Lynyrd Skynyrd

Lynyrd Skynyrd -- the godfather of southern hard rock -- was arguably the most important influence on the rise of the genre in the 1970s. Despite the disproportionate number of band members that have passed away during its historical run, the group remains resolute in its quest to turn out good music.

During the band’s peak years from 1973 to 1977, Lynyrd Skynyrd released the three double-platinum albums Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd, Second Helping, and Street Survivors; the platinum album Nuthin’ Fancy; and the gold album Gimme Back My Bullets. The slew of classic albums gave listeners chart-topping and timeless singles like “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Tuesday’s Gone,” and “Free Bird.”

In 1977, the band suffered its biggest tragedy to date when its private plane crashed, killing band members Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines, and Cassie Gaines. It wasn’t until 1987 that the surviving members reunited under the Lynyrd Skynyrd name, with Van Zant’s younger brother, Johnny, taking over as lead singer.

Lynyrd Skynyrd was recognized as number ninety-five on Rolling Stone magazine’s Greatest Artists of All Time list in 2004 and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006. Skynyrd continues to rock on and stand as one of the best acts around, despite the countless trials and tribulations it has faced.