Artists & Bands

Lynyrd Skynyrd | Tunes + Guitar Lessons

Lynyrd Skynyrd defined Southern rock with anthems like Free Bird and Sweet Home Alabama, blending fiery guitars and heartfelt lyrics. Despite tragedy, their music lives on as a timeless celebration of rock spirit and resilience!

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Free Bird Forever: Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Tunes and Tragic Story

Formed as My Backyard in Florida in 1964, Lynyrd Skynyrd changed their name in 1969 and released their debut album in 1973.

That debut had the unusual but helpful title Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd, and featured the iconic Free Bird.

In the U.S., Free Bird is the tune that all bands dread being requested—much like Stairway to Heaven, Hotel California, and Mustang Sally, it has become something of a cliché due to overexposure.

Personally, I’ve never actually heard a band play Free Bird, but apparently it remains hugely popular across the pond. Known for its epic guitar solo that often closed the band’s live shows, the track typically clocks in at around 14 minutes.

Re-released as a live version, Free Bird returned to the charts in 1976.

The debut album sold over 2 million copies and was followed by the aptly named Second Helping in 1974. This album included another iconic tune that gained global recognition—Sweet Home Alabama.

Written as a response to Neil Young’s Southern Man, the song rejects the idea that all Southerners are racist and responsible for America’s history of slavery.

Half a century later, Sweet Home Alabama still appears on most party bands’ set lists—especially if they’re in it to get paid.

Tragedy Strikes Just as Success Peaks

Second Helping sold, just like the debut album, 2 million copies. Sweet Home Alabama went far beyond that, racking up many more millions in sales. A quick look at the Spotify numbers confirms its lasting appeal—1.5 billion plays, making it three times as popular as Free Bird.

Lynyrd Skynyrd’s next album, Nuthin’ Fancy (1975), also sold well, largely thanks to the single Saturday Night Special and the continued success of their two earlier hits.

Their fourth studio album, Gimme Back My Bullets (1976), didn’t fare as well commercially. However, later that year, they released the live album One More From The Road, which performed much better, selling 1.5 million copies. This is the release that featured the extended version of Free Bird that made it back into the charts.

In 1977, Lynyrd Skynyrd put out Street Survivors. Just three days after its release, tragedy struck—their chartered plane crashed, killing frontman Ronnie Van Zandt, guitarist and co-lead singer Steve Gaines, backing singer Cassie Gaines (Steve’s sister), and several crew members. Miraculously, the remaining band members survived.

After the crash, the label released a string of compilations and live recordings from earlier tours, paying tribute to the fallen members.

In 1991, the band returned with a new studio album and have continued to tour under the Lynyrd Skynyrd name ever since. I suspect Sweet Home Alabama and Free Bird are still on the setlist.