Lynyrd Skynyrd was started by a group of Florida high school students in the 70's. They named their band as a mocking tribute to their gym teacher Leonard Skinner. The teacher was notorious for punishing students with long hair.

Ronnie Van Zant (vocals), Allen Collins (guitar), and Gary Rossington (guitar) first formed a band called My Backyard. A few months later the group added bassist Leon Wilkeson and keyboardist Billy Powell. It wa then that they changed their name to Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Eventually, f ormer Strawberry Alarm Clock guitarist Ed King joined the band. Lynyrd Skynyrd became notorious for their triple-guitar attack. "Free Bird" written as a tribute to the recently deceased Duane Allman, showcased their guitar playing. "Free Bird" earned Lynyrd Skynyrd huge national exposure and it became one of the staples of album rock radio. The song still receives airplay decades after its release.
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