On July 27th, 1974, The band called ‘Lynyrd Skynyrd’ released the classic rock anthem ‘Sweet Home Alabama.’ The song has become synonymous with the Southern rock sound. ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ has been covered by thousands of bands through the decades. Can you name Lynyrd Skynyrd’s other epic hit?
July 2nd, 1977, saw ‘Lynyrd Skynyrd’ playing the huge venue, the Oakland Coliseum. The audience is packed with people rocking along with the tune. They are pumping their fists and dancing as the band plays the song perfectly. Fans are waving their hands in the air, celebrating and partying.
Lead singer Ronnie Van Zant sings the legendary lyrics, ‘Sweet home Alabama, where the skies are so blue. Sweet home, Alabama. Lord, I’m comin’ home to you.’ The song hit number 8 on the U.S. charts in 1974, becoming the band’s highest-charting single.
It was featured on their second album titled ‘Second Helping.’ It was written in response to Neil Young’s 1970 tune ‘Southern Man.’ The song lives on decades later as one of the biggest rock hits in history.
This performance captures all the energy and passion of the band just a few months before their plane crash tragedy that took the lives of Steve and Cassie Gaines, along with lead vocalist Ronnie Van Zant.
Lynyrd Skynyrd was formed in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1964. Initially calling themselves ‘My Backyard.’ Their first album was released in 1973 titled ‘(Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd).’
The band brought Southern Rock to the mainstream and changed the course of rock music in their short time as stars. Their other epic hit song, ‘Free Bird,’ is considered one of the best concert-closing songs in the history of music.
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