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Lynyrd Skynyrd

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Band Timeline

1964

Formation and Early Years

Lynyrd Skynyrd formed in Jacksonville, Florida in 1964 initially under various names including My Backyard, The Noble Five, and One Percent. The original lineup consisted of Ronnie Van Zant on vocals, Gary Rossington and Allen Collins on guitars, Larry Junstrom on bass, and Bob Burns on drums. The members were high school students who bonded over music and played local shows. The name Lynyrd Skynyrd was finally adopted in 1968, inspired as a tongue-in-cheek reference to a disliked instructor. These formative years involved frequent lineup tweaks and intensive regional performances that laid the foundation for their Southern rock identity.
1973

Debut Album and Rise to Fame

In 1973, Lynyrd Skynyrd released their debut album (Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd), which was pivotal in establishing their signature sound blending rock, blues, and Southern influences. The lineup then stabilized with Ronnie Van Zant (vocals), Gary Rossington and Allen Collins (guitars), Leon Wilkeson (bass), Billy Powell (keyboards), and Ed King (guitar). The album featured enduring tracks that helped popularize Southern rock and garnered significant attention. This release marked Lynyrd Skynyrd’s transition from a local band to national prominence.
1974-1976

Lineup Changes and Growing Success

Between 1974 and 1976, Lynyrd Skynyrd experienced key lineup changes that shaped their classic era. Drummer Bob Burns was replaced by Artimus Pyle in 1974, while Ed King shifted from bass to guitar as Leon Wilkeson briefly departed and then returned. In 1975, Ed King left and was succeeded by guitarist Steve Gaines in 1976, recommended by his sister Cassie Gaines who was a backing vocalist. During this period, the band released several successful albums including 'Second Helping' and 'Nuthin' Fancy,' which featured iconic songs like 'Sweet Home Alabama.' Lynyrd Skynyrd was at the height of its creative powers and commercial success, touring extensively and becoming the defining Southern rock band of the decade.
1977

Tragic Plane Crash and Band's Initial End

On October 20, 1977, tragedy struck when the band's chartered airplane crashed in Gillsburg, Mississippi, only three days after releasing their fifth studio album 'Street Survivors.' The crash resulted in the deaths of lead vocalist Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, and backing vocalist Cassie Gaines, with several others seriously injured. The accident abruptly ended the band's trajectory during its prime. The emotional and physical toll led to the disbandment of Lynyrd Skynyrd, marking one of rock history's most tragic moments and halting their meteoric rise.
1978-1986

Post-Crash Releases and Occasional Reunions

Following the crash, previously unreleased tracks from 1971 and 1972 were posthumously released as 'Skynyrd's First and... Last' in 1978. The surviving band members, except for Leon Wilkeson who was severely injured, briefly reunited in 1979 at Volunteer Jam to perform 'Free Bird' with Charlie Daniels. Throughout the early 1980s, Lynyrd Skynyrd did not officially reform but maintained a cult following and released various compilations and live albums that preserved their legacy. This era was characterized by reflection and mourning over the lost band members, while keeping the band's music alive for fans.
1987

Reformation and Tribute Tour

In 1987, Lynyrd Skynyrd officially reformed for a tribute tour commemorating the 10th anniversary of the plane crash. Ronnie Van Zant’s younger brother, Johnny Van Zant, took over lead vocals. Original members Gary Rossington, Ed King, Leon Wilkeson, Artimus Pyle, and Billy Powell reunited alongside new guitarist Randall Hall. The tour rekindled interest in the band and introduced Lynyrd Skynyrd to a new generation. It marked the beginning of a sustained, albeit different, incarnation of the band that would continue to tour and record for decades.
1990s

Continued Albums and Lineup Changes

The 1990s saw Lynyrd Skynyrd release several studio albums including 'Lynyrd Skynyrd 1991' and 'The Last Rebel' amidst ongoing lineup adjustments. Artimus Pyle departed in the early 1990s, replaced by drummers Kurt Custer and later Owen Hale. Guitarist Randall Hall was replaced by Mike Estes, and Ed King left again due to health concerns. Rickey Medlocke, who had briefly played with the band in the early 1970s, returned officially in 1996. Despite fluctuations in membership, the band maintained their Southern rock sound and continued touring, solidifying their legacy while adapting to contemporary rock environments.
2000s-2010s

Sustained Touring, Releases, and Honors

During the 2000s and 2010s, Lynyrd Skynyrd remained an active touring and recording group. They released several albums, continuing to celebrate their heritage while embracing new material. In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked them No. 95 on their list of '100 Greatest Artists of All Time,' and in 2006, the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Their continued presence in rock culture and steady sales of over 28 million records in the US underscored their status as pioneers of Southern rock. The band adapted with new members but honored the memory of founding individuals and their influence.
2018-2023

Farewell and Recent Developments

In January 2018, Lynyrd Skynyrd announced a farewell tour, signaling the winding down of their extensive live performances. The band continued touring until 2022 and was working on their fifteenth studio album. In 2023, founding guitarist Gary Rossington passed away, marking the loss of the last original member. With no founding musicians remaining, Lynyrd Skynyrd continues as a legacy act. Their farewell tour and ongoing projects reflect the enduring impact of a band that shaped Southern rock and left a lasting imprint on music history.

Albums

lynyrd-skynyrd_1st_album
(pronounced ’lĕh-’nérd ’skin-’nérd)
8 tracks
1973
lynyrd-skynyrd_2nd_album
Second Helping
8 tracks
1974
lynyrd-skynyrd_3rd_album
Nuthin’ Fancy
8 tracks
1975
lynyrd-skynyrd_4th_album
Gimme Back My Bullets
9 tracks
1976
lynyrd-skynyrd_5th_album
Street Survivors
8 tracks
1977
lynyrd-skynyrd_6th_album
1991
11 tracks
1991
lynyrd-skynyrd_7th_album
The Last Rebel
10 tracks
1993
lynyrd-skynyrd_8th_album
Endangered Species
13 tracks
1994
lynyrd-skynyrd_9th_album
Twenty
12 tracks
1997
lynyrd-skynyrd_10th_album
Edge of Forever
12 tracks
1999
lynyrd-skynyrd_11th_album
Christmas Time Again
11 tracks
2000
lynyrd-skynyrd_12th_album
Vicious Cycle
15 tracks
2003
lynyrd-skynyrd_13th_album
God & Guns
12 tracks
2009
lynyrd-skynyrd_14th_album
Last of a Dyin’ Breed
15 tracks
2012
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Johnny Van Zant

1987

JoJo Billingsley

N/A

Ean Evans

N/A

Peter Keys

2009

Carol Chase

N/A

Background vocals

Michael Cartellone

N/A

Leslie Hawkins

N/A

Rickey Medlocke

N/A

Artimus Pyle

N/A

Leon Wilkeson

N/A

Bass guitar

Alias

N/A

Hughie Thomasson

N/A

Dale Krantz-Rossington

N/A

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Steve Gaines

N/A
1977

Allen Collins

1964
1977

Guitar

Gary Rossington

1987
2023

Guitar

Ronnie Van Zant

1964
1977

Lead vocals

Ed King

N/A
1995

Billy Powell

1971
2009

Piano

Keyboard

Organ

Gary Rossington

1964
1977

Guitar

Robert Kearns

N/A
N/A

Bob Burns

1964
1971

Drums (drum set)

Larry Junstrom

1964
1971

Bass guitar

Bob Burns

1972
1974

Drums (drum set)

Cassie Gaines

N/A
1977

Background vocals

Story of Lynyrd Skynyrd

Lynyrd Skynyrd: A Southern Rock Legend

Lynyrd Skynyrd, often stylized as "Lynyrd Skynrd," is a legendary American Southern rock band that burst onto the scene in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1964. The band, originally formed as "My Backyard," was a raw and energetic group comprised of Ronnie Van Zant (vocals), Gary Rossington (guitar), Allen Collins (guitar), Larry Junstrom (bass), and Bob Burns (drums).

For five years, the band honed their skills, touring small venues and experimenting with different names and lineups. They finally settled on the name "Lynyrd Skynyrd" in 1969, a nod to their high school gym teacher, Leonard Skinner. The band released their debut album, "(Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nerd 'Skin-'nerd)" in 1973. By this time, the band had solidified their iconic lineup, which included bassist Leon Wilkeson, keyboardist Billy Powell, and guitarist Ed King. Burns departed the group, and Artimus Pyle took his place on drums in 1974. Later, King left in 1975, and Steve Gaines joined in 1976.

During the '70s, Lynyrd Skynyrd soared to the pinnacle of Southern rock, captivating audiences with their powerful anthems like "Sweet Home Alabama" and "Free Bird." These songs became iconic staples of the genre, defining the band's signature blend of blues, rock, and country influences. The band released five studio albums and one live album, solidifying their status as one of the most influential rock bands of the era.

Tragedy struck the band on October 20, 1977, when their chartered plane crashed, taking the lives of Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines, and backup singer Cassie Gaines. The crash also severely injured the remaining members.

Lynyrd Skynyrd, though deeply impacted by the loss, refused to fade into oblivion. In 1987, the band reformed with Ronnie's brother, Johnny Van Zant, taking over lead vocals. The reunion tour proved that Lynyrd Skynyrd's legacy lived on, their music continuing to resonate with generations of fans. The band has continued to release albums and tour, ensuring that their distinct Southern rock sound remains a vital part of the music world.

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