Lynyrd Skynyrd

Lynyrd Skynyrd
Lynyrd Skynyrd is a U.S. Southern rock band. By fusing the overdriven power of blues-rock with a rebellious, Southern image and a hard rock swagger, the band has established themselves as the definitive Southern rock band.Under the leadership of vocalist and primary songwriter Ronnie Van Zant, the band was successful in reaching prominence during the 1970s.

The band saw a great tragedy when Ronnie Van Zant along with several other members of the band died in a plane crash in 1977. Lynyrd Skynyrd had the honor of being one of the most critically acclaimed Southern Rock groups of the 1970's and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as of March 13, 2006.

The band's songs "Free Bird", and "Sweet Home Alabama" became American anthems and staples of FM radio due to their distinctive triple-lead guitar sound. The members of the bands include: singer Ronnie Van Zant, guitarists Gary Rossington, Allen Collins, Ed King, and Steve Gaines, bassist Leon Wilkeson, keyboard player Billy Powell, and drummers Bob Burns and Artimus Pyle.

The band was named after Leonard Skinner, an annoying gym teacher/coach some of the members had in high school.

Background
Originally called My Backyard, the band was formed in Jacksonville, Florida in the summer of 1964. Among the founders of the band were teenage friends Ronnie Van Zant (vocals), Allen Collins (guitar), Gary Rossington (guitar), Larry Junstrom (bass) and Bob Burns (drums). British Invasion bands such as Free, The Yardbirds, and The Beatles, as well as Southern blues and country & western music were their early influences.

During the 1960s, they used to play local dances and clubs in Jacksonville and the band experienced several name changes. "The Noble Five" and "One Percent" were among most notable names. They were successful in winning a local Battle of the Bands contest in 1968. The prize money was used to record the songs "Need All My Friends" and "Michelle". The single "Need All My Friends" released as their debut single on Jacksonville-based Shade Tree Records. The opening slot on several Southeast shows for California-based psychedelic rock band Strawberry Alarm Clock was also won by them.

Early years (1970-1972)
In 1970, the band began rehearsing at the "Hell House", a small city in Clay County on the outskirts of Jacksonville. Roadie Billy Powell joined as keyboardist around this time. The original name of the band was to be "One Percent". The band with final name 'Lynyrd Skynyrd' made its first appearance in a mocking tribute to Rossington's and Burns' gym coach at Robert E. Lee High School, Leonard Skinner.
Skinner was known for his strict discipline.

Peak years (1973-1977)
The band's performance at an Atlanta club called Funocchio's in 1972 impressed musician, songwriter, and producer Al Kooper of Blood, Sweat, and Tears so much that he signed them to MCA Records.

Their first album, 1973's (pronounced 'leh-'nerd 'skin-'nerd), which featured the song "Free Bird" was produced by Al Kooper."Free Bird" began to receive national airplay, eventually reaching #19 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. The song has also become the subject of a Rock and Roll cliche. It was in hot demand at almost any live concert, regardless of the performer.

Hughie Thomasson left the band to pursue other musical opportunites in the beginning of 2005.

Lynyrd Skynyrd did a tribute to Southern Rock on the Grammy Awards with Gretchen Wilson, Tim McGraw and Keith Urban on February 13, 2005. Johnny and Donnie Van Zant released a country album called Get Right With The Man on May 10, 2005.The hit single "Help Somebody" was featured in this album. Lynyrd Skynyrd peformed without Johnny Van Zant at the Music Relief Concert for the victims of Hurricane Katrina, with Kid Rock standing in for Johnny on September 10, 2005. Johnny Van Zant returned to sing for Lynyrd Skynyrd in December of 2005