Lynyrd Skynyrd

"'Cause I'm as free as a bird now, and this bird you cannot change."

During the 70's, Lynyrd Skynyrd was one of the most successful commercial and praised Southern Rock and Roll bands. The triple-lead guitar was the band's signature. The two songs "Free Bird" and "Sweet Home Alabama," were "anthems" of the American population. 

"Lynyrd Skynyrd recorded the original 'Sweet Home Alabama' in 1973, and it fast became a quintessential Southern rock anthem. The record was largely a response to Neil Young's 1970 song 'Southern Man'...and 'Alabama'...both of which included pronouncements against Southern racism" (Les Back 143-144). 

Sweet Home Alabama - 1973

During this time, racial tensions were high. Various organizations were formed due to their hatred of different races and religions. African American's were lawfully equal, but they were not equal in society. Segregation of races was very common, and integration was uncommon. In the studios that these songs were recorded, integration was common. All that was important to the group was the music that was being made. 

 Free Bird - 1973

Free Bird was a very popular song during the 70's. It was aired frequently on the radio and was well known throughout the country. Free Bird was also played in the movie,"Forrest Gump." 

Many of the ideas that were prevalent in the 70's such as racial equality, civil rights, women's rights etc. were all put in motion by events that occurred in the 60's including war and social changes. Music was a major way that these ideas were spread around. Songs that were performed by Lynyrd Skynyrd are an example of how these ideas were passed through culture. 

Simple Man - 1973

Works Cited

Back, Les. "Voices of Hate, Sounds of Hybridity: Black Music and the Complexities of Racism." JSTOR. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Nov. 2012. <http://www.jstor.org/stable/779464?seq=18>.

"Lynyrd Skynyrd History Official Website." Lynyrd Skynyrd History Official Website. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Nov. 2012. <http://www.lynyrdskynyrdhistory.com/>.

"American Cultural History." -1970-1979. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Nov. 2012. <http://kclibrary.lonestar.edu/decade70.html>.