd to The Allman Brothers but concluding that they lack “that band’s sophistication and professionalism.” Rolling Stone continued, “They do, however, play a solid brand of Allman-influenced blues rock, drawing on gospel and other components of southern music as well.”ĭespite Rolling Stone’s lukewarm review, “Second Helping” proved to be popular - “Sweet Home Alabama,” the band’s most-known song, hit No. Lynyrd Skynyrd quickly followed up with “Second Helping” in 1974, opening with “Sweet Home Alabama.” Lynyrd Skynyrd credits this album as what catapulted the group to fame, calling “Second Helping” “the album that would change everything,” per its website.Īccording to its website, “In addition to introducing the world to the three-guitar attack that would become their hallmark, the album also featured some of Ronnie Van Zant’s finest moments as a songwriter - with tracks like “Sweet Home Alabama ” and “The Ballad of Curtis Loew ” establishing a blueprint for Southern rock that would inspire artists of all genres for decades.” 19 on the Billboard Hot 100, according to Billboard. The album became an immediate sensation, with “Free Bird” (a tribute to Duane Allman of The Allman Brothers) hitting No. The group released its first album, “Pronounced Leh-Nerd Skin-Nerd,” in 1973, per Brittanica. According to the group’s official site, the band name was inspired by a PE teacher at the band members’ high school who “was known for his strict policy forbidding long hair on boys.” Lynyrd Skynyrd’s rise to fameĪfter spending years perfecting a unique blend of country, blues and rock that the band would soon become known for, Lynyrd Skynyrd recorded its first demo with Muscle Shoals Sounds Studio in 1970, per the group’s website. The band went by My Backyard, The Noble Five and One Percent before finally landing on the name Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1969. After they officially formed in 1964, the band “began entertaining Jacksonville audiences” and become one of the top bands in Jacksonville. Where is Lynyrd Skynyrd from?Īll five founding members met in, and are from, Jacksonville, Florida. The three formed the band after a casual band practice in Burns’ house, and shortly thereafter, Allen Collins and Larry Junstrom joined. In 1964, founding members and then-teens Gary Rossington, Ronnie Van Zant and Bob Burns crossed paths when playing on rival baseball teams in Florida, according to Lynyrd Skynyrd’s official site. Lynyrd Skynyrd’s history is controversial and turbulent - I wouldn’t expect a band that’s been around for 40 years to be anything less - but is equally as hopeful and important to remember. With founding member Gary Rossington’s death on Sunday - he was 71, according to CNN - I’ve been revisiting Lynyrd Skynyrd’s place in my past and in what they symbolized for the South. While my family seemingly had an aversion to any other country music, I have very distinct memories of dancing (very badly) with my parents in our kitchen, singing along to “Gimme Three Steps” and “That Smell.” Somewhat surprisingly, Lynyrd Skynyrd was part of the mix. Growing up, we listened to Celia Cruz, Otis Redding, Fleetwood Mac, Toni Braxton, Marc Anthony, Led Zeppelin and much, much more. I often credit my parents for my extensive and eclectic taste in music (but they might say otherwise!).
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