Lynyrd Skynyrd

Lynyrd Skynyrd (pronounced: /ˌlɛnɚd ˈskɪnɚd/) is an American Southern rock band from Jacksonville, Florida.

They are one of the founders, in the 1970s, of Southern rock, a style of rock influenced by country music and blues originating from the Southern United States. Originally formed in 1964 under the name My Backyard before becoming The Noble Five and, later, One Percent, the band adopted Lynyrd Skynyrd as its official and definitive name in 1970. They quickly gained worldwide recognition for the quality of their live performances and their two biggest hits, Sweet Home Alabama and Free Bird. While Lynyrd Skynyrd was at the peak of its success in 1977, three of its members, including Ronnie Van Zant, the singer, perished in a tragic plane crash, which brought a temporary halt to the band's career.

In 1987, the survivors of the 1977 plane crash reformed the band for a tribute tour to the deceased members. Ed King made his return and Johnny Van Zant replaced his late brother on vocals. The tour was a success (375,000 people attended the concerts), which encouraged the band to continue the adventure. In 2006, the band achieved consecration by being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Guitarist Gary Rossington, the last living member of the band's original line-up, passed away in March 2023. Since then, even if they are not original members, singer Johnny Van Zant and guitarist Rickey Medlocke are the two notable members of the band still alive today. As for Dale Rossington, Gary's widow, while she is still a backing vocalist in the band alongside Carol Chase, she is nevertheless replaced on stage every other time by Stacey Michelle.