Weekly Finale: Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama"

For this week's musical finale, we honor the 40th anniversary of the plane crash which killed two of the band's members. From Fox News:

Friday marks the 40th anniversary of one of classic rock music’s greatest tragedies – the crash of the plane carrying the Southern band Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Killed in the crash on Oct. 20, 1977, were founder and lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines and his sister, singer Cassie Gaines, plus members of the plane crew.

Other members of the band survived with various injuries – and eventually reformed the band, with Van Zant’s younger brother, Johnny, as lead singer...

The Jacksonville, Fla., band – known primarily for the songs “Freebird” and “Sweet Home Alabama” -- still tours today under the Skynyrd name.

The name was inspired by Leonard Skinner, who was a high school teacher of several band members.

But guitarist Gary Rossington is the only remaining member from the band’s classic lineup. Past members Allen Collins, Billy Powell and Leon Wilkeson have died, and drummer Artimus Pyle is estranged from his former bandmates.

I could spend all day talking about Lynyrd Skynyrd's music. Nearly all of it is worthy of covers, or even just a pleasant day listening. If there was ever a band which epitomized the Southern Rock genre, it was Lynyrd Skynyrd.

If I had to pick one song which sums up the musical greatness of Lynyrd Skynyrd, I would have to pick "Sweet Home Alabama":



The beauty of "Sweet Home Alabama" is that it captures a unique quality that only certain southerners possess, and that is the ability to be laid back and furious at the same time. The song was written as a protest of Neil Young's songs "Southern Man" and "Alabama". Personally, I have never been a big Neil Young fan, as his music tends to be too preachy and not very musically appealing. Or, as "Sweet Home Alabama" so eloquently puts it:

Well, I hope Neil Young will remember
A Southern man don't need him around anyhow

Never let it be said that I don't give you folks covers, and "Sweet Home Alabama" has been covered by one of the most unusual cover bands I have ever seen, Leningrad Cowboys:


That is all for me this week. I will return Monday with more blogging. Whether you are in Alabama, Leningrad, or somewhere else, enjoy your weekend.