In aviation there is no place for mistakes. You have to do the maintenance. And it's very expensive and time consuming. And your crew cannot participate in the partying. Lynyrd Skynyrd, Ricky Nelson, Jim Croce, Buddy Holly, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Randy Rhoads were victims.
What's gonna happen to Lynyrd Skynyrd now? The Nation is purging everything from the south in the name of racism. Lynyrd Skynyrd is engrained into American history.
I have seen every documentary and this is by far the best. Very smooth, unbiased, true to fact video. Kudos, will look forward to seeing more of your work. Thank you Emma 🌹
I was 25 in '77, I'm 71 years old in '23 and still get tears in my eyes.... carry on my sweet Free Bird ........... The greatest band there EVER will be for me ....Thank you for such a GREAT documentary of the rescue and recovery.
In 1984 I was on a train crossing the German border when the German soldiers came on board to check our documents. I sat in my seat, eyeball to eyeball with the drug dog. When the soldier read in my passport that I was born in Alabama he got this big grin on his face and started singing Sweet Home Alabama in broken English.
I don't care what anyone says, Lynyrd Skynyrd is one of the greatest bands of all time and not because of a plane crash but because of their talent. Thanks for posting this unique perspective!
Along, with the Allman Brothers, they were ahead of their time; there will never be another one; back when music was real music; you'd need real talent to be a musician
The Marshall Tucker Band ate dinner in my house in early 78. I was 13 and my Mom owned a clothing store where they came to shop. I was a young woodwind player, and played flute for Jerry Eubanks that night with the confidence like I had written it. I nailed it, and still have my Carolina Dreams autographed album. Later on that year, my appendix ruptured and Jerry Eubanks drove up from Spartanburg SC to see me. I was hospitalized 55 days. My heart stopped once and when Mom told him, he came up with his flute. I woke up to him playing Can't You See for me.
I was expecting some kind of segway about Skynard too, but hey, it's a great story, and my favorite jazzy country bass player of all time was Tommy Caldwell - This Ole Cowboy himself...
I saw MTB in 1979, in Modesto CA while my brother was in Air Force, stationed at Castle AFB.. visiting from Philly, PA Oh to have those rich days back. 18 years Lynyrd Skynyrd no Southern band above those talented guys. Sad time.
I was 17 when this happened and here I am 63 years old watching this tears streaming down my face. Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Marshall Tucker Band forever. The originals.....
We lost Elvis and Skynyrd both in the same year. I had just turned 24, I'm 67 now and I still miss them. But thanks to UA-cam we can still hear them everyday.
I saw them perform the night before the plane crash, in Greenville South Carolina. It was my first concert, and Ronnie Van Zant's last performance. It was an awesome show, I'll never forget it.
You don’t have to wear a cape or a uniform to be a hero, just have to act without fear and do what needs to be done in the face of adversity, danger or hardship.
@@bobstreet8840 Without his pictures we would have no documentation of the crash site. That was his job. I`m sure his pictures were used by investigators.
im 61 yrs old , ive play guitar for 50+ yrs , , freebird is my favorite song to jam with , glad to hear younger people are keeping it alive . check out the OUTLAWS ...green grass and high tides and ghost riders in the sky . if you havent already ... great guitar songs ..
Allen Collins was one of my Major Influences as a kid! Infant I copied his style lick for lick back in 45rpm &33 Rpm/LP…….My Hero Allen Collins R.I.P. 🙏
@@micdaniel3024 • Doing splendidly, my friend and thanks for asking! Hope you’re doing well also in these crazy times we find ourselves in. Still rocking it after all these years, too. Sad to see some of the greats dying out, but they’ve all been well seasoned and fit for old age. Hope you have a great day too, Mic!
I’m 24 years old and I so wish I was born in the days of great music and not this crap nowadays. The 80s classic classic rock is my favorite. And as musician my self I play a lot of Lynyrd Skynyrd(:
@@Savage_Gamer777 • I think my generation really did have the best music but still there was a lot of greats to come. You’re very young so enjoy the time you’re given and shine your light where you can. The world badly needs it! God bless and take care and play on.
I was 12, but already deep into music. I was devastated. I kept wanting to see the news to find out if any survived. Any other time my parents always watched the damn news. I couldn't get them to watch for anything. They were country junkies.
My husband and I are Baton Rouge natives. He’s quite a bit older than me but had tickets to the BR concert. Eerie how they died en route to my home town. RIP Ronnie ❤ Blessings to the men featured in this well done film for all they did. You are all heroes indeed. Wear it proud. Fans like me take comfort in knowing people like you were with them in their last moments. ❤
Wonderful! I'm a Yankee but Skynyrd has been my favorite band since the 70's. There were so many decent and kind people trying to help in this tragedy.
Literally the soundtrack of our lives. I met the band when I was 11. My young Aunt worked production, and we were flown to St. Louis to watch from the backstage in 1974. All the guys were nice, very down to Earth...more like big brothers than rock stars. It was very special. I thought I was super cool riding in the limo with Ronnie Van Zant! We got out and walked into the arena. It was like a dream. Later in high school I did a catering gig for Rossington Collins Band when they came in town. Special memories, very special music.
Music has never been the same since the plane accident. A great loss for the music industry and fans!! Skynyrd were and will always be the top #1 southern rock band of all time!! This will never changed or be topped!!!
I'm from Mississippi & I was home that evening from school. I was 11 turning 12 on the 21st of Oct - the d day after the crash. I knew who they were. My dad played music & I could buck dance before I could walk lol & my heart sank when it came across the tv. I won't evr forget that night. My dad had been devastated by Elvis dying that August. First time I evr saw my dad cry. Won't ever forgot that either... So 77, was a year nobody can forget. So proud of my neighbors for all they did that night! Blessings for the heroes!
My voice is what you hear at (5:08 on this video) with one of the first news bulletins that night. I was 21 and just happened to be recording my program on that Thursday night. It was very eerie and so sad. We played Skynyrd's songs all the time. May God bless all involved.
This was my moms favorite band! She loved “give me 3 steps”. I sure do miss that woman! She died in 2009 when I was 17 years old. I was a boy raising a boy after she passed! Father was nowhere around! Grew up real quick! I love ya mamma! Your a free bird now!!
Thank you Emma its 2020 and I'm 57 yrs old and there is a lot of craziness goin on in our world rite now. But for the last 50 minutes I forgot about all of it. Best documentary I have ever seen...
Whoever produced, directed and wrote this documentary, what a wonderful job. The interviews really made this interesting and helps us understand this rock and roll tragedy.
This documentary is exceptional. So much better than that other document-drama out there. Thank you for gathering up and presenting such an astounding account of this tragic event. This is how history should be recorded.
Those fellers who went to the crash sight & saved those that could be saved are REAL HEROES. Bless all of em for what they did. Great documentary by the way. Thanks so much for posting & for sharing with us at Skynyrd Nation.
They certainly were the real heroes. I am so glad I could portray that in my documentary and share it with everyone! Thank you so much for watching and commenting. Subscribe for future documentaries and content!
There is still a reason , just too many media and government activist overlords that don't want there to be . The south will rise again because everyone up north wants to move here away from them.
That was the secret to many Lennon-McCartney collaborations: quickly identifying amongst one's reserve of ideas that which will best complement the idea presented by the other.
Ronnie VanZant was truly the heart and soul of Lynyrd Skynyrd. Not only did he write all those amazing songs, but he was also the musical director in that fantastic band. little Brother Johnny (Skynyrds replacement vocalist) VanZant may have a better voice than Ronnie, but he can't write the songs his Brother Ronnie wrote. Without Ronnie, they're really a Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band... Without Ronnie, Skynyrd is gone with the wind!
Everytime I hear Ronnie Van Zandt sing "If I leave here tomorrow, would you still remember me", gives me chills everytime!! I got to see the band perform about 15 years ago and it was the best concert I've ever been to; hands down ❤️
My very first concert , too. But it was back in the Summer of 1993 . Lynrd Skynrd opened for Bad Company on a little AFB in Rhode Island. . I agree, they are awesome. Cheers 🍵😎💨💨💨
Great Documentary! One of the Best! Brought tears , as these neighbors took so much care in the rescue of the band & crew! Thank you to them, & Emma Harrington for bringing us their story!
Thank you for this. Thank you for your service aka hard work to take the time to produce a story told a million times but u made it unique! This takes true talent to see outside of the box and u have it!
This was by far the best documentary on that tragic day. I was 21 in 1977. News was sketchy. I say the best because you featured all those wonderful heroes who ran to the site immediately. The teamwork was incredible from start to finish. As if we right there. Raw and intimate. People doing what we ought to do for one another. Well Done, Emma.Thank you.
This was such a well done video. Thank you. I went to high school with Steve & Cassie. Steve was one of the sweetest, nicest guys I knew during those years. I was a year or two younger and he never treated me as an underclassman. I had an interest in guitar and he took me under his wing, so to speak. Taught me the first three chords I learned. He was such an amazing talent, even in high school. Cassie got Steve the job with the band. I saw them maybe a year before the crash & Cassie told me the band knew they would only be able to hang onto Steve for a short time. They knew his star would soar far beyond them. So glad you mentioned their last album featured Steve's songwriting and musical talent. Thank you again for an excellent documentary. This was the first I heard that Steve was possibly alive when taken from the wreckage and maybe died in route to the hospital.
Steve's then wife passed away five or six years ago.Teresa eventually got remarried to a guy from the Henry Paul Band, but I don't know if she had children other than Corrina.
So exciting to hear someone talk about Steve Gaines in the documentary as well as in the comments. And you knew him! I adore every band member, each had much talent. Ronnie being an awesome front man. But Steve, he was my favorite. Incredibly talented, southern , raw and bluesy voice, style and guitar playing, basically the new front man 2nd in line for the band. I’ve searched far and wide for a video of him singing live “Ain’t no good life “. Gone too soon. He could’ve taken the band far and would have been a star. Already was to me❤️💔
To the other commenters here, the original commenter I'm sure was referring to his own peers, and young people now. You should apologize to him for your insolence.
Nevermind those ignorant dipshits man. Those of us that can use our brains know exactly what you meant. Unfortunately a lot of the younger generation don't appreciate older music for what it was unless they grew up listening to it. They just stick to the popular music of their time. But a real fan of music will venture out from what is popular and discover all kinds of music. They can appreciate music from all kinds of genres that span different decades. I love music period. So I have a broad taste and appreciation for music. I fortunately grew up listening to all types of music. I love all of the classics because of what my parents listened too. But I also had cousins and uncles that turned me onto all kinds of stuff as well. So I like everything from blue's, rock, rap and metal. I can appreciate r&b, funk and reggae. Everything from The Jackson 5, MJ, Jimi Hendrix, Black Sabbath, The Gap Band, Lynnard Skynnard, Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Easy E, NWA, MF Doom, DJ Screw, UGK, Korn, Slipknot, Cannibal Corpse, Morbid Angel, Marvin Gaye, KC & Jojo, Usher, T.L.C., 3 6 Mafia, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Chuck Berry, & Elvis. I could go on and on really. I listen to anything I like as I'm not closed minded. There's just so much music out there that's great. I listen to a lot of underground music as well. Basically if it's good, then I enjoy it. It's good to have an appreciation for older music though. It's why I enjoy rap and hip hop a lot as well. You can listen to some songs and notice the sample they got for their beats. It's how a lot of those DJs and producers find them. They have a broaden appreciation for music. It's like DJ Paul from 36 Mafia. He said when he was a kid he would listen to everything. You'd never suspect him to listen to 80s New Wave, Metal, Rock, etc. Music also brings ppl together so keep listening to what you like. Nevermind the haters man, ppl who think that only a certain type of person is allowed to like a specific type of music.
WOW. Muscle Shoals Native here and the crash happened on my 31st birthday. Most riveting documentary ever. The gentlemen who responded deserve profound respect for preserving the dignity of the survivors and lost souls at unimaginable personal costs. God bless them. I pray they found closure. I had to press pause probably a dozen times to take it all in. I didn’t even realize tears were rolling down my cheeks and a simple thank you seems sorely inadequate. I never thought that the ending would leave a smile on my face..... Turn it up.
I was at the Kalamazoo County Fair in August 1977. They were playing in the bandstand. I was walking around listening to them that night. I still remember listening to them.
Miraculous rescue by these ordinary people doing extraordinary acts of bravery also many thanks to the coast guard for hovering over sith bright lights during rescue @@bigthunder2860
Deborah Jo Billingsley lived in my hometown she was a backup singer. She didn’t join them on the tour because her grandma had a nightmare it crashed. She later passed away from cancer. A wonderful Christian woman.
Nope...the next show was in Arkansas and a much closer drive for her. She she decided to meet them there. And also, she had the dream that night...not her grandma. This is well documented.
Nice job Emma Harrington! I have to say the people in the interview are the most genuine human beings I have seen on film in a long time. Thank you for bringing this to us!
My older sister graduated high school in 1977. I had long been a fan of Skynyrd. I grew up on Skynyrd. I was in her Freshman dorm room that fall and her bf had the Street Survivors album. It was a football game day so it was the Fall of 1977. At Oklahoma State U. I was thumbing through the LPs while watching the fans go into the stadium from the windows on the south side of Bennett Hall. I can't remember if it was before or after the crash but it was damn close. I actually held the LP with the original cover. In my hands. She's got a PhD now, has raised some kids and moved around a lot. I asked her if she still had the LP a few years ago. She couldn't remember having it. I couldn't forget she had it.
I never tired of a Skynyrd story. They were amazing. I grew up in the 70's. Shared a lot of the devil's lettuce, a case of beer, a lonely country road on a hot summer night with my sexy lady and Skynyrd blasting from the 8 track!! The memories!!!! God bless America!!!
Was a Skynrd fan, but to me the heroes of this story were the resourceful and caring local folk who came to help strangers and probably saved almost all the injured on the plane. I don't believe many if any, would have survived their injuries had these great people not jumped right in to lend a hand. Very sad, but because of the rescue, inspiring, too. I think the rescuers are the types of Southerners the band, particuarly Ronnie, was writing and singing about.
To think they were in their teens and writing music that is still played today on so many rock stations. That should be the story. The talent was undeniable, even early death doesn’t stop their music from changing lives 45 years later
I so appreciate your complements and am honored to have been able to tell their stories. Thank you so much for watching and commenting! Make sure to subscribe for future documentaries and content!
this was an awesome piece of work. first hand details not hearsay of what might have happened. the 3 gentleman telling their stories did an incredible job with putting us the viewing audience right there. glad I come across this amazing documentary. you can believe I'm sharing with all my friends.
It's so cool to hear people from all walks of life say they learned of Skynyrd from the crash, and out of curiosity they listened to their music then came to realize just what the world had lost. This proves that even in death "The Freebird Still Flies"...RIP Lynyrd Skynyrd
This is a great documentary,its hard to do anything new on Lynyrd Skynyrd or the crash that hasnt already been done. This is fabulous,alot of things I never heard or saw before. I am a volunteer fire fighter and looking at it from a rescue point of view it was a logistics nightmare,but they got them all out and saved who could be saved.
This is without a doubt the best Lynyrd Skynyrd documentary ever made and I've seen them all. I learned so much. Thank you for this film. Thanks to all the people there that fateful day for all their hard work trying to save these people on the plane. They are heroes.
Great documentary! I was there in July 1977 watching Lynyrd Skynyrd at The Day on the Green at the Oakland Coliseum. I was 17 and just graduated from HS. I'll never forget that concert. It was so hot and a lot of people.
I was 8 yrs old my sister was 19 I remember her crying about this tragedy. That’s the day I learned their music & love it! Now 54 teaching my grandkids ♥️ 🎶 Thank you to all who helped with the rescue! ✌️
OneLastHitB4IGo i has and still have the ticket to go see Randy Rhodes who was the guitarist for Ozzy Osborne. They were supposed to play at all he T-Bowl in Orlando for what at the time was called the Rock Super Bowl. But two days before the concert their plane nicked Ozzy’s tour bus and crashed into a big huge house and blew up killing Randy on impact. I was as devastated as you were.
You would have seen them on Duane Allmans anniversary.. Sixth anniversary I think.. Sad time of year October for southern rock fans.. Lost a lot around this time of year Berry Oakley too.. God Rest them all ...
@@loki6253 Tickets for Foo fighters vs tickets for Lynyrd Skynyrd to me aren't quite the same. #1) I have no idea who Foo Fighters are, and #2) They can easily be re-scheduled...Skynyrd can't. At 68 y/o I can tell you what life's going to bring you... Good and bad...success and failure...highs and lows. Guaranteed!
@@OneLastHitB4IGo At 52 I agree, but rescheduled, or not, I won't be going. The fear is way too great for me. Look 'em up. I don't think you will be disappointed. One of the best rock groups in recent yrs, but they have been around since the early 90s. They write and perform their own music
I believe that this is the most real story of the plane crash, these people in the video, did not know who they were nor did not care that they were a rock and roll band with long hair, all they knew is that there was a plane crash and people needed help. and they did thier best to help the injured people, these people are hero;s to mankind period,
Thank you for this interview. God Bless these wonderful people who helped with the rescue and hospital staff that night and the training helicopters who kept the lights on for the rescue.
I heard about the crash in the early morning hours of my 15th birthday. My girlfriend was with me and my best friend on this earth. I turned 15 October 21st 1977. I sat down and cried and couldn't tell Suzy what was wrong. The music world changed that day. I lived in Steve and Cassie's hometown when they died. A group of great folks!!!!! Thanks for the best most accurate accounting of the band. We need more people like you to tell their story!!!
I was a junior in high school. I was on my way to school the next morning when I heard the news on the radio... will never forget that moment. For me and my friends THIS was the day the music died...
I was a junior in high school when this crash happened. Their music was a big part of my life. As i watch this documentary the tears still flow. I just sit here still in total disbelief. The very best band of all time. RIP angels. You have been, and still are very much missed. ❤❤❤❤
Steve Gaines was a MONSTER musician! He was the complete package - writer, singer and a tremendous guitarist. He was a seasoned musician long before he joined Skynyrd having honed his chops playing in Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas as well as Detroit, Michigan. He was another of the long line of great musicians from the Tulsa, Oklahoma region like JJ Cale, Leon Russell, Carl Radle, Elvin Bishop to name just a few. He will never be forgotten.
As the saying goes,, there will never be another band like L/S. Tho every Southern Rock band will always be in my heart. When times were great and easier and good ol boys put out amazing tunes. Much like the Doors , Zep and Stevie Ray, they did so much in so little time. Thank you for having this to grow up on 🙏🏻
I met Ronnie in Missouri when I was a young girl in1976 ,he was kind and will allways be in my heart.He had a driver pick him up I never looked at him leave cuz he told me not to look back .RIP my friend
I don't think that's right asking her like you're better than her she's sharing a precious memory to her and sharing it with us why are you judging her.
Steve Gaines put a new spark in the entire band. They might have had many more hits? He also wrote a lot of material when he joined the band and even co-sang "You got that right"
Steve gaines was a visionary and the kindest man. I could tell you stories and show photos but the truth is what a loss. I held his new baby daughter and he was so proud. And he loved his parakeets
I was in the 8th grade, Mr Ruttlage asked his class if we knew about the news. We listened to the radio for that whole period. It was sad. We had just lost the KING of rock and roll two months before. Sad thing is , today most kids don’t know who these guys were. RIP to all 😢
There are a lot of people that act unselfishly towards a group of young people not much older than the rescuers. This story shows that only later did they understand the ramifications of whom they helped. I had been a fan of LS music before the crash but I did not really know the band members. That took several years after the crash for me to invest the time to get to know them better They had just scratched the surface of what they were capable of. .
Such a tragic loss....we used to back in 73 and into 74 hang out with the Atlanta Rhythm Section and LS when they played Atlanta opening for the Who....as I DJ'd for our college radio station. Everyone was just great. Friendly, kind, are down to earth. They were all really wonderful people. Even to this day it still upsets me. I cannot even go to LS show. I would be a complete mess emotionally. Same for ARS. I am so grateful they were so kind to a kid who's now 66. God bless all of them. They are and were so down to earth kind.
They just played here in Billings Montana last night at Magic City Blues and I didn't notice until today. I did get to see them when I was young twice. Here in Billings as well. They work so hard at their craft. The barroom brawls were crazy wild.
Emma thank you...by far the best documentary about the band....to the beautiful people of McComb you are all heros...Because of all you guys in McComb and all you did for the survivors i got to see Lynyrd Skynyrd a few years back.it was a dream come true for me... one of the best gigs i was ever at .Thank you all so much from a grandma and her 5 kids(all Skynyrd fans) in Ireland x
Because Artimus Pyle dragged himself with barely able to move through a field to a house for help. And he gets no respect they don't allow a hero and one of the only original member to play with was is basically a cover ban
But they All carried Much Baggage from the crash. Alcohol and drugs took Many Many years off the second chance they were given. Going through what they endured, it's understandable. I grew up in Miami back in the 60-80's before I left, and the 70's music will be with Us Forever. I was working at a gas station on US1 and SW 168th in Cutler Ridge when I heard that Elvis Passed. I walked out to give change to an elderly couple, and told Juan that Elvis died. The couple couldn't drive for about a hour because of the pain they were going through. LS, did the same for me. But Keith Green and Rich Mullins really hit me Hard. By the Holy Grace of God, it's just temporary, and the Banquet in Heaven will be Grand 🙏 Viva Cristo Rey 🙏
I was 18 at the time...Lynyrd Skynyrd was a hugely popular band in my High School in Virginia, so its odd to hear these guys say they didn't know who those "hippies" were...but in any case these men were true heros, saved alot of lives, and this documentary is a real memorial to the band and the rescuers. Thanks for doing this....
That story of the guy in Thailand who spoke little English but damn well knew the words to Sweet Home Alabama… There it is. The power of Lynyrd Skynyrd music just resonates with something inside of people that will never die.
stopped by the memorial yesterday for the first time coming from my camp in maben ms in route to laplace la for band practice,talked to your dad for a lil bit and told him that i seen your documentary 2 weeks prior...great job!! i put skynards greatest hit cd on when i hit jackson and when i turned off hwy 568 to mcelveen rd headed to easley rd freebird came on..wow still got goosebumps
Thanks Emma, for making me sit here bawling my eyes out. No matter how many videos I've watched of that fateful nite and the on going history of L S, my heart breaks. SKYNRD truly was, my ALL time fav, then, now, forever. Thanks to Johnny for keeping the memory💝
One of the best Skynyrd documentaries I've ever seen. They were my favorite band in '77, I had just purchased the Street Survivors album a day or two before the crash and still have it. Man, I was devastated.
I was 17 and was coming home from peaches records ..where I bought the album ..Tape...and 2 tickets to the November concert..which would've been my 3rd Skynyrd concert..I was pulling in the driveway when I got the news on the radio at about midnight..still have the album/Tape/Tickets..I sat in my car and cried like a baby for I don't know how long..I feel ya👍
What a brilliant film by Emma Harrington. I'm immensely impressed. Although there is one thing I must take issue with - in that one of the (wonderful) rescuers says that the band always sat at the front of the plane, with the crew at the back. This was not the case. Ronnie Van Zant was the ultimate egalitarian - everybody was equal. I spoke to all the crash survivors over the years and know that, for example, Artimus Pyle was at the back of the plane (band member); Ronnie and Dean were at the front (band member and crew member); Ken Pedan and Cassie Gaines were sitting together (crew and band). So there was no 'class' division as suggested. For anybody who might be interested, I was the Engish Tour Manager for all Skynyrd's European tours from 1974 to the crash in 1977. I adored those boys and thought they were the best band in the world, but I also had to deal with the fall-out of their numerous fights and the problems with Bob Burns. I've written extensively about those days in my book 'Rock N Roll Nanny', so called because I was the nanny for Mick and Bianca Jagger's daughter. Tour managing those boys was also like nannying over-grown children! I also worked with the Stones, The Who and am on UA-cam talking about those heady days as the first female Tour Manager in rock and roll, under 'Rock and Roll Nanny - A conversationn with Sally Arnold'. Incidentally, Dean Kilatrick and I had become engaged to be married just two months before the plane crash, and I was supposed to be on the plane - but he told me to delay my flight out as their plane was 'falling to pieces' and to join them a few days later than originally planned. So Dean literally saved my life, as no doubt I'd have been sitting with him. It's taken me many, many years to be able to write about those wonderful days with the best boys in the world.
I was almost 30 years old when this happened. I wasn’t a fan of the band as I was a teenager in the 60’s and was stuck there in 1977. I have since studied Lynyard Skynyard by watching videos and listening to some of their music. This video is one of the best I’ve watched, masterfully produced and edited. I learned more about the bands’ fateful crash. Thanks
I was a dirt poor boy in 77. At 14 yrs. old my favorite band was coming to Johnson City TN. Bought a ticket without a ride. A short week later, on the bus to school, with a radio, Ronnie died, and I cried. Yes I was young, but I knew what we lost. I'm gonna sick an Okie on you. The Gaines duo made Skynryd great!
If you enjoyed this video, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and leave a COMMENT! Thank you so much for watching! Emma
Great job, Emma! Really interesting documentary about the band's plane crash from the perspective of the first responders.
In aviation there is no place for mistakes. You have to do the maintenance. And it's very expensive and time consuming. And your crew cannot participate in the partying. Lynyrd Skynyrd, Ricky Nelson, Jim Croce, Buddy Holly, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Randy Rhoads were victims.
I’ve seen everything Skynyrd and this feels like the missing piece that was needed to bring it all home!
What's gonna happen to Lynyrd Skynyrd now? The Nation is purging everything from the south in the name of racism. Lynyrd Skynyrd is engrained into American history.
I have seen every documentary and this is by far the best. Very smooth, unbiased, true to fact video. Kudos, will look forward to seeing more of your work. Thank you Emma 🌹
I was 25 in '77, I'm 71 years old in '23 and still get tears in my eyes.... carry on my sweet Free Bird ........... The greatest band there EVER will be for me ....Thank you for such a GREAT documentary of the rescue and recovery.
I’m 62 & I remember before, and after. What a loss.
Hi Art! I'm 59, A Grandma & A Lynyrd Skynyrd Lover!!❤😊
I was 20 yrs old in 1977
In 1984 I was on a train crossing the German border when the German soldiers came on board to check our documents. I sat in my seat, eyeball to eyeball with the drug dog. When the soldier read in my passport that I was born in Alabama he got this big grin on his face and started singing Sweet Home Alabama in broken English.
That's a cool story, gave me chill bumps, sweet home Alabama
That is a great story. You can bet it has been repeated thousands of times. And every time it happens, everyone smiles!
Awesome story
There are shepherds in Afghanistan that can probably sing you most of their songs. Skynyrd reached the entire world and it's a special thing
That, is an awesome story, Barbara!!!
I don't care what anyone says, Lynyrd Skynyrd is one of the greatest bands of all time and not because of a plane crash but because of their talent. Thanks for posting this unique perspective!
Allen Collins and RVZ, top notch.
@@blinedog7629 all of them really but they've really hurt musically ever since losing RVZ, Gaines, and Collins...
Along, with the Allman Brothers, they were ahead of their time; there will never be another one; back when music was real music; you'd need real talent to be a musician
Agreed
Southern rock lives on
The Marshall Tucker Band ate dinner in my house in early 78. I was 13 and my Mom owned a clothing store where they came to shop. I was a young woodwind player, and played flute for Jerry Eubanks that night with the confidence like I had written it. I nailed it, and still have my Carolina Dreams autographed album. Later on that year, my appendix ruptured and Jerry Eubanks drove up from Spartanburg SC to see me. I was hospitalized 55 days. My heart stopped once and when Mom told him, he came up with his flute. I woke up to him playing Can't You See for me.
That is super cool! Marshall Tucker is one of my favorites! :)
I was expecting some kind of segway about Skynard too, but hey, it's a great story, and my favorite jazzy country bass player of all time was Tommy Caldwell - This Ole Cowboy himself...
I saw MTB in 1979, in Modesto CA while my brother was in Air Force, stationed at Castle AFB.. visiting from Philly, PA Oh to have those rich days back. 18 years
Lynyrd Skynyrd no Southern band above those talented guys. Sad time.
❤How Awesome! Wonderful Memory!❤
He was a very nice man
God bless you and thank you for telling the story
I was 17 when this happened and here I am 63 years old watching this tears streaming down my face. Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Marshall Tucker Band forever. The originals.....
We lost Elvis and Skynyrd both in the same year. I had just turned 24, I'm 67 now and I still miss them. But thanks to UA-cam we can still hear them everyday.
I cried and cried when I heard, I love Ronnie. I am 67 in may 2021
What a sad year! 77 was rough in the US
No maam, LS crash in '77 and Elvis died in '78.
@@inlikearefugee5194 nope. Elvis died in 77.
@@inlikearefugee5194 August 16
I saw them perform the night before the plane crash, in Greenville South Carolina. It was my first concert, and Ronnie Van Zant's last performance. It was an awesome show, I'll never forget it.
A witness to history
@@avalondreaming1433 Pretty Amazing....As the whole story is
I stood right in front of Ronnie and and Steve that night left side of stage facing the stage. Incredible night
I sold my ticket stub only like a year ago, Collector offered me $700
@@tubeamp2872 If you can, try to hang on to it.
Those people that stepped up to save those people are truly unsung heroes.
You don’t have to wear a cape or a uniform to be a hero, just have to act without fear and do what needs to be done in the face of adversity, danger or hardship.
What about the guy taking photos??
@@cpp170 I guess the point is that he didn't 'step up' he just took photos, he wasn't a hero but did his bit in a strange way.
@@bobstreet8840 Without his pictures we would have no documentation of the crash site. That was his job. I`m sure his pictures were used by investigators.
True first responders!
Allen Collins is the reason I ever picked up a guitar when I was 8. I’m 20 now and Skynyrd will always be my favorite band
im 61 yrs old , ive play guitar for 50+ yrs , , freebird is my favorite song to jam with , glad to hear younger people are keeping it alive . check out the OUTLAWS ...green grass and high tides and ghost riders in the sky . if you havent already ... great guitar songs ..
Love him too man. He takes that band to another level. One of these days im getting a nice blonde Explorer.
Lightning fingers Allen Collins 👍🏻
Allen Collins was one of my Major Influences as a kid! Infant I copied his style lick for lick back in 45rpm &33 Rpm/LP…….My Hero Allen Collins R.I.P. 🙏
Mine too
Born and bred in the South, I was 21 in 1977, and we lived and loved this genre. Southern rock will never die.♥️
Wow that's so lovely......😁how are you doing today hope your having a blessed day I guess so...😍😍
@@micdaniel3024 • Doing splendidly, my friend and thanks for asking! Hope you’re doing well also in these crazy times we find ourselves in. Still rocking it after all these years, too. Sad to see some of the greats dying out, but they’ve all been well seasoned and fit for old age. Hope you have a great day too, Mic!
I’m 24 years old and I so wish I was born in the days of great music and not this crap nowadays. The 80s classic classic rock is my favorite. And as musician my self I play a lot of Lynyrd Skynyrd(:
@@Savage_Gamer777 • I think my generation really did have the best music but still there was a lot of greats to come. You’re very young so enjoy the time you’re given and shine your light where you can. The world badly needs it! God bless and take care and play on.
I was 12, but already deep into music. I was devastated. I kept wanting to see the news to find out if any survived. Any other time my parents always watched the damn news. I couldn't get them to watch for anything. They were country junkies.
My husband and I are Baton Rouge natives. He’s quite a bit older than me but had tickets to the BR concert. Eerie how they died en route to my home town. RIP Ronnie ❤
Blessings to the men featured in this well done film for all they did. You are all heroes indeed. Wear it proud. Fans like me take comfort in knowing people like you were with them in their last moments. ❤
❤Amen!❤
Wonderful! I'm a Yankee but Skynyrd has been my favorite band since the 70's. There were so many decent and kind people trying to help in this tragedy.
Literally the soundtrack of our lives. I met the band when I was 11. My young Aunt worked production, and we were flown to St. Louis to watch from the backstage in 1974. All the guys were nice, very down to Earth...more like big brothers than rock stars. It was very special. I thought I was super cool riding in the limo with Ronnie Van Zant! We got out and walked into the arena. It was like a dream. Later in high school I did a catering gig for Rossington Collins Band when they came in town. Special memories, very special music.
Music has never been the same since the plane accident. A great loss for the music industry and fans!! Skynyrd were and will always be the top #1 southern rock band of all time!! This will never changed or be topped!!!
I'm from Mississippi & I was home that evening from school. I was 11 turning 12 on the 21st of Oct - the d day after the crash. I knew who they were. My dad played music & I could buck dance before I could walk lol & my heart sank when it came across the tv. I won't evr forget that night. My dad had been devastated by Elvis dying that August. First time I evr saw my dad cry. Won't ever forgot that either... So 77, was a year nobody can forget. So proud of my neighbors for all they did that night! Blessings for the heroes!
My voice is what you hear at (5:08 on this video) with one of the first news bulletins that night. I was 21 and just happened to be recording my program on that Thursday night. It was very eerie and so sad. We played Skynyrd's songs all the time. May God bless all involved.
You sound great. Was that your career?
This was my moms favorite band! She loved “give me 3 steps”. I sure do miss that woman! She died in 2009 when I was 17 years old. I was a boy raising a boy after she passed! Father was nowhere around! Grew up real quick! I love ya mamma! Your a free bird now!!
brought a tear to my eye, god bless you
May your mother rip 🙏🏻 She lives through you and your son today.
I hope you are doing well.
💖💖💖
🥺💔🙏
Thank you Emma its 2020 and I'm 57 yrs old and there is a lot of craziness goin on in our world rite now. But for the last 50 minutes I forgot about all of it. Best documentary I have ever seen...
Whoever produced, directed and wrote this documentary, what a wonderful job. The interviews really made this interesting and helps us understand this rock and roll tragedy.
Ikr. Amazing work here
Thank you, people of Mississippi. You went above and beyond.
yes they did
Amen!❤
This documentary is exceptional. So much better than that other document-drama out there. Thank you for gathering up and presenting such an astounding account of this tragic event. This is how history should be recorded.
Gina, I could not have said this better myself. Thank you!!
Those fellers who went to the crash sight & saved those that could be saved are REAL HEROES. Bless all of em for what they did. Great documentary by the way. Thanks so much for posting & for sharing with us at Skynyrd Nation.
They certainly were the real heroes. I am so glad I could portray that in my documentary and share it with everyone! Thank you so much for watching and commenting. Subscribe for future documentaries and content!
Agreed!! Those rural area people risking their lives to aid strangers in their time of need is a wonder to behold!
Lol cia
Absolutely 💯 They are the reason the new generation got to see them . 💯❤️
@@EmmaHarrington I pray Steve did die instantly and did not suffer as well as Ronnie Cassie and the other casualties
God bless all the people that helped at that plane crash site while there was still a reason to help
There is still a reason , just too many media and government activist overlords that don't want there to be .
The south will rise again because everyone up north wants to move here away from them.
@@mwilson7345 Amen brother!! ✌️🌻💐🕊️🇺🇸
Still sounds like those guys have a form of PTSD from what they saw that night.
These people of McComb MS definitely rose to the occasion and should be proud for what they did ! Bless you all!
❤Amen!❤
Ronnie was one of best songwriters in music history ....this was a huge loss
True he kept all his stuff inside his head
That was the secret to many Lennon-McCartney collaborations: quickly identifying amongst one's reserve of ideas that which will best complement the idea presented by the other.
Hell ya
@@mick5137
Steady
Ronnie VanZant was truly the heart and soul of Lynyrd Skynyrd. Not only did he write all those amazing songs, but he was also the musical director in that fantastic band. little Brother Johnny (Skynyrds replacement vocalist) VanZant may have a better voice than Ronnie, but he can't write the songs his Brother Ronnie wrote. Without Ronnie, they're really a Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band... Without Ronnie, Skynyrd is gone with the wind!
*They didn't just make great music... They literally created beautiful art in the form of Free Bird and Simple Man..*
Yeah but my fave is " That smell". Kinda can't get over that guitar even 40 years later
Tuesday's gone is my fav.
Was I right or wrong has always been my favorite.
The Ballad of Curtis Loew gives me all the feels. Every single time.
Ok I knew a guy who was nuts about Gimme back my bullets
Everytime I hear Ronnie Van Zandt sing "If I leave here tomorrow, would you still remember me", gives me chills everytime!! I got to see the band perform about 15 years ago and it was the best concert I've ever been to; hands down ❤️
Ronnie can rest easy knowing he will never be forgotten♥
Premonition
You idiot Ronnie Van zant died in 77. U were in a cover bands concert
seen them in mothers. 73.
My very first concert , too. But it was back in the Summer of 1993 . Lynrd Skynrd opened for Bad Company on a little AFB in Rhode Island. . I agree, they are awesome. Cheers 🍵😎💨💨💨
Great Documentary! One of the
Best! Brought tears , as these neighbors took so much care in the rescue of the band & crew! Thank you to them, & Emma Harrington for bringing us their story!
Thank You!
I’ve seen several LS documentaries, but never one from the local’s perspective. This was really interesting. Thumbs up from me!
Oh agreed same here
Thanks for your comment and for your thumbs up. These are amazing people!
Thank you for this. Thank you for your service aka hard work to take the time to produce a story told a million times but u made it unique! This takes true talent to see outside of the box and u have it!
My favorite band of all time
Grow up in clay County and Duval, you know skynards music, use to smoke joints on Ronnie's grave, use to leave the roaches on the stone... rip boys ✌
"Turn it up"
That gave me chills. Outstanding documentary. God bless the
Lynyrd Skynyrd Band. 🙏
Thanks so much for the comment.
Turn it up! Gotta watch until the end to understand❤️
@@EmmaHarrington Outstanding documentary.
yeah, that last scene was perfect for the end of the video.
This was by far the best documentary on that tragic day. I was 21 in 1977. News was sketchy. I say the best because you featured all those wonderful heroes who ran to the site immediately. The teamwork was incredible from start to finish. As if we right there. Raw and intimate. People doing what we ought to do for one another. Well Done, Emma.Thank you.
Thanks for watching and commenting. Emma
I was minus 10 then lol x
RIP Gary
You will be missed 🦅❤️🙏
RIP Gary!
Gary died?
@@tybo8107 yes 😭
This was such a well done video. Thank you. I went to high school with Steve & Cassie. Steve was one of the sweetest, nicest guys I knew during those years. I was a year or two younger and he never treated me as an underclassman. I had an interest in guitar and he took me under his wing, so to speak. Taught me the first three chords I learned. He was such an amazing talent, even in high school. Cassie got Steve the job with the band. I saw them maybe a year before the crash & Cassie told me the band knew they would only be able to hang onto Steve for a short time. They knew his star would soar far beyond them. So glad you mentioned their last album featured Steve's songwriting and musical talent. Thank you again for an excellent documentary. This was the first I heard that Steve was possibly alive when taken from the wreckage and maybe died in route to the hospital.
Steve's then wife passed away five or six years ago.Teresa eventually got remarried to a guy from the Henry Paul Band, but I don't know if she had children other than Corrina.
I can't imagine what their parents went through loosing 2 children in one night . GoD bless their souls .
@@azevedoplumbing right. I have a friend that lost his two children in an car accident a year ago or so. I can't imagine what that must be like.
Steve would have become a star
So exciting to hear someone talk about Steve Gaines in the documentary as well as in the comments. And you knew him! I adore every band member, each had much talent. Ronnie being an awesome front man. But Steve, he was my favorite. Incredibly talented, southern , raw and bluesy voice, style and guitar playing, basically the new front man 2nd in line for the band. I’ve searched far and wide for a video of him singing live “Ain’t no good life “. Gone too soon. He could’ve taken the band far and would have been a star. Already was to me❤️💔
I’m 16 and I wish ppl could realize how much these guys were legends
16 lol... go somewhere else to feel important.
I think people know how famous the band was, LMAO.
To the other commenters here, the original commenter I'm sure was referring to his own peers, and young people now. You should apologize to him for your insolence.
Nevermind those ignorant dipshits man. Those of us that can use our brains know exactly what you meant. Unfortunately a lot of the younger generation don't appreciate older music for what it was unless they grew up listening to it. They just stick to the popular music of their time. But a real fan of music will venture out from what is popular and discover all kinds of music. They can appreciate music from all kinds of genres that span different decades. I love music period. So I have a broad taste and appreciation for music.
I fortunately grew up listening to all types of music. I love all of the classics because of what my parents listened too. But I also had cousins and uncles that turned me onto all kinds of stuff as well.
So I like everything from blue's, rock, rap and metal. I can appreciate r&b, funk and reggae. Everything from The Jackson 5, MJ, Jimi Hendrix, Black Sabbath, The Gap Band, Lynnard Skynnard, Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Easy E, NWA, MF Doom, DJ Screw, UGK, Korn, Slipknot, Cannibal Corpse, Morbid Angel, Marvin Gaye, KC & Jojo, Usher, T.L.C., 3 6 Mafia, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Chuck Berry, & Elvis. I could go on and on really. I listen to anything I like as I'm not closed minded. There's just so much music out there that's great. I listen to a lot of underground music as well.
Basically if it's good, then I enjoy it. It's good to have an appreciation for older music though. It's why I enjoy rap and hip hop a lot as well. You can listen to some songs and notice the sample they got for their beats. It's how a lot of those DJs and producers find them. They have a broaden appreciation for music. It's like DJ Paul from 36 Mafia. He said when he was a kid he would listen to everything. You'd never suspect him to listen to 80s New Wave, Metal, Rock, etc. Music also brings ppl together so keep listening to what you like. Nevermind the haters man, ppl who think that only a certain type of person is allowed to like a specific type of music.
@@bernie4hs9 i was ofc black people don’t listen to rock
WOW. Muscle Shoals Native here and the crash happened on my 31st birthday. Most riveting documentary ever. The gentlemen who responded deserve profound respect for preserving the dignity of the survivors and lost souls at unimaginable personal costs. God bless them. I pray they found closure. I had to press pause probably a dozen times to take it all in. I didn’t even realize tears were rolling down my cheeks and a simple thank you seems sorely inadequate. I never thought that the ending would leave a smile on my face..... Turn it up.
I was at the Kalamazoo County Fair in August 1977. They were playing in the bandstand. I was walking around listening to them that night. I still remember listening to them.
I didn’t intend to watch this entire video but once I started watching I couldn’t turn it off. Well done!
So glad you watched and thank you for the kind comment. Emma
Yes me too! He it was a great video! 👍
Same here, it's now 3am and I had no intention of getting into this. Very well done.
Lol 😆 same here 🤣
Those two guys are hero’s and seem so down to earth. There needs to be more people like them in this world. Thanks guys. God bless you.
One of the greatest rock bands their ever was. Fly on free birds!!!💞😭
I had never known the significance of the Coast Guard helicopters in this event/tragedy...Thank you for your service !!!
👍🇺🇸
They used their lights to help the rescue efforts and that's how the fire dept,and emergency management found where the plane crashed USCG
Miraculous rescue by these ordinary people doing extraordinary acts of bravery also many thanks to the coast guard for hovering over sith bright lights during rescue @@bigthunder2860
Deborah Jo Billingsley lived in my hometown she was a backup singer. She didn’t join them on the tour because her grandma had a nightmare it crashed. She later passed away from cancer. A wonderful Christian woman.
I just watched an interview with Jo Jo Billingsley and she said that she herself had the dream of plane crash.
Thanks for the information and the positive thoughts for her.
Hey Barry. I met Deborah Jo in about 2006 and I agree. She was a very kind Christian lady ☝🙌
Nope...the next show was in Arkansas and a much closer drive for her. She she decided to meet them there. And also, she had the dream that night...not her grandma. This is well documented.
Wow! Talking about a premonition!
Nice job Emma Harrington! I have to say the people in the interview are the most genuine human beings I have seen on film in a long time. Thank you for bringing this to us!
Amen!!!!
WE GOT IT RIGHT!!!!! m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=3564223176955186&id=100001026151518
My older sister graduated high school in 1977. I had long been a fan of Skynyrd. I grew up on Skynyrd. I was in her Freshman dorm room that fall and her bf had the Street Survivors album. It was a football game day so it was the Fall of 1977. At Oklahoma State U. I was thumbing through the LPs while watching the fans go into the stadium from the windows on the south side of Bennett Hall. I can't remember if it was before or after the crash but it was damn close. I actually held the LP with the original cover. In my hands. She's got a PhD now, has raised some kids and moved around a lot. I asked her if she still had the LP a few years ago. She couldn't remember having it. I couldn't forget she had it.
I never tired of a Skynyrd story. They were amazing. I grew up in the 70's. Shared a lot of the devil's lettuce, a case of beer, a lonely country road on a hot summer night with my sexy lady and Skynyrd blasting from the 8 track!! The memories!!!! God bless America!!!
Sounds like heaven
That's Awesome
Here too!!!!! 70s gal love LS!!!!!
Great message, O M ! I fully concur!✝️📖🇺🇸👍😊
@jude jackson that ain't got a Damm thing to do with this video jj
The man from Thailand, says, “Turn it up”! Oh man, that touched my heart ♥️ Great Documentary!!!
Was a Skynrd fan, but to me the heroes of this story were the resourceful and caring local folk who came to help strangers and probably saved almost all the injured on the plane. I don't believe many if any, would have survived their injuries had these great people not jumped right in to lend a hand.
Very sad, but because of the rescue, inspiring, too. I think the rescuers are the types of Southerners the band, particuarly Ronnie, was writing and singing about.
Skynyrd Fun fact: Ronnie says "turn it up" at the beginning of Sweet Home Alabama because the backing track was too low in his headphones.
Miss Emma you did a fantastic job on this documentary. It's wonderful to hear and know these local heroes.
To think they were in their teens and writing music that is still played today on so many rock stations. That should be the story. The talent was undeniable, even early death doesn’t stop their music from changing lives 45 years later
Bless these beautiful souls for selflessly helping their fellow human being's.
They are true heroes indeed. Thanks for watching and commenting! Please subscribe for future documentaries and content!
Yes but it's a Southern thing. Comes natural. ✌🙏
It's the way things go but thank God they survived
@@EmmaHarrington
The screwed up thing is in this day and age they'd be demonized (you know why) and they'd never even go anywhere in the first place.
@Mark McHone Artimus Pyle was never shot,this has been debunked many times(especially by Johnny More,the guy who supposedly shot him)
Hands down the BEST documentary ever.Ive seen them all.Some of the most decent people on this planet.I could watch hours of this.
I so appreciate your complements and am honored to have been able to tell their stories. Thank you so much for watching and commenting! Make sure to subscribe for future documentaries and content!
this was an awesome piece of work.
first hand details not hearsay of what might have happened.
the 3 gentleman telling their stories did an incredible job with putting us the viewing audience right there.
glad I come across this amazing documentary.
you can believe I'm sharing with all my friends.
Just left out the most important band at the beginning of Southern Rock, The Allman Brothers have been considered the true Southern Rock beginners!
@TOMBSTONE SHADOW amen
crash site is about 20 miles from me just down the road remember it well !my number one band of all time!!
It's so cool to hear people from all walks of life say they learned of Skynyrd from the crash, and out of curiosity they listened to their music then came to realize just what the world had lost. This proves that even in death "The Freebird Still Flies"...RIP Lynyrd Skynyrd
“We heard about the crash, but Leonard is OK! Idiots.
I miss the great ole days. Music, bands and so much more was just so much better.
Me too.
My favorite band of all time! God bless America, Freedom and Liberty! What we stand for!
Saw them in concert in 1975. I will never forget them playing Free Bird. What a band/song/concert.
Wow I would imagine that was amazing
@@mollyhogben1 yep. They were awesome.
I seen them in '75 too. Sooooo great!! ❤
Great Doc! Those rescuers are the true defintion of a mans man. Long live the Lynyrd Skynyrd Band!
Thank you for showing that there are truly so many good people in the world. You might not know that watching the news these days.
This was a very different world 43 years ago. People cared about complete strangers.
Mike Honcho agreed. Why worry about things you cant change. Funny name btw
This is a great documentary,its hard to do anything new on Lynyrd Skynyrd or the crash that hasnt already been done. This is fabulous,alot of things I never heard or saw before. I am a volunteer fire fighter and looking at it from a rescue point of view it was a logistics nightmare,but they got them all out and saved who could be saved.
Oh yes there is
Picture's
This little lady has done the best story on it hands down.
By far the best documentary on this in existance.❤
It hurts because it was so avoidable. Thank God these guys were there to help. All heroes.
This is without a doubt the best Lynyrd Skynyrd documentary ever made and I've seen them all. I learned so much. Thank you for this film. Thanks to all the people there that fateful day for all their hard work trying to save these people on the plane. They are heroes.
Vdr
'lldr
D h
D
It's might well be....the best. 😐
I was there in Greenville. Damn this broke my heart to watch
THIS IS THE BEST DOCUMENTARY EVER ON THESE BOYS. GOD WE LOVED THEM
And yes you too Cassie. Best every. Steve was so talented a guitar player.
Great documentary! I was there in July 1977 watching Lynyrd Skynyrd at The Day on the Green at the Oakland Coliseum. I was 17 and just graduated from HS. I'll never forget that concert. It was so hot and a lot of people.
I was 8 yrs old my sister was 19 I remember her crying about this tragedy. That’s the day I learned their music & love it! Now 54 teaching my grandkids ♥️ 🎶 Thank you to all who helped with the rescue! ✌️
They were scheduled to play my town on Oct. 29, 1977. Still have the tickets I bought for that show.
OneLastHitB4IGo i has and still have the ticket to go see Randy Rhodes who was the guitarist for Ozzy Osborne. They were supposed to play at all he T-Bowl in Orlando for what at the time was called the Rock Super Bowl. But two days before the concert their plane nicked Ozzy’s tour bus and crashed into a big huge house and blew up killing Randy on impact. I was as devastated as you were.
You would have seen them on Duane Allmans anniversary..
Sixth anniversary I think..
Sad time of year October for southern rock fans..
Lost a lot around this time of year
Berry Oakley too..
God Rest them all ...
I had tickets for FOO Fighters and then covid shut it down. ...... We never know what life will bring...
@@loki6253 Tickets for Foo fighters vs tickets for Lynyrd Skynyrd to me aren't quite the same. #1) I have no idea who Foo Fighters are, and #2) They can easily be re-scheduled...Skynyrd can't. At 68 y/o I can tell you what life's going to bring you... Good and bad...success and failure...highs and lows. Guaranteed!
@@OneLastHitB4IGo
At 52 I agree, but rescheduled, or not, I won't be going. The fear is way too great for me. Look 'em up. I don't think you will be disappointed. One of the best rock groups in recent yrs, but they have been around since the early 90s. They write and perform their own music
This documentary was quite interesting especially hearing from the people that volunteered to help do the rescue. So sad this happened...
I believe that this is the most real story of the plane crash, these people in the video, did not know who they were nor did not care that they were a rock and roll band with long hair, all they knew is that there was a plane crash and people needed help. and they did thier best to help the injured people, these people are hero;s to mankind period,
Thank you for this interview. God Bless these wonderful people who helped with the rescue and hospital staff that night and the training helicopters who kept the lights on for the rescue.
I heard about the crash in the early morning hours of my 15th birthday. My girlfriend was with me and my best friend on this earth. I turned 15 October 21st 1977. I sat down and cried and couldn't tell Suzy what was wrong. The music world changed that day. I lived in Steve and Cassie's hometown when they died. A group of great folks!!!!! Thanks for the best most accurate accounting of the band. We need more people like you to tell their story!!!
I will always love this song when my husband passed away we played this at his funeral it was what he wanted.
I want FREEBURD PLAYED AT MY FUNERAL!! I'VE ALWAYS FELT LIKE A "FREEBIRD"" ESPECIALLY AFTER LEAVING AN ABUSIVE NARCISSISTIC SIOPATHIC MARRIAGE
I was a junior in high school. I was on my way to school the next morning when I heard the news on the radio... will never forget that moment. For me and my friends THIS was the day the music died...
I was a junior in high school when this crash happened. Their music was a big part of my life. As i watch this documentary the tears still flow. I just sit here still in total disbelief. The very best band of all time. RIP angels. You have been, and still are very much missed. ❤❤❤❤
The last line is this documentary is GOLD! “Turn it up” 🙌🏼🙏🏼💜
I totally lost it right then
The modesty of these men who rescued all these people warms my heart. ❤️ Absolutely heroes !
Each of them, and others that assisted, are as humble to this day! Thanks for the comment Stanley.
Steve Gaines was a extremely talented musician.
The man could rip!
Gifted, with everything but TIME.
@@marcofranko2 Did you mean TIME?
@@timmyjams Thanks, yes time.
Steve Gaines was a MONSTER musician! He was the complete package - writer, singer and a tremendous guitarist. He was a seasoned musician long before he joined Skynyrd having honed his chops playing in Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas as well as Detroit, Michigan. He was another of the long line of great musicians from the Tulsa, Oklahoma region like JJ Cale, Leon Russell, Carl Radle, Elvin Bishop to name just a few. He will never be forgotten.
As the saying goes,, there will never be another band like L/S. Tho every Southern Rock band will always be in my heart. When times were great and easier and good ol boys put out amazing tunes. Much like the Doors , Zep and Stevie Ray, they did so much in so little time. Thank you for having this to grow up on 🙏🏻
It's good these Brave men helped lynyrd skynyrd during their darkest days
Southern folks are so awesome. Gotta admit, I shed a few tears at the end.
thank we all did brotha!!!
Me Too!!
I met Ronnie in Missouri when I was a young girl in1976 ,he was kind and will allways be in my heart.He had a driver pick him up I never looked at him leave cuz he told me not to look back .RIP my friend
Hello Teresa how are you doing today hope your having a blessed day I guess so......
@@micdaniel3024 thank you 👩🦱
When you say met???
@@teresastratton1484 when you say met???
I don't think that's right asking her like you're better than her she's sharing a precious memory to her and sharing it with us why are you judging her.
Imagine how many more Classics they would’ve made.. Legends FOREVER
Steve Gaines put a new spark in the entire band. They might have had many more hits? He also wrote a lot of material when he joined the band and even co-sang "You got that right"
Steve gaines was a visionary and the kindest man. I could tell you stories and show photos but the truth is what a loss. I held his new baby daughter and he was so proud. And he loved his parakeets
I always think of that, how sad for them, how sad for us because of all the music that never got made.
God bless them all.
Untold number 1 songs went to heaven with them
They are still jamming...just rocking the heavens now
I was in the 8th grade, Mr Ruttlage asked his class if we knew about the news.
We listened to the radio for that whole period. It was sad. We had just lost the KING of rock and roll two months before.
Sad thing is , today most kids don’t know who these guys were.
RIP to all 😢
A very compelling and candid account of that fateful night in October 1977. Thanks for posting this documentary.
There are a lot of people that act unselfishly towards a group of young people not much older than the rescuers. This story shows that only later did they understand the ramifications of whom they helped. I had been a fan of LS music before the crash but I did not really know the band members. That took several years after the crash for me to invest the time to get to know them better They had just scratched the surface of what they were capable of. .
Such a tragic loss....we used to back in 73 and into 74 hang out with the Atlanta Rhythm Section and LS when they played Atlanta opening for the Who....as I DJ'd for our college radio station. Everyone was just great. Friendly, kind, are down to earth. They were all really wonderful people. Even to this day it still upsets me. I cannot even go to LS show. I would be a complete mess emotionally. Same for ARS. I am so grateful they were so kind to a kid who's now 66. God bless all of them. They are and were so down to earth kind.
They just played here in Billings Montana last night at Magic City Blues and I didn't notice until today. I did get to see them when I was young twice. Here in Billings as well.
They work so hard at their craft. The barroom brawls were crazy wild.
Shout out to Atlanta Rhythm Section!!! 👍
Emma thank you...by far the best documentary about the band....to the beautiful people of McComb you are all heros...Because of all you guys in McComb and all you did for the survivors i got to see Lynyrd Skynyrd a few years back.it was a dream come true for me... one of the best gigs i was ever at .Thank you all so much from a grandma and her 5 kids(all Skynyrd fans) in Ireland x
I so appreciate your taking time to comment! I am descended from immigrants from Cork to Mississippi. Thankyou.
Everyone who made it to the hospital survived. That's a pretty impressive statistic.
Yes they did. I met them when they were ROSSINGTON COLLINS BAND and they were still healing
Because Artimus Pyle dragged himself with barely able to move through a field to a house for help. And he gets no respect they don't allow a hero and one of the only original member to play with was is basically a cover ban
@@kimartist7408 where did u meet them at?
But they All carried Much Baggage from the crash. Alcohol and drugs took Many Many years off the second chance they were given. Going through what they endured, it's understandable.
I grew up in Miami back in the 60-80's before I left, and the 70's music will be with Us Forever.
I was working at a gas station on US1 and SW 168th in Cutler Ridge when I heard that Elvis Passed. I walked out to give change to an elderly couple, and told Juan that Elvis died. The couple couldn't drive for about a hour because of the pain they were going through.
LS, did the same for me. But Keith Green and Rich Mullins really hit me Hard.
By the Holy Grace of God, it's just temporary, and the Banquet in Heaven will be Grand 🙏 Viva Cristo Rey 🙏
@@tonygville2969 u right about them being a bunch of drunks and dope heads but Jesus died on the cross for them also
I was 18 at the time...Lynyrd Skynyrd was a hugely popular band in my High School in Virginia, so its odd to hear these guys say they didn't know who those "hippies" were...but in any case these men were true heros, saved alot of lives, and this documentary is a real memorial to the band and the rescuers. Thanks for doing this....
That story of the guy in Thailand who spoke little English but damn well knew the words to Sweet Home Alabama… There it is. The power of Lynyrd Skynyrd music just resonates with something inside of people that will never die.
So completely true! Thanks.
stopped by the memorial yesterday for the first time coming from my camp in maben ms in route to laplace la for band practice,talked to your dad for a lil bit and told him that i seen your documentary 2 weeks prior...great job!! i put skynards greatest hit cd on when i hit jackson and when i turned off hwy 568 to mcelveen rd headed to easley rd freebird came on..wow still got goosebumps
Thanks Emma, for making me sit here bawling my eyes out. No matter how many videos I've watched of that fateful nite and the on going history of L S, my heart breaks. SKYNRD truly was, my ALL time fav, then, now, forever. Thanks to Johnny for keeping the memory💝
One of the best Skynyrd documentaries I've ever seen. They were my favorite band in '77, I had just purchased the Street Survivors album a day or two before the crash and still have it. Man, I was devastated.
I was 17 and was coming home from peaches records ..where I bought the album ..Tape...and 2 tickets to the November concert..which would've been my 3rd Skynyrd concert..I was pulling in the driveway when I got the news on the radio at about midnight..still have the album/Tape/Tickets..I sat in my car and cried like a baby for I don't know how long..I feel ya👍
What a brilliant film by Emma Harrington. I'm immensely impressed. Although there is one thing I must take issue with - in that one of the (wonderful) rescuers says that the band always sat at the front of the plane, with the crew at the back. This was not the case. Ronnie Van Zant was the ultimate egalitarian - everybody was equal. I spoke to all the crash survivors over the years and know that, for example, Artimus Pyle was at the back of the plane (band member); Ronnie and Dean were at the front (band member and crew member); Ken Pedan and Cassie Gaines were sitting together (crew and band). So there was no 'class' division as suggested. For anybody who might be interested, I was the Engish Tour Manager for all Skynyrd's European tours from 1974 to the crash in 1977. I adored those boys and thought they were the best band in the world, but I also had to deal with the fall-out of their numerous fights and the problems with Bob Burns. I've written extensively about those days in my book 'Rock N Roll Nanny', so called because I was the nanny for Mick and Bianca Jagger's daughter. Tour managing those boys was also like nannying over-grown children! I also worked with the Stones, The Who and am on UA-cam talking about those heady days as the first female Tour Manager in rock and roll, under 'Rock and Roll Nanny - A conversationn with Sally Arnold'. Incidentally, Dean Kilatrick and I had become engaged to be married just two months before the plane crash, and I was supposed to be on the plane - but he told me to delay my flight out as their plane was 'falling to pieces' and to join them a few days later than originally planned. So Dean literally saved my life, as no doubt I'd have been sitting with him. It's taken me many, many years to be able to write about those wonderful days with the best boys in the world.
I listened to these guys everyday from 72 to 77. I was so sad when my friends and I got the news. We're from Alabama.
Me too,BAMA Bro.Im from Fort Payne, Alabama
I was almost 30 years old when this happened. I wasn’t a fan of the band as I was a teenager in the 60’s and was stuck there in 1977. I have since studied Lynyard Skynyard by watching videos and listening to some of their music. This video is one of the best I’ve watched, masterfully produced and edited. I learned more about the bands’ fateful crash. Thanks
You could have spelled the bands name correctly.
I was a dirt poor boy in 77. At 14 yrs. old my favorite band was coming to Johnson City TN. Bought a ticket without a ride. A short week later, on the bus to school, with a radio, Ronnie died, and I cried. Yes I was young, but I knew what we lost. I'm gonna sick an Okie on you. The Gaines duo made Skynryd great!
Thank you for posting this awesome tribute to the best #1 southern rock band ever!!
My favorite band of all time! No one else is even close
Thank y’all for clearing up what actually happen during rescue. It’s amazing what a person can do during trying times.
Well done Emma. I love how the people interviewed spoke with great respect for the people involved, says a lot about them.
It still does. Thanks for your kind comments.
Emma's inset voice is set a little to loud but exceptional documentary regardless.
@@katdaddy469 lol, didnt bother me or realise as i have only partial hearing.
@@daniello9155 could be just me as my ears tend to try and block everything when I hear music lol
@@katdaddy469 I understand, especially good music. Hope all is well over in your part of the world, a beautiful place.