50 Years of Lynyrd Skynyrd – Celebrating the Groundbreaking Debut That Started It All

One of the greatest southern rock bands of all time, Lynyrd Skynyrd, are celebrating the 50th anniversary of their iconic debut album, (Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd), which was released on August 13, 1973. This is a band that has been through hell and back. Whenever success came knocking at their door, it was followed by tragedies around every corner. But despite their setbacks, they’re “still unbroken.” To this day, Lynyrd Skynyrd continue to tour and record new music, keeping the band’s legacy alive and remembering their deceased band members that came before them.

The band’s history dates back to the summer of 1964 in Jacksonville, Florida. Following a baseball mishap, vocalist Ronnie Van Zant, drummer Bob Burns, and guitarist Gary Rossington decided to form a band together, according to the Lynyrd Skynyrd website. Guitarist Allen Collins and bassist Larry Junstrom joined them soon afterwards, the website continued. Originally known as My Backyard, the band experimented with different names before settling on Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1969, the website continued. The name was inspired by the boys’ high school P.E. teacher, Leonard Skinner, who was against them having long hair. 

From 1971-1972, the band recorded what was supposed to be their debut album at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Sheffield, Alabama. While that album was shelved, five of the tracks were re-recorded for their official debut album, (Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd). Those tracks were “Gimme Three Steps,” “Simple Man,” “I Ain’t the One,” “Things Goin’ On,” and the most played rock song in America, “Free Bird.” In September 1978, Skynyrd’s First and…Last, a nine-track version of the Muscle Shoals album, was released. 20 years later, the album was renamed, expanded, and re-released as Skynyrd’s First: The Complete Muscle Shoals Album, containing eight additional tracks.

In late 1972, their manager, Alan Walden, booked Lynyrd Skynyrd for a six-night gig at Funochio’s, the most dangerous bar in Atlanta, according to Ron O’Brien; taken from the remastered liner notes for (Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd). Story goes that everyone carried a gun and there were two-three shootings a night, according to UDiscover Music. At the time, producer Al Kooper was in Atlanta with hopes of discovering up-and-coming bands to sign to his Sounds of the South label, which had a distribution deal with MCA Records, according to O’Brien. Kooper, who was a childhood friend of Walden’s, often visited Funochio’s and became fascinated with Lynyrd Skynyrd, O’Brien continued. 

“The first night, I dug ‘I Ain’t the One.’ The second night, I dug ‘Gimme Three Steps,’ and by the fourth night, I was up onstage, jamming with them. The fifth night, I offered them a record deal,” said Kooper; transcribed by O’Brien for the remastered liner notes for (Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd).  

After signing a recording contract with Sounds of the South, the band began recording their first album with their new label on March 27, 1973; according to O’Brien. Bassist Leon Wilkeson briefly left the band before recording sessions began, so the bass parts were done by guitarist Ed King. Having spent years perfecting their craft, the band was well-prepared to lay down the tracks for (Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd). Standout tracks include the funky “I Ain’t the One,” the bluesy “Tuesday’s Gone,” the infectious “Gimme Three Steps,” the underrated “Poison Whiskey,” and the mighty “Free Bird.” The latter was regularly dedicated to guitarist Duane Allman during their live shows, according to Ultimate Classic Rock.

After the album was complete, Wilkeson re-joined the band, allowing King to switch to lead guitar. On July 29, 1973; Lynyrd Skynyrd made their record industry debut at a premiere party for Sounds of the South and MCA Records at an Atlanta club called Richard’s, “the finest rock club in the South,” according to O’Brien. By the time Collins kicked off his solo in “Free Bird,” the crowd was screaming for more, O’Brien continued. (Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd) received rave reviews from critics alike. Record World said, “Look out glitter kids, a real rock and roll band showed up!” The album was certified gold on December 18, 1974 and double platinum on July 21, 1987 by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

During their peak years, Lynyrd Skynyrd released five studio albums. Those include the debut album, Second Helping (1974), Nuthin’ Fancy (1975), Gimme Back My Bullets (1976), and Street Survivors (1977). The latter was the last album with Ronnie before his death on October 20, 1977; when the band’s chartered airplane crashed near Gillsburg, Mississippi. Guitarist Steve Gaines, backup vocalist (and Steve’s older sister) Cassie Gaines, assistant road manager Dean Kilpatrick, Captain Walter McCreary, and First Officer William John Gray died in the crash, as well.

Lynyrd Skynyrd disbanded for a bit before reforming 10 years later for a reunion tour with Ronnie’s younger brother, Johnny, as lead vocalist. Following the reunion tour, the band decided to carry on and record new music. Lynyrd Skynyrd recorded nine studio albums with Johnny. Those include Lynyrd Skynyrd 1991 (released that year), The Last Rebel (1993), Endangered Species (1994), Twenty (1997), Edge of Forever (1999), Christmas Time Again (2000), Vicious Cycle (2003), God & Guns (2009), and Last of a Dyin’ Breed (2012). The Ronnie Van Zant era and Johnny Van Zant era don’t sound alike at all; it’s almost like two different bands. But, I like that they contrast with one another because the band matured and developed their sound as time went on.

Though Lynyrd Skynyrd weren’t the first southern rock band to make it big, their innovative sound changed the face of the genre and popularized it all together. They served as major influences for bands such as The Black Crowes, Molly Hatchet, Blackberry Smoke, The Steel Woods, Metallica, and more. Despite numerous lineup changes over the years, they still pack the venues when they go out on the road. Keyboardist Billy Powell once said that there’s not many bands that can say they’ve had their dreams come true twice, but Skynyrd are an exception. There’s no doubt that people will continue to play Lynyrd Skynyrd’s music long after the band retires one day. 

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Comment below your favorite song from Lynyrd Skynyrd’s debut album, (Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd)!

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Lana