All The Top Hits Lynyrd Skynyrd Wrote

Lynyrd Skynyrd is an archetypal Southern rock band in some ways, but in other ways, they weren’t. They epitomized the Southern rock sound, which combines the rebellious spirit of the South with the hard rock stride and overdriven strength of blues rock. In contrast to the Allman Brothers Band, Skynyrd never used jazzy improvisations as a crutch. They were instead a hard-partying, hard-working rock band. To commemorate the band’s longtime legacy of being one of the finest groups of all time, we present to you all of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s hits that top the charts. Check them out.

“Gimme Three Steps” – Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd (1973)

All of us die-hard fans know that the songs on the band’s first album are timeless. Van Zant’s jab at manliness here is among those we could never forget. The story behind the song was inspired by an incident that happened to Van Zant in a Jacksonville, Florida biker bar, where a woman’s boyfriend or husband saw him dancing with the woman and pulled a gun on him.

“That Smell” – Street Survivors (1977)

Lynyrd Skynyrd’s comeback from two lackluster albums culminated in the release of Street Survivors, which came out just three days before the fatal plane accident. This Ronnie Van Zant-penned cautionary song for his bandmates on the dangers of drug use is a highlight of the album.

“What’s Your Name” – Street Survivors (1977)

A true story inspired Ronnie Van Zant and Gary Rossington to pen the song What’s Your Name. One of the band’s roadies got into an altercation with another patron over a girl at a hotel bar when they were on tour. The musicians left the tavern, but the celebration continued in another room. Billboard praised the song for having a “strong, accessible melody” and “excellent instrumentation.”

“Sweet Home Alabama” – Second Helping (1974)

Ronnie Van Zant wrote “Sweet Home Alabama” for Lynyrd Skynrd’s 1974 album Second Helping in reaction to Neil Young’s songs “Alabama” and “Southern Man,” which were both critical of the South’s history of slavery and racism. The band offers an apology for the song’s satire and the satirical line about pro-segregation governor George Wallace, which is part of the song’s theme of southern pride.

“Free Bird” – Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd (1973)

“Free Bird,” originally released in 1973, is Lynyrd Skynyrd’s signature song, dedicated to Duane Allman, who died of a road accident. After a few minutes of a sluggish melody, the power ballad’s signature guitar riff kicks in. To this day, the song is still in high demand on rock radio stations.