Lynyrd Skynyrd, from Jacksonville, Fla., popularized southern rock music in the 1970s with hit songs such as “Free Bird” and “Sweet Home Alabama.” The band’s work spans nearly 50 years, as the group formed in 1964, originally calling themselves the “Noble Five.” The band later changed its name to Lynyrd Skynyrd, after a high school gym teacher (named Leonard Skinner) with a “no long hair” policy in his class.
Tragically, in 1977, Lynyrd Skynyrd’s touring plane crashed, killing several members of the band, including lead singer Ronnie Van Zant. The crash devastated the group and its fans. Lynyrd Skynyrd broke up for ten years before Van Zant’s younger brother, Johnny, decided to step in as the new lead singer and reunite the band in 1987.
Lynyrd Skynyrd is known for its relentless travel schedule and enthusiastic live shows. The band’s most recent album was Last of a Dyin’ Breed, released in August 2012.
This 26-song playlist spans Lynyrd Skynyrd’s entire career, showcasing classic songs like “Gimme Three Steps,” “Tuesday’s Gone,” and “Simple Man,” along with new favorites like “Red White & Blue” and “Edge of Forever.”