Why the Lynyrd Skynyrd 70s Classic Sweet Home Alabama was so Misunderstood | Professor of Rock
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- Опубліковано 20 вер 2024
- It’s a song that virtually everyone can sing a long to, but it’s also one of the most controversial and misunderstood tracks of the Rock Era. The colorful & traumatic story of Lynyrd Skynyrd & their eternal American rock classic “Sweet Home Alabama” and why Ronnie Van Zant was one of the greatest frontmen of his time NEXT on Professor of Rock.
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#70s #Rock #Vinyl
It’s a song that virtually everyone can sing a long to, but it’s also one of the most controversial and misunderstood tracks of the Rock Era. The colorful & traumatic story of Lynyrd Skynyrd & their eternal American rock classic “Sweet Home Alabama” NEXT on Professor of Rock.
Hey Music Junkies, Professor of RocK always here to celebrate the greatest songs and greatest artists of all time for the vinyl community and music community. If you are passionate about music, this is the channel for you. Subscribe below right now to be part of our music time machine. To get even more exclusive content, check us out on patreon… It’s time for another edition of #1 in our hearts with 70s vinyl. This one’s a no brainer…
We’ve lost many beloved artists to fatal plane crashes since the surge of commercial aviation in the 40s. In 1944, the biggest star of the Big Band Era- Glen Miller, was a passenger on an aircraft bound for Paris from London that mysteriously disappeared in dense fog over the English Channel- never to be seen again.
One of the saddest days in the Rock Era was the ’the day the music died’ on February 3rd, 1959, when Richie Valens, the Big Bopper, and Buddy Holly were killed in the crash of a private charter near Clear Lake, Iowa. In ’63 we lost Patsy Cline. In ’64 Jim Reeves, Otis Redding and the Bar-kays were on the same aircraft that went down in ’67.Jim Croce in ’73, Randy Rhoads in ’82, Ricky Nelson in ’85, Stevie Ray Vaughn in ’89, John Denver in ’97, and Aaliyah in 2001.
In 1977, three members of Lynyrd Skynyrd were killed, along with 3 others in a plane crash over a wooded area near Gillsburg, Mississippi. Miraculously, 20 of the 26 passengers survived the crash, and some were able to give a detailed account of what happened on that disastrous flight.
Skynyrd guitarist and co-founder Gary Rossington was knocked unconscious, but lived to tell of the horror he and the other passengers experienced. Front man Ronnie Van Sant, and the band’s primary lyricist, like many of the occupants, was not wearing a seat belt, and was one of the dead bodies found in the wreckage, along with guitarist Steve Gaines, and Steve’s sister- backup singer Cassie Gaines. The biography of Lynyrd Skynyrd is laced with tragedy. It is also one of the most colorful, controversial, and regenerative in Rock history.
Original drummer Bob Burns suggested the name Leonard Skinnerd, which was partly a spin on the “Leonard Skinner” character in the novelty song “Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh” by Allan Sherman that soared to #2 in 1963, but mainly meant as a goof on another Leonard Skinner who was a militantly strict P.E. teacher at Robert E. Lee High School in Jacksonville. Gary Rossington had frequent run-ins with Mr. Skinner, who disciplined the young musician because of his long hair, which violated school policy. By 1970, the band selected a unique spelling of the first and last name, and officially became Lynyrd Skynyrd.
What is the greatest opening guitar riff in rock history? I say Sweet Home Alabama because like no other song, it gets everyone on their feet singing and dancing. What do you say?
Led Zeppelin Whole Lotta Love
Start me up, Stones
Boston, don’t look back.
Highway to Hell, AC⚡DC, should be in the top 5.
Sweet Home Alabama!
I am a 65 year old Black man. I have been a Skynayd fan from '71. You opened my eyes about the band. I know most Blacks can not look past the Confederate flag that they USED to show .I always felt good about the band. Now i feel even more about then . Thanks man. RIP Ronny Steve Cassie L.eon Billy Allen
the use of the flag was pushed by the record promotors
When I bought they box set, the liner notes basically said the flag usage was something the record label pushed on them back then.
The current cover band Gary is in, on the other hand, is all about that flag and appealing to those that of appeals to.
Most black people I know don't care about the Virginia Battle Flag (the flag everybody thinks is The Confederate Flag isn't the real Confederation flag.) It's mostly white suburban wokesters.
@@SouthernSkeptic , I straight up think you're lying, or you don't know many black people. The ones I know always hated it, it's just their concerns didn't matter in the south or to the rest of America at large.
The Battle Flag is the one associated with the people that fought for the right to keep other humans enslaved. Don't choose that hill to die on.
@@SouthernSkeptic , and furthermore, even if it didn't bother me, I know how it appears to the many POC I'm fortunate to have in my life, and I'm man enough to look past my own feelings and care about the feelings of people that mean everything to me.
Back in high school in the late 70’s we lost a classmate in a car accident. Not long afterwards we had a school dance and the DJ played “Free Bird”.
Kids instantly started crying and hugging. Somehow we all ended up in a circle holding hands and singing. It’s a sad memory but one of unity as we all grieved together.
When I found out my girlfriend died in a car wreck ( driving a Chevy)the first 2 songs on the radio
were American Pie and Tuesday's Gone - I play Tuesday's Gone on my guitar and sing it - still after all of these yrs I have to check myself or I can't get thru it -
Man, @15:25 when you described the, "Turn it up" request from, Ronnie I actually burst into tears of nostalgia. In 1974 and for years to follow, when riding home on the school bus and this song came on the radio, we all used to shout that phrase at the driver. He'd look up in the mirror, smile, nod his head and crank it up. Bus load of kids all singing and air guitar jamming along. Ah, the good old days.
Sweet memories.
This is a great comment.
Awesome Bus Driver! I'm sure he loved it too and was glad to "Turn it up".
And lets admit, at our now tender ages we hear that riff & the hand goes right to volume before the 3 note!
That is so incredibly cool! Thanks for sharing that!
Back when I was a church musician, I would sometimes play the opening riff while warming up before the service. I remember one of the congregation walking through the sanctuary calling "turn it up," to which, I laughed out loud and responded "caught me, didn't you!" Great stuff.
But if you turn it up, they kick you out of church LOL
I just played the infamous Hendrix chord in Purple Haze last week at church practice. The bass guitar player immediately looked up and started playing
I am 65 years old now remember the Lynyrd Skynyrd band very well we all wanted that song to be our state song wouldn't that be grand?
Amen Brother!
@@stringtheoryguitars4952 I was fortunate that in my church they wouldn't have. I remained respectful, however, and didn't push it. It's a very long story, but quite a good one! :)
As a Southerner I have always viewed this as an anthem. When I hear it it invokes images of the South both good and bad. It is timeless and unforgettable.
I am not a Southerner or in fact American, but that is what is very good about the song, "When any one hears it it invokes images of the Southlands" and memories of the place you call home or stem from. True "It is timeless and unforgettable".
I have always felt that there are good and bad people every where and you cannot paint every one of a certain area with the same brush.
I was in a taxi with friends in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe on our way to a casino- I had been living in Zambia and for the first time in months I was with my American crew. There in the middle of Southern Africa, we were startled to hear the opening riff of Sweet Home. Of course all four of us immediately shouted, in unison with Ronnie Van Zant, TURN IT UP!!!!! The Shona taxi driver thought we were a little crazy- but then he said, "this is why I love Americans!"
U follow not ur mommas history… 😊a true ally 😊😊
TOO COOL ! !
I didn't see them before the crash as I was only 14 years old in October of '77. However, I saw them when they regrouped as The Rossington-Collins Band. Of course, they closed the concert with Freebird. During the intro, we all wondered who would sing. Just then, the lights came down and a spotlight hit an empty microphone with Ronnie's hat hanging on it, and they did the entire song instrumentally. Very moving!!! EVERYONE was in tears!!!
Yup. We saw Rossington Collins twice. At the shows we were at, even though they were indoors they released white doves during Freebird while shining the spotlight on the empty lead singer's spot center stage. I was in high school the day that Lynyrd Skynyrd's plane crashed. It was a profoundly sad day.
My Aunt and Uncle were going to go to their concert when they come through town but never got the chance because if the crash.
I lived outside Philly and was waiting on the on the sale (You know, sitting outside the ticket office in the line with a number, etc?) a few days in the future.
Then the crash was announced and some folks scrambling to get the original album cover with the flames that was withdrawn as fast as the record company could do it.
The Led Zeppelin tour was supposed to sell the "Early" tickets for the tour in a couple of weeks when Bonham's death was announced.
Two legendary bands I never got to see. "What a Bummer!" as we used to say back then.
I'm the same age, and it bums me out that I was just a few years too young to see most of the great bands in their prime. I've seen quite a few since becoming an adult, though. And tonight I'm going to see Lynyrd Skynyrd!
Your dad would be so proud of you. You were a lucky guy to have had a dad who inspired a love of classic rock in you.
I got into classic rock through record collecting honestly and yeah it's pretty amazing when someone can have parents they can bond with musically it's pretty cool but my parents did get me into record collecting because that's what they did even though they were into like country and flow and jazz and classical music weren't too open up on rock and roll and pop music definitely do not like the extremes genres unfortunately they have passed on have for many years now but fortunately I got handed down there collection and I don't have many photos of them or many other things they didn't leave much but I did get that and makes me feel like I'm there with them when I listen to him so God bless my parents in 2022
@@eternallife9786 Many PRayersNLuv, Try To Take Comfort In The Knowledge That Thru God's Glorious Grace .👼👼✝️✝️❤️🔥❤️🔥🕊️🕊️🌹🌹🌌🌠
As a GenX I did the same with my children. I'm proud to have shared the best of living in the 80's with them. But of course I started them out with the 60's, 70's then the 80's. In my opinion is the best of rock ever.
Southern rock never recovered from the loss of Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Allman Brothers. Possibly the greatest two rock bands ever. Certainly my favorites.
Duane, Greg,Ronnie ,Allen - hated the term
"Southern Rock"
I am a southerner and this song is our southern anthem! Thank you for your articulate description of the bands and songs we all love. Your love for the music is evident in your heartfelt descriptions. I am a nurse and watch you on my lunch to decompress.💗
Most people I know are so sick of hearing it they change the channel - All I can do is write about it - this song gets me - I love singing and playing it
I just love this guy's thoughtful discussion of music and musicians I love.
He thinks about music and musicians in an analytical way, but clearly appreciates the art form also.
Lynyrd Skynyrd was the best American band of the 1970s in my opinion. They wrote memorable songs and incredible riffs. God bless all the member. Gary’s slide work in so many of their songs just rip. Rock on!
Simple man brings a tear to my eye every time I hear it. Van Zant poured his heart into every sound.
You drilled it Henry🙂
@@mudnducs For me it’s Free Bird.
It's my family's 'road trip song'. The first song on the playlist as we pull out of the driveway....and the first one played as we head home. We are neither American or Southern....but this song is ours.
Love it
Nice. My favorite driving song is "Highway Song by Blackfoot."
I live in Thomasville Georgia and grew up in Macon . I visited my grandparents and cousins every summer in Muscle Shoals. I’ll be 70 years old this November and I want you to know that I enjoyed the hell out of this story about Sweet Home Alabama which is one of myfavorites along with everything related to the Allman Brothers and ALL THE bands that recorded at Capricorn Studios there in Macon. I want you to know that I really appreciate how you bust your ass on each and every presentation that you give on so many topics dear to my rock music loving heart . I’m frankly astounded at how thoroughly researched and interesting your videos are .INCREDIBLY professional ,entertaining AND NOSTALGIC AS WELL.God bless you ,THANK YOU Professor and keep em coming!
Love your heartfelt tribute to your dad. He did a good job.
Amen - brother
Agreed. It reminded me of the time I spent with my pops.
Glad I stuck around to the end ... thanks for sharing that
I remember driving up the road listening to charlie pride in the old man's 63 galaxy convertible was good times
I just came here to echo these sentiments... your personal insights remind me of some of my own heart felt feelings, ‘thank you ....
No matter what the lyrics say, you have to admit it's a classic rock jam!
When Ronnie says "Turn it up", you turn it up! I know, I was there and saw them jam live in Warren, Ohio 1974.
I saw them in Fort Worth in 1974. Awesome show!
I’m Alabama born and bred. Always knew that this is one of the greatest rock songs of all time and that it wasn’t just a mindless panegyric to the state. I’m of the right age that when I’m driving back home, when I cross the state line I hear Ronnie say “Turn it up!” And the chorus plays in my head.
Wow... panegyric... I had to look that up!
My daughter graduated from U of A....has traveled to many countries with her job. She says that in every country she hears Sweet Home Alabama played more often than any other song.
Especially In Mexico - From Our First Trip In '94- Thru The Time There Abt 7 Yrs. Ago, You Could CountAt Least Twice Daily & It Was AMAZING How It Made You Feel Connected.Many PRayersNLuv WWG1WGA 👼👼✝️✝️
One of the best videos you’ve ever done. This one hit me in a way I wasn’t expecting. Granted, I’m from Alabama and got both my undergrad and graduate degrees from the University of Alabama and this song is played at every home football game. And no matter how many times we’ve heard it or play it, we all scream it at the top of our lungs in the stadium.
Would LOVE for you to do a video on the “Swampers”!
Roll Tide! From and still live in Alabama. Of course this song is a pride of Alabama and one of the greatest songs ever made.
The documentary about Muscle Shoals, is fantastic!
Absolutely. Anyone who has not seen the documentary Muscle Shoals needs to
On the UA-cam free movie channel is a fabulous music doc titled Muscle Shoals, with stories about the Swampers. And there's Sound City about the SoCal studio. Both are worth watching.
Roll Tide Roll.
I am a 63 Year Old fan of the original Lynyrd Skynyrd band and I am a native of Jacksonville Florida. I graduated High School in 1976 so this band and their music is part of my DNA. This song is a staple for me along with many others. I used to DJ part time a few years back and to be honest, there is no other band that I can say that I would play that would get more audience reaction that this band and this song. Thank you so much for breaking the song down the way you did. I never knew that the "Turn it Up" was not intentional at the time it was recorded. Much enjoyed your video.
I always learn something cool from these videos. I knew of Merry Clayton from her unbelievable work on "Gimme Shelter," but I never realized she was on this track. She's a critical component of two of the greatest rock songs ever recorded. Amazing.
Jeff, you seen the 20ft from Stardom doco; came out a few years back? Merry Clayton gets a solid mention...
Wow. IDNK ! She is essential to both. W/O her neither songs reach the heights that they did.
This song has been my alarm clock song for over 10 years. Every morning. When it comes on the radio/XM it still gets cranked. When you hear, it just lifts you up to sing along and gets the emotion going to feel better than you did 2 mins before the opening riff. Music is emotion and this is one of the best.
The opening riff has been my ring tone for years. As a Dutchman I never understood the lyrics properly. Thank you for the explanation and clarification. Love SHA now even more.
I was a Heavy Metal kid but I could sing along with almost every Skynard song. Undeniably an amazing band with the perfect mixture of members and talent!
Cliff Burton was a fan. There's a Metallica song where they use a skynerd riff. Can't remember which one.
I am from Alabama and the first time I read the lyrics as a kid, I knew instantly what this song was about. My Dad told me that the lyrics were actually wrong, that definitely not everybody in Birmingham loved the Governor at that time...my Dad for one didn’t love him. You can’t paint everybody with the same brush. In spite of the stereotypes many northerners still have about us, people of all colors are still moving to the South in droves, in part because the skies are so blue.
Listen closely...the backing vocals go Boo Boo Boo, definitely NOT in favour of.
@@georgeprice4212 - But this video says that many interpret that "boo boo boo" as a sarcastic mocking of those that booed Wallace. And given that the final lyric of the song is "the governor's true", well, that interpretation seems to have merit. An Ed King, band member and co-song writer of this song, agrees with that interpretation.
I never paid much attention to the lyrics before, until watching this video and just now reading the Wikipedia page for this song (the wikipedia page has Ed King's full 2009 comments on the song). Having now done that, I don't know if Ed King is right, that the song is intended as an unabashed defense of Alabama and Wallace, or if the other band members' opposite interpretation is right.
It could be that Ed King was right, but then the other members of the band engaged in damage control by offering alternative explanations of the lyrics. Or it could be that Ed King was full of baloney.
@@BigSleepyOx I always thought the line “the Governor is true” was intended to be tongue in cheek, but who knows.
@@BigSleepyOx I just know what i heard in an interview with Ronnie about that line. It was done late 1974.
I had a huge fight with my roomate in college over this, I said this song is totally racist, while he said no, the boo boo boo line is important. To Chris Norem, my apologies, at 21 I had no appreciation of nuance.
FWIW I have always known that Everyone from any group is neither good nor bad -- I do think that the legacy of slavery and segregation lie heaviest on the South however it's interesting that the events inspiring BLM have been occuring mostly up North
I don't live in the US, but certain radio stations where I live have played this song so many times that I never wanted to hear it again. Adam has changed my mind about it; all the details about the band, the deconstruction of the lyrics and his own memories made it seem as though I'd never heard "Sweet Home Alabama" before in my life, despite having heard it literally thousands of times before.
One of your best videos so far, Prof.
I honestly feel the same way about Freebird along with several other songs by several other 70’s bands. Classic rock radio stations have absolutely run the same 20 or so songs into the ground for years.
✝️ RIP Gary Rossington 🙏
March 5th 2023 😢
Thank you for that very well told and accurate history about the van and especially about the misunderstood lyrics of Sweet Home Alabama. I've been a fan of this band since I first heard them on AM radio when the song debuted in 1974! Ironically I got to meet the entire band for the first time in person on October 17th 1977 at the infamous meet-and-greet Monday Street survivors album debuted in Altamonte Springs Florida.
...and we all know what happened three days later.😪
I love your nostalgic recounts of your childhood and your relationship with your father. I’m older but your music takes me back to my younger days when my world revolved around Saturdays. Who would’ve thought that our simple summer days as kids are the most cherished memories today?
And oh that magic feeling, nowhere to go 🎶
Some time ago, my wife took me to see a concert as a birthday surprise . As she steered the car into the venue parking lot, the marquee showed Lynard Skynard. I got excited and I turned her and asked, " We're going to see Lynard Skynard?". She said," I don't know them. We're here to see Delbert McClinton (the opening act)". I said, " we're going to hear some good music tonight !"
Inside we watched Delbert perform and it was very good. It was a treat to see him live.
Then Lynard Skynard began to play. (Their amp knobs go up to eleven).
Halfway through the first song I glanced over at my wife and her jaw was agape and stayed that way for some time.
She was stunned, the music was so good. They blew her socks off. She fell under their spell. Great tunes and soaring guitars.
A show we won't soon forget.
Much later.....
I've also got video of my three year old grandson with the mic in hand, sing karaoke to that song at a family summer picnic.
He knows only the first three words and he sings them loud and clear, "Turn it up".
The rest of the song he liked to make the sounds of the guitars (rather than sing the lyrics) and strut around like a front man. Adorable.
Very cool story!
Sweet Home Alabama is undoubtedly one the greatest rock songs ever written. Ed King's riff is magnificent.
My dad and I used to blast Skynyrd in his truck, on fishing trips when I was a kid. I completely understand what you mean. My wife and I love your personal stories as much as the music. We love your videos.
Love this band. They had drinkin, fightin, lovin, family, peace, justice, and my favorite piano player who added a unique element of beauty to this otherwise hard drivin band, and survived the crash to play more of the stuff we loved... BILLY POWELL, R.I.P.
"What key?"
"It's in Skynyrd"
"Gotcha"
True story.
Growing up in Jacksonville, I hear this song all the time and never get tired of it ... thank you for “explaining” it to everyone because it is one of the most misunderstood songs. Great video as always
Same!
This band has always been in my Top 5. The addition of Steve Gaines was excellent. Imagine what they could have produced if we hadn't lost them.
Steve was incredibly talented. I believe he would have been the driving force in the evolution of their sound and in taking them into the future.
Just about my fav song by them is I know a little, and it's been said no one in the band but Steve ever played that song right.
Correction here professor: John Denver didn't die at the hands of commercial aviation. He died flying himself in an experimental homebuilt aircraft (a Rutan Vari-eze), which he purchased from the person who built the plane 😉
Yep
Right, but neither did Randy Rhoads. The point is, flying becoming a norm has led to deaths of famous musicians.
It was pilot error. Not the plane.
@@homerwinslow9047 I know, I'm a pilot and I've read the NTSB report. The NTSB did go out of their way to point out that the original aircraft builder deviated significantly from Burt Rutan's plans by placing the fuel selector in a place that would have been difficult for John Denver to properly operate it in flight. Ground witnesses reported all the classic signs of fuel starvation, including engine sputtering and backfires. John Denver also elected to take off without refueling from the previous day's flight, which the original builder surmised with the FAA would have left approximately 30 minutes fuel in the main tank.
The British adult comic The Viz said that Denver had just built the plane and the glue was still wet and was making him feel nauseous so he died heaving on a kit plane.
I really think the line about Nixon and Watergate was more about "that's just politics, and really doesn't have much of anything to do with our daily lives".
👍
Surprisingly, there was no mention of drummer Artimus Pyle. The survivor in the Lynyrd Skynyrd plane crash that walked through swamp land and was even shot at when approaching a farm.
Great point !
I'm a big fan of Artimus drumming with Skynyrd. He really pounded em and was not lazy.
Artimus was a hero.
Might have something to do with the allegations of Molestation charges and he skipped to Israel before he was arrested.
@@SGTJDerek no shit?!
Dang Professor you really nailed this one. One of the best reviews and breakdown of a song. Really learned a lot about the song and the group. One of my all time favorite song is Freebird.
The music junkies are here, how's everything with you Professor, thanks for it all!!✌
When I die, I hope I can witness a jam session of Lynyrd Skynyrd at the everlasting Woodstock in the sky.
I recently visited the memorial site in Gillsburg Mississippi over the last week. Driving home from New Orleans, we passed the exit Unexpectedly, and of course turned around. Its about 9 miles off the exit. There was one other couple visiting the site from France, and my wife and I. But a tent was set up off the side, with a older couple selling T-shirts. Getting out of the car, I said to my wife. That's Gene Odom. She said who the heck is he? I replied, He is Ronnie"s best friend from kids, and Security for the Band. He is one of the 20 survivors of the crash. After the other couple left, Gene, his wife, and one of the paramedic helpers, shared stories about Ronnie, and the band for over a hour. I bought one of the first prototype T-shirts of a new Monument soon the be erected. Ronnie Proudly singing on stage wearing his signature Southern hat. I not sure what the odds are that he was there. He still lives in Jacksonville Florida. I also purchased his book called. Remembering the Free Birds of Southern Rock. I had a smile on my face all the way back to Michigan. At 18 years old in 1977, I was devastated not knowing what really happened. 200 yards away from a field. crashing into the woods with no fuel left to go any further. Gene said he strapped Ronnie in, but he took 2 sleeping pills to get some rest, and as the plane was hitting trees, he heard Ronnie unbuckle his belt. I was glad to have met Gene Odom. If you visit the site? I hope he is there for you.
I was at Winterland in SF and saw Lynrd Skynrd open for the Doobies Brothers, the second band was Marshal Tucker. After Skynrd, the Doobies were average. The venue was devastated by the power of Skynrd. It was a night to remember.
No mention of Artimus Pyle.. he obviously fell out of grace with the band, but he was a Street Survivor and a crash survivor, and integral part of the later groove of the band and his drama only adds the the twisting story of Skynyrd
My thoughts as well, Mike James. He was a member of the band, after all
How did he fall out Grace with the band? just curious.
Plus, Adam implied that Bob Burns was in the plane crash, which he wasn't. Artemus was, and he actually was the only one who was able to go for help. He walked/crawled to a nearby farm, where he then notified the authorities.
@@alexroberts9349 Look up the rule of three about Skynyrd and all the fall out from that and the broken contracts. It’s fascinating.
This video is about the song «Sweet Home Alabama». Artimus Pyle did not play on that song. So naturally he’s not mentioned here.
Also there’s no implying here that Bob Burns died in the plane crash. He’s saying that Burns died not wearing a seat belt while crashing his car.
They had a reunion tour, with Johnny Van Zandt. I saw them at Irvine Meadows, 9/27/1987. The crowd stood through every song, and sang along. We only sat down for the encore, which was 'Freebird' as an instrumental, with a solo spotlight on the microphone at center stage. It was one of the best concerts I ever saw. *Johnny looked, and sang, a LOT like Ronnie. Allen Collins was still alive, and they brought him onstage, in a wheelchair.
Johnny does a great job as lead singer over the past 35+ years. I love his every Sunday fb videos.
I saw them the next night at Universal Amphitheatere in LA. I remember it being a great show, but don’t recall those details. Thanks for the memories.
Concert was good, the endless slinging of merchandise from Ronnie's dad was disgusting. I have never been to a show prior or after where the band or someone on stage was actively trying to sell merchandise to the crowd. The band died in 77', everything afterward was just a pale cash grab.
@@tedwojtasik8781 Everyone is entitled to their opinion. I was only 9 when the plane went down so I never had a chance to see the original band. I've never heard anything about the merchandise bit so that' new to me. I've seen the band at least 6 times since '91 on the Last Rebel tour (friggin' love that album) and I figure, as long as they are putting new material out (and it has been good all along), they are STILL Skynyrd. The spirit of the band is there in Johnny, who sounds remarkably like Ronnie, along with Gary Rossington and Rickey Medlocke who rejoined them in the last 10 years. Again, to each his own as I know there are many who feel the same as you.
@@tedwojtasik8781 One point I forgot,that fits in with your theory, and I had to laugh at, is that at their last show they played in Toronto, which was billed as their Farewell Tour, 2/3 of the way through the concert, I think it was Gary Rossington, shouted out "we'll see you next year Toronto!" which I laughed at and at all the people who bought t-shirts, thinking it was their last tour! Saw my buddy a month later who was there, and I just had to rub it in as he had the tour shirt! Now THAT looked like a money grab! They were supposed to play a big festival that went under near Barrie so that's what he may have meant. However, if things don't "pan" out, that may very well have been their last tour due to age.
I love how they mentioned the Swampers in this song. Those players were legit. So many great soal songs that they played on.
The Swampers and The Wrecking Crew two of the finest bands in Rock history....both should be in Rock Hall if the rock hall didn't suck so much.
@@WillieDuitt1 Not sure if they would be considered a band. They were studio musicians working for a studio. Glen Campbell was one of them.
@@gitaaa7740 OK, not a band. Call a group of musicians playing together in an orchestrated manner what you want- they still deserve the honor.
@@WillieDuitt1 I agree they should be in there just not sure how the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame works in terms of being eligible.
Forget which artist it was talking about it,, but he got to mussel shoals to play with the swampers at FAME. He was expecting the swampers to he a group of black artists due to their soulful and funky sound. He was shocked out of his shoes when he rellalize they were all southern white boys. They could play!
Easily one of your channel’s best reviews but not because of all of the interesting backstories, but because of your personal reconciliation. Sharing why this song and why music means so much says it all for why music is so important. I’ve described music as a time machine that takes us back to memories and feelings sometimes long forgotten. Thank you for always providing the best of episodes.
My favorite song of all time! I'm a proud lifetime member of Skynyrd Nation. I still get excited hearing the first notes of the intro.
SRV died in August 1990. I know because me and my band went to the funeral. The family opened it up to the public. It was like 110 degrees but it was still an amazing, and sad experience.
Lynyrd Skynyrd recorded all of their best known songs at Studio One in Doraville, GA. I didn't know until recently that it was just a few miles from my grandparents' house. I'm blown away that all those great songs (as well as ARS's songs) were being recorded just a few streets over while my grandparents were in their house.
The first recordings of Free Bird, Sweet Home Alabama and several other Skynyrd staples, were recorded in Muscle Shoals AL by engineer Jimmy Johnson. 11 of those first recorded songs were on the first album put out after the crash. It's in the "Muscle Shoals" documentary.
I used to have a cd with the original freebird and some other songs that were recorded before they redid it I wish I still had it
I saw them in '73, they were a last minute replacement. Beach Boys were the headliner, I was there to see Joe Walsh and Barnstorm, REO opened and it was my first of 4 times to see them (Jesus, Gary Richrath was such a fantastic guitarist). I cannot recall who the cancellation was. We had no idea what we were about to hear, none of us had ever heard of them and southern rock as we know it today didn't even exist yet. We soon knew. My most clear memory of it was a dedication of Free Bird to Duane Allman. About a wk later I was at a party and the host had just bought Second Helping that day and he put it on the first truly high quality stereo I'd ever heard. Once he found out I'd just seen them he was quizzing me all about it. Good times, y'all.
I see Jim Croce behind you. Miss him so much.
"You have 1% talent!"
Wow, internet trolls have been around since the 70s.
Yes, but the come back to that is, "that's 1% more talent than you have".
From that to people yelling "Free Bird" at every gig in the country. You never can tell.
people
were heckling
Gene Krupa after he got out of prison for weed possession and using girl 'roadies' to hide stash!
this was in 1945 ...
🥔👁️🍅🙈🙉🙊😎
Heart - Crazy on You. Gives me the chills every time. But Sweet Home Alabama is right up there too!
Yes! One of the sexiest songs ever written, for sure.
Prof, thanks for the insight to "Sweet Home Alabama" and for sharing the memories of hanging out with your Dad. I have no doubt that those precious moments together meant even more to him than they did to you. He gave you quite a gift when he instilled such a love for music in your heart.
As a working musician for almost 20 years I must have played this song live more times than Lynyrd!!! Such a classic. Always lifts people up!!!!
I didn’t know the song had so much into it, it is definitely a master piece. I can’t understand how people can make something that brilliant looks so easy.
While station in Germany in the 80's I walked into a German club and this song started playing. The song has crossed oceans. Never expected to here it over there.
There were radio stations across the south that if Neal Young’s southern man song was played the DJ would play Sweet home Alabama directly after.
Here they would play Neil Young's song "Alabama"
@@mrsatire9475 all the liberal democrats that ran the Dixiecrat racist south are now city democrats in the north, and good riddance to them.
@@ianstradian - No, child, no one moved. Now they were red MAGA loser hats instead of white hoods, that's all.
@@mrsatire9475 sweety, Jim Crowe laws, segregation, race riots of the 1960’s and 1970’s, were all Democratic staples.
LBJ famously said, when passing the welfare act of 1971 “ If we do this we will have these N;))3;’s Voting Democrat for the next 100 years”
The Democratic Party has changed its tactics instead of victimization by violence they now victimizers by political virtue signals.
Martin Luther King was a Republican.
Don’t believe me?
Look it all up.
@@ianstradian - Do you have dementia, Boomer? This is not a new idea. We were already discussing the Dixiecrats (conservatives from the south). You are stuck living in the past ... as you vote against every single Black POTUS we've ever had.
I remember when I was a young teen one of my sisters was in the Navy, and was stationed in Jax. I ended up buying the Pronounced album, and fell in love with it right away. Here I am now, been living in Jax for over 20 years! Sweet Home Alabama is a classic.
Kudos for your tactful yet reverent narrative of an incendiary yet unforgettable Southern Rock anthem.
I think it’s tradition that Skynyrd is passed down from our fathers.
I must say, your story telling is exceptional. You had me emotional in sharing what this song means to you. Hands down some of the best content on UA-cam.
I realize I’m very late coming to this story, but I have a strong memory and connection to this song I thought I’d share. I grew up an Air Force brat, but we were often stationed in the South where my Dad is from. I went to Robert E Lee HS in Montgomery, AL in the 80s. I joined the Army where I met my husband. After I got out I went to the University of Alabama while my then fiancé was still in. He joined me for Christmas in 1989. After spending Christmas with my family in Montgomery we returned to Tuscaloosa before New Year’s. On New Year’s Eve we stayed in, just enjoying our last few days before his leave was finished. My upstairs neighbor came home drunk after the bars closed, put Sweet Home Alabama on repeat and then passed out. The whole apartment complex could hear it. Knocking on the door didn’t work. Of course the manager was out partying. After a couple of hours of this the very busy police finally showed up and took his door off. My husband was raised in Southern California so he doesn’t have quite the connection to the song that I do. He doesn’t hate it, but if we are together when the song comes on he looks over at me and I know he is remembering that night. I also remember the week before when at my parents’ I looked up as the rest of us were singing Elvis’ Blue Christmas at the top of our lungs. The look on his face said, “what have I gotten myself into?” He now enjoys Elvis, Southern Rock and even country music after more than 30 years together. And while I’ve always enjoyed classical music after being with him I have a deeper appreciation of it from someone who was in the band and orchestra. Music is truly a universal language.
"Layla" generally elicits a lot of "Alright!"s whenever IT rears its awesome head.
Which was recorded at Muscle Shoals with Duane Allman sitting in with Clapton (Derek and the Dominos).
@@TC-dw6wg One of the best songs of my life.
f@@TC-dw6wg Layla was recorded at Criteria Studios in Miami, FL with Duane.
That's why I love this channel. I've heard this song hundreds of times and never understood what the lyrics really meant. It took Adam to disect the lyrics that made me now appreciate the song all the more.
I always liked Sweet home but hearing what the song actually means I respect it a lot more now.....
Had Skynyrd gotten their plane replaced before the crash they likely would have been even bigger. This was a band at its absolute peak. How they soldiered on after the plane crash is just awesome and remarkable.
I played professionally for years in northern IL. We played Sweet Home every show. and our host is absolutely correct...that first lick on the D chord was ALWAYS met with "WOOOOOOOOO" followed by the dance floor instantly being packed. Not that we ever wanted to, but there was no way we could ever play a show without playing Sweet Home Alabama. It simply wasn't allowed....great song, great band. I learned how to play guitar listening to Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Fun fact. Cliff Burton of Metallica was a big fan of Lynyrd Skynyrd, so Dave Mustaine wrote a Sweet Home Alabama inspired riff that you can still hear in The Four Horsemen at about the 3:28 mark in the song.
"Reeling in the Years" best opening riff that kinda goes right through the entire song.
@ghostsskull45 Better not listen then.
Yes!! I LOVE that riff!! 💕😎
Jeff Baxter is under rated as a guitarist in an era were very few guitarist could play melodic solos. When ever I see a guy with a walrus mustache, I think of Baxter.
@@peterresetz1960 Elliott Randal does the main work on the solos here. Jeff takes a spot, and runs dual leads with Randal throughout. Baxter worked on a lot of the earlier stuff, which was my favorite. I think he kept more of the rock in their fusion mix. They had several great guitar players over the years.
Oh, "Reeling in the Years" is a good one.
The media taking something out of context. Imagine that. (Take as sarcasm, to avoid thinking I'm shocked).
I've played in bands for almost 35 years and I can only think of two or three that didn't play SHA. I've grown tired of so many staple songs played by cover bands, but SHA never gets old. Even on the deadest of nights in a club, once that song starts, it doesn't matter if we're playing to hundreds of people or the bar help, it just uplifts me and carries me.
I grew up 3 houses down from Allen Collins. I remember we would sit out on our front porches and listen to them practice. I will never forget those days!
As an acoustic solo for 30 I can’t even say how many times people request this song! I play it (and Freebird) every time!
No mention of it’s pop culture usage in the 1997 star studded action flick “Con Air”?
While the song was playing on the plane during that scene in the movie it was pointed out as the definition of irony.
Yup, that’s the movie I always think of!
Maybe the best scene in the movie.
Steve Buscemi's best line in any movie. 2nd and 3rd are from Armageddon.
Lynyrd Skynyrd was so influential that 90s country is basically one big tribute to them.
A bad tribute
I fail To see how Uncle Tupelo or Giant Sand owe anything to LySky
I hear more of the Eagles than Skynyrd in 90's country.
Nothing about 90s country is skynyrd
@@TheJpep2424 it's pretty gay
I live in California and in 2017 I made the lifelong dream trip of mine and went to Moscow, Russia. Growing up during the Cold War, Russia was a complete mystery to me, and... the FIRST night in Moscow we went to a club for some vodka and what not, walked into the place, and Sweet Home Alabama was cranking loud thru the house system. Yeah. Flew half-way around the globe (literally) to experience Russia and was met with Skynyrd the first night there. Good times!
Thank you for the mention of John Denver, one of the voices of the 1970's and long overdue for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame.
Boo Boo Boo
Not one of voices of my youth that I still listen to, but actually the one that had the most substantive influence on my future. Listening to John Denver in the ‘70s instilled within me a love for the mountains of Colorado, long before I ever saw them in person. Years later I had the opportunity to move to the place I had envisioned from his songs and it was one of the best decisions of my life. Unfortunately, Colorado is being loved to death by the *many* transplants who felt the same, something John Denver foresaw and regretted contributing to with his music. Nevertheless, this place is as integral a part of me now as my blood and bones, and I am grateful to him.
John Denver was not a Rock 'n Roll artist. He just made a list of basically all famous musicians that died in aviation crashes. Also, the RARHOF is B.S. You know who else isn't in there ? Jethro Tull, Devo, Tina Turner, Steve Winwood, Joe Cocker, War, Blue Oyster Cult, The Doobie Brothers, Bad Company, Phish, etc.
@@ryanjones4150 Neither is Eminem, or Johnny Cash, Jay-Z, Run-DMC, Biggie Smalls, LL Cool J, N.W.A., Tupac. So much for that argument. From your list I would choose, Tina Turner, The Doobies, Steve Winwood and Bad Company. Probably War as well
Great story. We must own the fullness of all our stories. History can only help.
Many thanks, Prof, for the backstory on this song.
Steve and Cassie Gaines were from my home town, Miami, Oklahoma...there is a memorial there for them...
Then you probably knew my uncle Ronnie Brooks. He has passed now. And missed
I just watched the amazing documentary 'Muscle Shoals'. I now finally understand the iconic line from this song.
Yeah until we got internet search engines, none of us understood the reference or context
👍 🎵
ua-cam.com/video/hKmGUIM1uAI/v-deo.html
@@thedys70 I was an adult before I found out that line confused people because I'm from that area and I just thought everyone knew what they were singing about lol
@Kelly LaFlash Yes that was a super documentary I recommend it watching the many greats they got to do their best recording.
Excellent content, very through and concise. Folks please chill before judging. Most of us are solid people, step back and appreciate the common values we all share.
Kid Rock first played Sweet Home Alabama while playing for the US troops abroad and the soldiers overwhelming response to the song really convinced Kid Rock to officially record it
You can’t mention classic rock with mentioning The Outlaws “Green Grass and High Tides”. So many think it’s about drugs but it’s actually in tribute of great musicians/singers who have gone before. I love LS, and loved them even more when they signed Hughie Thomasson up as a member on guitar. RIP to our departed rock heroes from both bands.
Hugh was on the beach at a party and no one brought their guitars. He stood there with the salt air blowing through his hair and envisioned dead rock stars (Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison and Janis Joplin) coming back to life and throwing a concert for him right there on the beach.....the lyrics started coming to him!
Met Gary and his wife who sang for Rossington Collins Band once ...I was kind of awe struck. Was bellman at hotel and picked them up at airport. The radio crackled in the van and said " pick up passenger Rossington A side"...when I got there I saw all these bags that said MCA on them. Never forget that.
When I saw the title 'most misunderstood 70s rock song' I was expecting this to be about Don't Fear the Reaper, which I see is coincidentally tucked in the lower left corner of vinyl behind the Prof
Agents of Fortune 👍
That video is called 'more cowbell'
Mate, I haven’t cried for years. Thank you for reminding us of our history, Where we have come from. Your rendition of which allows us to hold our heads up, regardless of our present situation. We can have pride in our collective humanity and be proud of our past. This gives us the strength to deal with our more fucked up present. Heads up people! Remember where you came from. You are thoroughly good...... to your core. You have always had adversity. What we have presently we have the strength to deal with. Lord I’m coming home to you!
🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Awesome video exposing a fantastic band that left us too soon. Although they are gone, the memories will go on forever. Thank you Professor of Rock for showcasing Sweet Home Alabama and the band Lynyrd Skynyrd!
I like hearing why some songs are special to you. We all have those stories and it's most usually great to hear others. It's easy to see your passion in almost every video. Rock on.
Deep Purple Smoke on the Water most memorable opening riff
I had forgotten how memorable that one is. Thanks for the reminder!
I'll agree to that one. Many people who began playing guitar plays this riff.
@@ricdees3495 Or House of the Rising Sun. That was my first.
Don't forget Black Sabbath by Black Sabbath.
Absolutely
I would argue that Free Bird is heard more in Southern bars than almost any other song.
Even up North here (Minnesota), we musicians eagerly await the one drunk guy or lady who screams "Freebird!" just as the band is ready to finish for the night. LOL Also, I've laid down the organ intro to Freebrid; this act was immediately followed by a.) drummer throwing a stick at my head and hitting the target b.) a mixture of cheers and boos from the crowd and C. the lead guitar player grabbing his beer bottle, because he didn't have time to reach into his case for his slide.... or his pistol. LOL
Thank you for the mention of Mary Clayton. It's Mary Clayton backing The Rolling Stones on Gimme Shelter who, in the verse, "Rape, murder, it's just a shot away," sings it through twice and on the third pass hit's the word "murder" with a piercing shout that even caught Mick Jagger by surprise.
Great piece on Sweet Home Alabama. Especially about your Dad and sharing that passion. We took that for granted didn't we.
This song takes me back to a time and place when I would be riding in our Toyota where my sisters ruled the radio while my dad was driving and Sweet Home Alabama was playing. It would be on a Saturday, because we were going to the beach in Alabama and had to go through the Wallace tunnel to get across the Mobile Bay Bridge. Ironic listening to the song.
SIMPLE MAN IS STILL MY FAVORITE
Simple Man and Curtis Lowe
"I'd rather play 'Sweet Home Alabama' than 'Southern Man' anytime." - Neil Young
I love both songs
Yea we don't need old Neil Young anyhow... truth.
@@cali4tune we need them both because we wouldn't have this great song
We need to help the people behind the music the roades their won't be any big concert tours until 2024 because insurance companies won't cover them because they think if people get sick they will sue their is go fund me payges to help some of them
@@cali4tune Everybody needs Neil Young!
I was born in AL. Lived there for a few years, then raised as a Cajun. My heart is in Phenix City and the Chattahoochee. The red and pink cliffs, the dirt roads, Goat Rock Dam, even the Kudzu vines. It all has the scent of nostalgia, and sorrow. The last few times I've been there was to send a loved one off.