Lynyrd Skynyrd

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Lore & Background

Lynyrd Skynyrd's early years were shaped by chance and rivalry. In the summer of 1964, teenagers Ronnie Van Zant, Gary Rossington, and Bob Burns became acquainted while playing on rival baseball teams. After Burns was injured by a ball hit by Van Zant, the trio decided to jam together in Burns' carport, playing The Rolling Stones' "Time Is on My Side". Liking what they heard, they formed a band, adding bassist Larry Junstrom and guitarist Allen Collins two weeks later. The band rehearsed in Junstrom's carport after Burns' parents said the band was too loud. They settled on the name My Backyard, later changed to Conquer the Worm for a day or two, then The Noble Five, and finally The One Percent by 1967. In 1968, Van Zant sought a new name after taunts that the band had "one percent talent". At Burns' suggestion, the group settled on Leonard Skinnerd, a mocking tribute to P.E. teacher Leonard Skinner at Robert E. Lee High School, who was notorious for enforcing the school's policy against boys having long hair. The more distinctive spelling "Lynyrd Skynyrd" was adopted at least as early as 1969.

In Their Own Story

By 1970, Lynyrd Skynyrd had become a top band in Jacksonville, headlining local concerts and opening for national acts. In 1972, the band—then comprising Van Zant, Collins, Rossington, Burns, Wilkeson, and Powell—was discovered by musician Al Kooper of Blood, Sweat & Tears at a show at Funocchio's in Atlanta. Kooper signed them to his Sounds of the South label and produced their first album. The band released their debut album (Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd) on August 13, 1973. It sold over one million copies and was awarded a gold disc by the RIAA. The album featured the hit song "Free Bird", which reached No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100. Their 1974 follow-up, Second Helping, cemented their breakthrough with the single "Sweet Home Alabama", which reached No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100. By 1975, personal issues took their toll: drummer Burns left after a mental breakdown during a European tour, replaced by Artimus Pyle. Guitarist Ed King abruptly left after a falling out with Van Zant. In 1976, Collins and Rossington both had serious car accidents over Labor Day weekend, slowing recording and inspiring the ominous Van Zant/Collins composition "That Smell", a cautionary tale about drug abuse aimed at Rossington, who admitted he crashed his car into an oak tree while drunk and stoned on Quaaludes. The Street Survivors album of 1977 showcased guitarist Steve Gaines, who had joined a year earlier. Ronnie Van Zant marveled at Gaines' talents, claiming the band would "all be in his shadow one day".

Reader's Guide

Lynyrd Skynyrd is not a faction in conflict but a foundational force in music history. Their primary goal has always been to express the raw emotion and storytelling traditions of the American South through powerful instrumentation. The group originally consisted of songwriters and musicians who pioneered the Southern rock genre. While the original lineup faced devastating loss, the band continues today with members dedicated to preserving their musical heritage. In the context of Chris Stapleton's world, they serve as the ultimate mentors from afar. Their role is that of a legacy beacon, inspiring current artists to embrace guitar-driven authenticity and lyrical depth without apology.

Did You Know?

• The band's name 'Lynyrd Skynyrd' was a mocking tribute to P.E. teacher Leonard Skinner at Robert E. Lee High School, who strictly enforced the school's policy against boys having long hair.
• Ronnie Van Zant and Neil Young were not rivals but good friends; Young wrote the song 'Powderfinger' for the band, though they never recorded it.
• Guitarist Gary Rossington admitted he was the 'Prince Charming' in the song 'That Smell', having crashed his car into an oak tree while drunk and stoned on Quaaludes.
• The band's 1977 album Street Survivors featured guitarist Steve Gaines, about whom Ronnie Van Zant said the band would 'all be in his shadow one day'.
• As of 2023, Lynyrd Skynyrd has sold more than 38 million records in the United States.