Lynyrd Skynyrd: 50 Years of "Free Bird" & The Legacy of Southern Rock On Country Music

August 16, 1973: It was on this fateful day, half a century ago, that MCA Records released a self-titled album that would forever change the trajectory of rock and roll. Lynyrd Skynyrd (Pronounced Leh-nerd Skin-nerd) wasn’t just another rock album; it was the sonic embodiment of the American South and a testament to the seamless blend of rock and country. Most notably, the world was introduced to the anthemic, soaring ballad, "Free Bird."

A Flight with the "Free Bird"

“Free Bird,” in many ways, encapsulates the spirit of the southern states: wild, free, and deeply nostalgic. The song starts with a soulful, melancholic melody, diving into themes of freedom, love, and the eternal quest for individuality. As the guitar solos emerge, they take the listener on an unforgettable journey of musical euphoria. Today, it's nearly impossible to attend a rock concert without hearing a fan shout the infamous request: "Play Free Bird!"

While "Free Bird" is often the first thing that comes to mind when Lynyrd Skynyrd is mentioned, it’s essential to remember that the band offered so much more. Their distinctive sound brought a fusion of hard rock, blues, and country, introducing a unique genre that resonated deeply with fans across the globe.

The Genesis of Southern Rock

Lynyrd Skynyrd wasn't the only band playing southern rock, but they were among its most iconic ambassadors. Their sound was marked by triple lead guitars, a robust rhythm section, and lyrics that often told tales of southern life.

Southern rock, as a genre, was a beautiful amalgamation of the storytelling finesse of country music and the raw, visceral energy of rock and roll. Bands like The Allman Brothers Band, .38 Special, and ZZ Top, to name a few, all played pivotal roles in this movement. Yet, Lynyrd Skynyrd's anthems like "Sweet Home Alabama" and "Simple Man" gave the genre an unmistakable identity.

Lynyrd Skynyrd and Cultural Impact

The band's influence wasn't limited to just music. They represented a distinct culture, a way of life that valued freedom, rebelliousness, and a touch of nostalgia. At a time when the world was rapidly evolving, Lynyrd Skynyrd's music provided a touchstone for those who felt adrift amid change. Their appeal wasn't confined to the South; it was universal.

Beyond the music, Lynyrd Skynyrd also taught us resilience. Despite facing unspeakable tragedies, including the 1977 plane crash that claimed several members' lives, the band persisted, becoming an emblem of endurance and the indomitable southern spirit.

Impact of Southern Rock and Lynyrd Skynyrd on Today's Country Music Scene

Southern rock has left a lasting impact on various genres, including today's country music scene. Its fusion of rock, blues, country, and sometimes even soul provided a distinct sound that became widely celebrated. Southern rock blurred the lines between rock and country, setting the stage for many country artists to incorporate rock elements into their music. Modern country acts like Jason Aldean, Eric Church, and Brantley Gilbert have drawn heavily from Southern rock both in sound and spirit.

The use of electric guitars with a pronounced focus on guitar solos in Southern rock has influenced the instrumentation of modern country music. Many country songs today feature electric guitar solos and strong riffs reminiscent of Southern rock bands.

Southern rock often delved into themes of Southern pride, the working class, love, and loss. These themes are still prevalent in modern country music, as many artists sing about similar topics and share stories of the South.

Southern rock bands were known for their energetic live performances. This has influenced the live shows of many contemporary country artists who now infuse their concerts with a similar energy, complete with dynamic stage setups, light shows, and pyrotechnics.

Many modern country artists have collaborated with rock musicians or covered rock songs in their sets, further blurring the lines between the two genres. Southern rock's blend of sounds paved the way for sub-genres like "country rock" and "hick hop." Artists like Kid Rock have capitalized on this blended sound, creating tracks that incorporate both country and rock elements.

Many country artists today still cover classic Southern rock songs during their live shows as a nod to the genre's influence. Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama" and The Allman Brothers Band's "Ramblin' Man" are just a couple of examples of Southern rock classics that find their way into contemporary country setlists.

50 Years On

Fifty years since the release of Lynyrd Skynyrd (Pronounced Leh-nerd Skin-nerd) and "Free Bird," we celebrate not just an iconic band or a timeless song but an era. Lynyrd Skynyrd, with their blend of country and rock, created a symphony that still reverberates in the hearts of millions today. They remind us that music, at its best, isn't just about sound. It's about soul, spirit, and stories that span generations.

So today, put on that classic record, let "Free Bird" play, and let your spirit soar with the timeless wings of southern rock.

New Music Video From Eric Church - "Lynyrd Skynyrd Jones"

New Live Performance Music Video From Keith Urban - A Musical Tribute To Those Lost in 2018

On New Years Eve, Keith Urban put together a tribute mashup of songs together to honor some artists we lost in 2018 and which showed off his undeniable musical talent. Included were:

"Zombie" by The Cranberries, in honor of Dolores O'Riordan
"Respect" by Aretha Franklin
"Rolling In My Sweet Baby’s Arms" in honor of Roy Clark
"Wake Me Up" by Avicii
"Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd, in honor of Ed King

Volunteer Jam XX: A Tribute To Charlie Daniels To Feature Sara Evans, Justin Moore, Chris Janson, Travis Tritt, Lee Brice, Alabama, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Many More

Album: Volunteer Jam XX: A Tribute To Charlie Daniels (Live)
Label: Blackbird Productions
Release date: October 12, 2018

Since 1974, Volunteer Jam has brought together some of music’s greatest performers to raise money for a special cause. Now, 43 years later, friends, fans, and an extraordinary lineup of musicians came together for a very special night honoring music legend Charlie Daniels — Volunteer Jam XX held on Wednesday, March 7th, 2018.

Charlie Daniels has collaborated with some of music’s most influential artists – from Elvis Presley to Bob Dylan – and with The Charlie Daniels Band has created such memorable hits as “Long Haired Country Boy,” “The South’s Gonna Do It Again,” “In America,” “The Legend of Wooley Swamp” and of course, the signature “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” which won a GRAMMY® for Best Country Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group. Daniels is also a tireless supporter of the men and women who serve the United States military.

“Charlie has had an enormous impact on American culture through his dedication to supporting our troops, founding the unique southern sound that we know and love, and creating the unforgettable Volunteer Jam legacy,” says Keith Wortman, CEO of Blackbird Presents. “I am honored to be producing this year’s Jam alongside Charlie’s longtime manager, David Corlew.”

“It’s hard to believe that it’s been 43 years since the CDB and some of our friends got together at War Memorial Auditorium for what was supposed to be a live recording session, a one-time happening that took on a life of its own and was to become known worldwide as The Volunteer Jam. I am extremely honored and excited to have this year’s Jam documented by Blackbird Presents. Gonna be a great night at the Volunteer Jam!”
The show raised money for The Journey Home Project, a non-profit Daniels co-founded to support veterans of the U.S. armed forces.

1. Trudy (Live)  by  Blackberry Smoke
2. Brand New Star (Live) by Oak Ridge Boys
3. Sweet Louisiana (Live) by Brent Cobb
4. Evangeline (Live) by Sara Evans
5. Simple Man (Live) by Justin Moore
6. (What This World Needs Is) A Few More Rednecks (Live) by Chris Janson
7. Texas (Live) by The Steep Canyon Rangers
8. My Town (Live) by  Eddie Montgomery
9. The Legend Of Wooley Swamp (Live) by Lee Brice
10. Blue Sky (Live) by Devon Allman & Duane Betts & Chuck Leavell
11. Midnight Rider (Live) by Devon Allman & Duane Betts & Chuck Leavell
12. Sweet Home Alabama (Live) by  Lynyrd Skynyrd
13. Modern Day Bonnie & Clyde (Live) by Travis Tritt
14. It's A Great Day To Be Alive (Live) by Travis Tritt
15. Drinkin My Baby Goodbye (Live) by Chris Young
16. We Had It All One Time (Live) by Ricky Skaggs
17. La Grange (Live) by Billy F Gibbons
18. The South's Gonna Do It Again (Live) by Alabama
19. Mountain Music (Live) by Alabama
20. Tennessee Fiddlin' Man (Live) by Charlie Daniels & The Charlie Daniels Band
21. The Devil Went Down To Georgia (Live) by Charlie Daniels & The Charlie Daniels Band
22. One Way Out (Live) by Steep Canyon Rangers & Devon Allman & Blackberry Smoke & Oak Ridge Boys & Charlie Daniels & The Charlie Daniels Band & Alabama & Duane Betts & Billy F Gibbons 

Interview Flashback- Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Johnny Van Zant- The Interview

I have been blessed to write contributions/reviews/interviews/opinion pieces for several country music and roots-oriented websites and publications over the years including Saving Country Music, Nashville Scene, Country California, Country Weekly, American Noise, The 9513 and Engine 145. As a regular contributor to the last two in that list, I did close to a 100 interviews with different artists- and since both of those great sites have come down, I will reprint some of those interviews here to give them a home in perpetuity. This interview was originally published in October 2009 on The 9513.

Early in the 1970’s, a hybrid of rock and roll, blues and country music became immensely popular with a collection of artists from the heartland of America and was appropriately deemed southern rock. Thought too electric guitar dominated at the time for country radio, groups like the Allman Brothers, The Charlie Daniels Band, .38 Special and The Marshall Tucker Band all made the genre their own. Few, however, left a mark as indelible on the southern rock landscape as deep and as wide as Lynyrd Skynyrd.  Their two flagship anthems, “Free Bird” and “Sweet Home Alabama,” are considered two of Rock and Roll’s most important recordings- both holding places in Rolling Stone’s Top 500 Greatest Songs Of All Time. 

But on Thursday, October 20, 1977, just five shows into a headlining tour, a Lynyrd Skynyrd chartered Convair airplane ran out of fuel near the end of their flight to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines, Cassie Gaines, assistant road manager Dean Kilpatrick, pilot Walter McCreary and co-pilot William Gray were all killed on impact. All other band members suffered serious injuries. For ten years, the Skynyrd mic would be silent.

Then in 1987, Lynyrd Skynyrd held a reunion celebration tour with the crash survivors. Ronnie Van Zant's younger brother, Johnny Van Zant, took over as the new lead singer and primary songwriter.  Six albums and millions of concert ticket sales later, Johnny Van Zant and the rest of the Lynyrd Skynyrd boys are keeping the music alive.  They release God + Guns on September 29 on Loud & Proud/Roadrunner Records. Recorded in Nashville in 2008-2009, the project was interrupted—but, tellingly, not ended—by the deaths of founding member/keyboardist Billy Powell and longtime bassist Ean Evans earlier this year. With the passing of Powell and Evans, “a lot of people probably expected us to say enough is enough,” admits guitarist Rickey Medlocke.  “We wanted to show the people that not only are we doing the old material, keeping the music going, but we still have some new tricks up our sleeves, too,” says founding guitarist Gary Rossington. The Skynyrd Nation awaits.

There’s lots of people saying that the country of today is the southern rock of yesterday. 9513 asks you the reader, “Do you agree?”  We posed that and many additional questions to lead singer Johnny Van Zant who gave this exclusive 9513 interview.

Ken Morton, Jr.- Lynyrd Skynyrd has been doing this now for 35 years- you for more than 20- what is the inspiration to keep going?

Johnny Van Zant- Actually, this is my 22nd year and I think the inspiration is the music. Music is a great healer and Skynyrd has been through a bunch of stuff over the years. And, of course, at the beginning of this year, we had a couple of members pass away with Billy Powell and Ean Evans. We’ve always just gone back to the music to heal. This band’s resorted to the music and to the fans. I think more than any year, this was a year we needed to get out on the road and see our fans and be a part of them. 

KMJ- You mentioned you lost two of your longstanding band members. What has it been like out on the road without two of your most recent comrades. 

JVZ- It’s been a little different, you know. But we’ve got a couple of great guys that we got this year. I think they were sent to us from up above. They’ve fit in great with us and both of them are great musicians. It’s worked out really well for us. But we really miss our guys as well as the other ones that are all looking over us. 

KMJ- I keep reading that the country music of today is the southern rock of yesterday. I’d like to know your opinion of that.

JVZ- I think a lot of the country artists that are coming out today listened a lot to the Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Ted Nugent and Aerosmith. (Laughter) For example,  Jason Aldean opened up for us a couple years ago and he did a cover song of an Aerosmith or a Zepplin song- I can’t remember which. But I was really surprised that he was doing that as part of his set. Of course, people like Montgomery Gentry are influenced- we’ve done a CMT Crossroads with them. We’ve been recording records in Nashville for as long as we’ve been recording records. They’ve been recorded in Nashville or Memphis or down in Muscle Shoals. 

KMJ- Is country music moving more towards southern rock or vice-versa do you think?

JVZ- I think it is in-between. I really do. I know I talked with Kenny Chesney one time. We became friends awhile back and I was talking to him on the phone. I asked him what he was doing and he said he was on his bus watching our DVD, “Live From Steeltown.” (Laughter) Again, I think it goes back and forth these days. And there’s nothing wrong with that. You know, they gave Lynyrd Skynyrd the tag of southern rock because it had country in it. They really didn’t know in the old days what to even call that kind of music. So they named it southern rock- basically rock and roll with a little bit of country in it. 

KMJ- Tell me about the new album, describe it for your fans.

JVZ- I think the new record has a little bit of something for everybody. It has a country flavor, a blues flavor and a rock flavor to it. Lyrically, we stuck to stuff we’ve always written about and that’s stuff that’s happening around us, somebody we know or the world in general. That’s what Skynyrd has always been known for. 

KMJ- How did you go about selecting songs?

JVZ- We had been writing for awhile. To be honest, we were on a different label and we left that label. That was six years ago. We talked to a couple of other labels and we just didn’t feel like we fit. So we took a meeting with Roadrunner and Loud and Proud last year and those people are real music people. It worked out good for us. It’s one of those things that this is going to be a real good record for Lynyrd Skynyrd and I hope the fans feel the same way. We’ve been playing a couple songs live during our live shows lately- “Skynyrd Nation” and “Still Unbroken”- they’ve been going over great. 

KMJ- That leads me well into my next question. You have a new anthem called “Skynyrd Nation.” Who is part of that nation & culture?

JVZ- Three generations, I can tell you that. I think everybody. When I look at our audience and meet our fans in general, it’s everyone.  You have kids who are in school.  Looking out in the audience last night in Tucson, we had kids who were six, seven and eight years old. And we have a bunch with gray hair that have been with the band since the beginning. We have doctors, lawyers, masonries, carpenters, lawn guys and everybody. I think a little bit of everybody comes to see Lynyrd Skynyrd. 

KMJ- My favorite track is “Floyd.” It’s sort of a CDB “Legend of Wooley Swamp” story song. Tell me about that song and how it came about. And I hear you have a special guest singer on that track as well.

JVZ- We know this guy John 5 (John William Lowery) who plays with Rob Zombie. He actually played with Marilyn Manson for awhile. We were in Nashville looking for some different people to write with and a friend of ours turned us on to John. When he comes into the room for the first time, he looks a little freaky. But we look around and think, okay we’re all up for that. He walked in with a furry kind of hood thing on and make-up on. It was totally different than us. I looked at him and said, “Man, you’re a freak.” And he said, “Man, I was thinking the same thing about you.” (Laughter) So we hit it off and became great friends. And the very first song we wrote was “Floyd.” This guy is an unbelievable guitar player. He can play anything. He can play any of the country stuff and any of the rock stuff. He’s an unbelievable talent. I can’t say enough about him. You never can judge a book by its cover. He actually came up with the lick. (Johnny sings the guitar background lick). And we just started messing around with him. It just came out as “Floyd” and it had a great old swampy feel to it. Of course with his relationship to Rob, we asked if he’d want to sing any of this thing with us. He does all the movies and the Halloween movie stuff. And he said “Sure, let’s do it.” My hat’s off to Rob. He was right in the middle of directing this new Halloween movie that’s coming out. And he took the time to come into the studio and sing on this thing. It’s really great. 

KMJ- What prompted your foyer into country music with your brother earlier this decade under the group, Van Zant?

JVZ- We’ve always loved country music. When we were growing up, we didn’t have 500 or 600 channels. We had three channels and one of them had Hee Haw on it. The other one had the Ed Sullivan Show. And there was the Wonderful World Of Disney on the other one. So we watched a lot of Hee Haw and fell in love with country music. Our dad was a truck driver and of course, having a dad as a truck driver, you’re going to listen to a lot of country music. We just always wanted to do a country record. And we had great success with the first one, Get Right With The Man. We had a falling out with the label Sony after that. Everyone that worked on our first record didn’t work on our second one. So it just wasn’t the right time so we left them. I go home and have a gold record on the wall for that one, though. It’s a great accomplishment. 

KMJ- Do you think we’ll hear new country music from the Van Zant brothers again?

JVZ- You know, we’ll see. We’ll see. Me and Donnie write all the time. But he’s busy with .38 and me with Skynyrd. We want to do it on our off times. But we would definitely like to do another country record. 

KMJ- When you’re not touring, where are we going to find you hanging out and what will we find you doing?

JVZ- Probably on my land cutting grass. Taking the kids to school. For me it’s just normal stuff. I relish the day to day stuff not being on the road. Getting home sometimes is a good thing, you know?

KMJ- I read a year or so ago that you have hopes of making a blues or gospel album, is that still on your life-list?

JVZ- Yeah, sure it is. Before I check out of here, I’d like to do a gospel album. That would probably be my first choice. I’d like to do that with my brother too. Get Right With The Man had a lot of gospel tinge to it. So did our second album for that matter. We believe in Jesus and God above and when you have that in your heart, you write about those kind of things when you’re a writer. 

KMJ- 35 years from now, what do you hope the legacy of Lynyrd Skynyrd is?

JVZ- I hope that it is for a band that wrote songs for the real people. A band that survived a lot- a lot of stuff that we all had to endure to keep the music alive. I always say that the music is a lot bigger than us. So 35 years from now when we’re all checked out of here, or at least most of us will be, the music will still live on. I think it’s a cool thing that my brother, a simple guy from the west side of Jacksonville, hit Bob Burns in the head with a baseball and that started Lynyrd Skynyrd. It’s pretty amazing all the accomplishments that the band has had. 

Edge of Country Releases: Upcoming Live Albums From Bonnie Raitt, Tom Petty, John Prine, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Joni Mitchell & Bob Dylan in 2016

While they don't fall directly under the country music umbrella, several of these rock or folk-leaning artists easily fall into the roots-oriented music category. Several big names have upcoming live performance releases in early 2016 to look forward to if you're a fan of any of them.

Artist: Bonnie Raitt
Album: Same Old Love: The Minneapolis Broadcast 1979
Label: Sutra
Release date: Jan. 15, 2016

In 1979 and with her big commercial breakthrough still being more than a decade away, Bonnie Raitt was well on her way to blending raw blues, R&B and rock into a decidedly more adult contemporary style. Typically for the time, when this show was broadcast in 1979, Raitt was on the road promoting her then new Warner Brothers album, The Glow. Since her first Warners LP, Give It Up in 1972, Raitt had expanded her live line-up from an acoustic duo consisting of herself and bassist Freebo, to a full-fledged electric band playing a much more hybrid style of blues, rock, R&B and folk, than she had in her early years. This show marked the end of nine weeks on the road, and the band is as tight as any Bonnie has ever worked with. She opens with "Baby I Love You" and moves straight into Sam & Dave's classic "I Thank You." The gig moves from one highlight to the next. Raitt's take on Mable John's "You're Good Thing Is About to End" is a particular standout, as is "Angel from Montgomery." The show also features a one-two punch of "Runaway" (Raitt had achieved a hit in 1977 with a rocked-up version of the 1961 Del Shannon number) and raucous replay of Robert Palmer's "You're Gonna Get What's Coming." The show closes with a powerhouse version of "Under the Falling Sky" featuring Pat Hayes' smoking harmonica work. When Raitt performed this show at the Orpheum in Minneapolis, she and her band were only a few months away from the historic No Nukes rally held in the fall of 1979 in Battery Park, New York City. That event, organized by Bonnie, would forever place her on the top-table of activist artists, and she has consistently supported multiple causes to this day.

Artist: Tom Petty
Album: In the Coliseum: Live Radio Broadcast, Jacksonville, Florida, 1989
Label: Goldfish Records
Release date: Feb. 12, 2016

From a gig at the Florida Coliseum in Jacksonville during summer of 1987, this show finds Tom and the Heartbreakers (Mike Campbell on lead guitar, Benmont Tench on keyboards, Howie Epstein on bass and mandolin, and Stan Lynch on drums) on tour to promote the April '87 release Let Me Up ( I've Had Enough). This particular show however featured only one cut from the album, Runaway Trains, notably omitting the record's hit single "Jammin' Me," a song composed by Petty and Campbell with Bob Dylan. The band were in playful mood however and performed a total of five rousing cover versions and a number of old favorites to compliment the one new song. Petty would neither tour nor record with the Heartbreakers again for another four years, in the meantime he became a founding member of the super-group The Travelling Wilburys following which he recorded and released his first solo album before reuniting with the group in 1991.

Artist: John Prine
Album: Bottom Line: 1978 New York Broadcast
Label: All Access
Release date: Jan. 15, 2016

This live performance from John Prine was broadcast live by King Biscuit on July 11th 1978 from the Bottom Line Club in New York's Greenwich Village, several years into the man's career. His debut album had been released to huge critical acclaim, albeit somewhat modest sales (reaching only 153 on Billboard), in 1971 on the Atlantic label. Featuring such legendary numbers as 'Hello in There' and 'Angel from Montgomery' (versions of both are featured) it was voted into Rolling Stone's All Time Greatest 500 Albums list in 2003. The tour, of which this gig was part, was performed in support of Bruised Orange (1978), Prine's 5th studio album, and the lengthy 30-song set list features no fewer than 6 of the album's 10 cuts, although strangely John omits to perform the marvelous title track. The remainder of the songs played are a mix from 3 out of 4 previous albums (he doesn't play anything from his sophomore record, 1972's Diamonds In The Rough) plus a smattering of cuts yet to be released at show-time, but made available on 1979's Pink Cadillac and post-1980 releases. A few well-chosen covers are additionally played, including a rollicking versions of 'Treat Me Nice' (from the pens of Messrs. Leiber and Stoller of course) and a nice 'Ballad of a Teenage Queen' - made famous by Johnny Cash but composed by Prine's friend Jack Clement.

Artist: Lynyrd Skynyrd
Album: Back for More in '94: FM Radio Broadcast from Atlanta, Georgia 1994
Label: Goldfish
Release date: Feb. 12, 2016

The horrific 1977 plane crash that wiped out members of Lynyrd Skynyrd and their entourage, including the man who had led the group across the best part of a decade, the inimitable Ronnie Van Zandt, was at the time seen as the end of the group. Those surviving members reunited only once to perform an instrumental 'Free Bird' at Charlie Daniels' charity event Volunteer Jam V in 1979, otherwise the group went on hiatus for the next 10 years, with four ex-members performing and recording as the Rossington-Collins band between 1980 and 1983, choosing a female lead vocalist to avoid claims that they were merely a rebooted Skynyrd. through this period. In 1987 however, Lynyrd Skynyrd reunited for a full-scale tour with five major members of the pre-crash band; survivors Gary Rossington, Billy Powell, Leon Wilkeson and Artimus Pyle, along with guitarist Ed King - who had left the band two years before the crash - and with Ronnie Van Zant's younger brother, Johnny, taking over on lead vocals and as primary songwriter. The show presented on this CD was performed at The Lakewood in Atlanta, Georgia, on August 24th, when the band performed a dynamic set featuring many LS classics alongside a superb new composition in 'Devil In The Bottle,' which has gone on to become a live favorite.

Artist: Stevie Ray Vaughn
Album: Happy New Years Blues: Live FM Broadcast from Atlanta, GA, December 1986
Label: Hobo
Release date: Jan. 15, 2016

By late 1986, Stevie Ray Vaughan had been through rehab in London and, according to all reports, was feeling like a new man. His dependency problems, which had haunted him right through his career, were, he felt, now behind him and he was intent on two things; getting back to playing the blues and helping others overcome their own, similar problems. He achieved the former with ease and passion - this was, after all, what the master guitarist existed to do. The latter did not come so naturally, but SRV made commendable effort in his oft-witnessed stage announcements, advising and guiding his audience members, sharing the wisdom he had garnered in going through the hell he had suffered. The concert featured on this CD is taken from an FM radio broadcast, transmitted live from the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia, on New Year's Eve '86, was clearly a dynamic event. Stevie and Double Trouble perform with gusto and flare, whilst the audience are wild with ecstasy. Joining Vaughan on stage after the new year kicks in is none other than guitar legend Lonnie Mack, and the two bluesmen bounce off each other beautifully for a magical rendition of Mack's 'Oreo Cookie Blues,' which ends this extraordinary performance and readies Stevie Ray to enter what, tragically, would become the final, albeit majestic, era of his career - and sadly his life.

Artist: Joni Mitchell
Album: Bread and Roses Festival 1978
Label: Iconography
Release date: Feb. 12, 2016

The second annual Bread and Roses Festival of Music, held at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley over Labor Day weekend 1978, 2nd - 4th September, proved to be one of the most exciting musical events of the year. The three-day concert series was sponsored by singer Mimi Farina's Bread and Roses organization, which supported free live entertainment in Marin County hospitals, nursing homes and rehabilitation clinics. The highlight of the '78 festival was the appearance on the evening of Saturday 2nd by Joni Mitchell and Herbie Hancock. Joni had not performed in public since The Band's Last Waltz in November of '76, and this show marked the first time she had teamed up with Hancock. Herbie joined Joni onstage after a couple of solo numbers, and together they performed two songs from Joni's upcoming album featuring her words and jazz great Charlie Mingus' music. The tunes were challenging to say the least - 'A Chair In The Sky' painted a stunning visual portrait of the aging, ailing Mingus alone in New York and featured moments of dissonance and moments that swung. On the Sunday afternoon Joni and Herbie played a couple more numbers to help boost poor ticket sales, and with another rendition of 'The Dry Cleaner From Des Moines' notably different to Saturday's version plus a charming 'The Circle Game', with The Persuasions, Tim Hardin, Tom Paxton and Odetta - all of whom had played that afternoon - helping out on vocals, it was magical indeed. This CD also boasts a couple of dynamic bonus cuts, recorded a decade later but again featuring Joni and Herbie Hancock, but now alongside a plethora of further jazz masters; Wayne Shorter, David Sanborn, Bobby McFerrin and Larry Klein. The occasion was an episode of the Showtime Coast To Coast TV show - a program dedicated to live performance, regularly presented by Hancock who would play alongside the studio guests.

Artist: Bob Dylan
Album: Minneapolis Hotel Tape & The Gaslight Café: September & December 1961
Label: BDA
Release date: Jan. 15, 2016

Further to BDA's previous collections (Carnegie Hall & The Minnesota Party Tape) comes the third album in the 1961 series of rare and previously unreleased Dylan material, this time showcasing an early stint at the infamous Gaslight Cafe in NYC's Greenwich Village, and the December recordings made at his friend Bonnie Beecher's apartment back in Minnesota - the same venue that witnessed the 'Party Tape' in May of the same year. Dylan played the Gaslight a number of times but this particular performance is one of only two for which any recordings exist - it is believed to be the set he played there on 6th September '61. Bonnie Beecher's apartment (aka the Minneapolis Hotel) was a regular stopping off point for Bob on his way home to visit his parents in Hibbing, and while there he would often play in front of old college friends. This recording was made a few days before Christmas - on 22nd December 1961- en route to spending the festivities with his folks. The recording here features all the known songs that were recorded, except those the 5 that have previously been released by Sony on various of the Official Bootleg Series or on the Highway 61 cd-rom. Both recordings here feature the very best sound recordings known to exist making this CD both a hugely important historical document and a delightful collection of Bob Dylan's earliest work.

Lynyrd Skynyrd Schedules New Live Album For June 2 Release

Lynyrd Skynyrd will release a new live album, Sweet Home Alabama, this summer.
Sweet Home Alabama was recorded during the band's appearance on German music program Rockpalast in 1996. In addition to the show, the new reissue includes three songs ("Workin' for MCA, "Free Bird" and "Sweet Home Alabama") recorded at the Hamburg Musikhalle on December 5, 1974.

The 1996 songs were recorded after the band's return to activity as a working band following the long period of inactivity prompted by the plane crash that claimed the lives of three band members, including singer and co-founder Ronnie Van Zant.

Sweet Home Alabama, previously available on DVD, will arrive as a digital audio release as well as a double-disc CD set, with plans for a two-LP vinyl version to follow. The new live release will arrive June 2.
Lynyrd Skynyrd Sweet Home Alabama Track Listing

“Workin’ for MCA”
“I Ain’t the One”
“Down South Jukin’”
“Double Trouble”
“I Know a Little”
“Saturday Night Special”
“Swamp Music”
“What’s Your Name”
“That Smell”
“Simple Man”
“Gimme Three Steps”
“Call Me the Breeze”
“Sweet Home Alabama”
“Free Bird”

1974 bonus tracks

“Workin’ for MCA”
“Free Bird”
“Sweet Home Alabama”

New Music Video From Lynyrd Skynyrd- "Homegrown"

New Music Video From Lynyrd Skynyrd- "Last of a Dyin' Breed"

Lots of New Country Albums to Look Forward to This Fall and Beyond

Over the last couple of weeks, many prominent artists have announced new projects that will be coming down the road. Here are just a few. Any favorites that you’re looking forward to the most?

Jake Owen – Endless Summer EP- (9/25)- “It’s been almost a year since our album, Barefoot Blue Jean Night, came out,” says Jake. “And, I started thinking that I really wanted to put out a few new tunes that had a summer vibe. So, we decided to cut four songs and put out an EP entitled Endless Summer. No one ever really wants the summer to end, right? Hopefully, these songs will be ones that keep the party going into the fall and people will crank them up loud when they are out on the water enjoying their own Endless Summer.”

Johnny Cash – Johnny Cash: the Complete Columbia Album Collection- (10/30)- 63 CD’s. That’s what this massive box set includes. Thirty-five of those 60 are getting their first CD release ever, while two of the discs—Johnny Cash with His Hot & Blue Guitar and The Singles—are exclusive to the collection. Several rare discs are included, such as Johnny Cash pa Osteraker, recorded at Osteraker Prison in Sweden in 1972, Strawberry Cake, recorded at the London Palladium in 1975, and Koncert V Praze, recorded at the Sport Hall in Prague in 1978.The focal point of the set is Cash's first 19 albums (1958 - 1967), released for the first time in mono sound on CD. Each album is packaged as a mini-LP CD with its original artwork.

Josh Turner – Cracker Barrel Presents Josh Turner: Live Across America- (Available now)- In addition to being able to enjoy real home-style food and enjoy some shopping, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store guests can also take home a copy of Josh Turner’s latest album release. The 12-track album features live performances of Turner’s biggest hits, as well as his never-before-released version of Waylon Jennings’ “America.” The album is available in all Cracker Barrel locations as well as online at crackerbarrel.com.

Terri Clark- Untitled Classic Covers Album- (November) While she’s done many covers in her live shows over the years, this will be the first time that Clark has tackled an entire album of covers. Check out this track listing: It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels- Kitty Wells, Leavin On Your Mind- Patsy Cline, Love Is A Rose- Linda Ronstadt, Gentle On My Mind- Glen Campbell, Swingin Doors- Merle Haggard, Two More Bottles Of Wine- Emmylou Harris, Delta Dawn- Tanya Tucker, Golden Ring- George And Tammy, Don't Come Home A Drinkin- Loretta Lynn, How Blue- Reba, Movin On - Hank Snow.

Jason Aldean – Night Train- (10/16)- "I feel really great about the songs we recorded for this album," says Aldean. "There are some surprises on there that might raise a few eyebrows, and there's also some more traditional stuff too. I don't like being put in a box, and I think with every record, we've had a lot of variety…'Night Train' is no different. I got to do a cool up-tempo song with Luke (Bryan) and Eric (Church), who've both been out with me over the last two years. I love collaborations like that, and I think the fans dig it when artists get together…it keeps it interesting."

Toby Keith – Hope On The Rocks- (11/13)- The first single from the Clinton native’s follow-up album is already making itself heard on the country charts in “I Like Girls That Drink Beer.” Co-written by Keith and his frequent collaborator Bobby Pinson, the single is one of the upcoming album’s 10 cuts, along with the title track. The deluxe edition of “Hope on the Rocks,” his 16th studio album, will have 14 cuts, according to a news release.

Lorrie Morgan and Pam Tillis – Grits and Glamour- (Undetermined)- Says, Morgan, “I am currently working on a new album with Pam Tills, set to be released (soon).  Together, we are co-writing songs for the project and selecting material from some of Nashville's hit songwriters.  The album is in support of our current tour, Grits & Glamour.”

CW McCall – Wolf Creek Pass (reissue)- (Available now)- Rightly famed for his 1976 global mega-hit Convoy, C.W. McCall is an enigma in wraparound shades. At the crossroads of trucker anthems, high-octane hillbilly-homage and (perhaps incongruously) haunting environmental odes towers the strange figure of McCall. Reissued for the very first time is his 1975 debut LP Wolf Creek Pass is a highway fueled songs. Also included is the bulk of his second LP Black Bear Road- in includes 26 remastered tracks in all.

Lynyrd Skynyrd – Last of a Dying Breed- (Available now)- Last Of A Dying Breed reunites the band with producer Bob Marlette who produced the last Skynyrd album, God & Guns. “It was great to get back in the studio with Bob for this new album,” said Gary Rossington “We kind of went back old school this time. All of us playing together in the studio as a band, tracking songs and creating licks. We had a lot of fun and the music really flowed for us, so that’s when you know you are on to something good. We can’t wait to let the fans hear these songs and play ‘em live.”

Mark Chesnutt – Your Room- (Available now)- A combo CD and DVD, this project was filmed at an intimate show in Los Angeles, during which Mark and his band performed 15 of his most beloved hits including "Too Cold at Home," "Going Through the Big D" and "It's a Little Too Late." AIX Records filmed the performance using 3D cameras and HD-audio recording techniques so that fans will get the feel of the country star performing right there in their living rooms.

Matraca Berg – Love’s Truck Stop (10/22)-  From the press release: Getting the introspective songstress to come forward is not always easy. When one bares their emotions, offers pain and falter without flinching, there is a natural gap that most be braved – and Berg would rather write the truth than throw herself out for the mass to consume. But when you love the people you write about, know the songs from the inside out the way the CMA Song of the Year winner does, there comes a point where being a good steward takes precedence.

The Steeldrivers – Hammer Down- (2/5)- This will be the band's first album to include new members Gary Nichols on lead vocals and guitar and Brent Truitt on mandolin. "I think it is important for us as a band to continue the journey creatively with new people, new information and a new batch of songs," says fiddle player Tammy Rogers. "The second album was bluesier with the addition of the National (slide) guitar and turning Chris loose to belt a little bit. But, I think this new album has a little bit more emphasis on the picking, for lack of a better word. It's really interesting. I'm really happy with the direction we're taking. Obviously Brent is a mandolin master so he is bringing a lot to the table. And Gary is playing some leads that are very cool. On the other records, it was more me and Richard doing all of the fills and the instrumental stuff. But now, this feels like there is a lot of depth to all four instruments, so we're excited about that."

Dwight Yoakam's 3 Pears Album

Dwight Yoakam - 3 Pears- (9/18)- The 12-track release, his 26th, is produced by Yoakam, along with two songs co-produced with Beck: "A Heart Like Mine" and "Missing Heart". From the press release: 3 Pears exemplifies Yoakam's ability to incorporate multiple, competing influences into a piece of cohesive art. It balances his country core with a fiercely independent embrace of rock, Americana, pop and soul and builds on his trademark edginess with a notable, growing positivity. 3 Pears contains heartfelt love songs, which showcase Yoakam s authentic country vocals while maintaining his unmistakable classic sound.

Taylor Swift - Red- (10/22)- The young lady intent on complete world domination... okay, not COMPLETE world domination... has a brand new album coming out towards the end of October. The lead single "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" is her fastest selling single to date and went Gold in 20 minutes after its release. 20 minutes.

Jamey Johnson - Living For A Song: Tribute To Hank Cochran- (10/16)- When word got out that acclaimed Nashville artist Jamey Johnson was recording a tribute album to beloved songwriter Hank Cochran, musical superstars clamored to participate. "When we were talking about who to call, people just kind of presented themselves," Johnson says. "I think the word got out after awhile, and we were getting phone calls from people wanting to do it. There weren't a whole lot of arms that needed twisting."  The resulting cast includes the ranks of the Country Music Hall of Fame came George Strait, Emmylou Harris, Merle Haggard, Kris Kristofferson, Ray Price and Vince Gill, not to mention Cochran's oldest and truest friend, Willie Nelson. Veteran stars Leon Russell, Elvis Costello, Bobby Bare and Asleep at the Wheel perform on the album alongside contemporary artists such as Alison Krauss, Lee Ann Womack and Ronnie Dunn.

Billy Ray Cyrus - Change My Mind- (10/23) From the press release: From start to finish, this album brings Cyrus full circle with a candid autobiographical snapshot of his life. Cyrus hails from Flatwoods, KY, located right off US23 better known as the Country Music Highway. With Change My Mind Cyrus returns to his country music roots and delivers a 10-song collection that showcases his bluegrass meets rock n' roll sensibility, songwriting prowess and captivating vocals. Produced by multi-award winning producer Brandon Friesen, the album features "Hillbilly Heart," a driving, unapologetic song about Cyrus' country roots, "That's What Daddy's Do," a tender ballad about the admiration of family and fatherhood, "Good As Gone" which sees Cyrus channeling his rock influences Pink Floyd, The Doors, Led Zeppelin and Willie Nelson. There is also a re-make of Cyrus' fan-favorite "I'm So Miserable," given a unique up-tempo twist that will leave fans far from miserable.

Wanda Jackson - Unfinished Business- (10/9)- The new album from legendary singer and “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame” inductee Wanda Jackson, will be a Sugar Hill Records release. This is Jackson’s 31st studio album and marks the producing debut of fellow renowned musician and songwriter Justin Townes Earle. Of working with Earle, Jackson comments, “From day one I really liked Justin’s idea to take me back to my roots and make a record of country, blues, and rockabilly songs. The band was extra tight and great to work with during the whole process. The record just sounds terrific."

Billy Dean - Man of Good Fortune- (9/25)- Says, Dean, “We are releasing a new album of ten new songs. This record sounds young, but the lyrics are for grown-ups.” It will mark the first independent release since his 2010 album, The One Behind The Wheel. 

Big & Rich - Hillbilly Jedi- (9/18) Big Kenny Alphin said that the album's title "came out in a writing session we were doing with Richie Sambora and Jon Bon Jovi. They are going to record the song on our new album and a line in the song was "hillbilly jedis with attitude." All of a sudden, Bon Jovi stops and says, "Hillbilly Jedis? That’s it. I’d buy that shirt." We were like, "Hey, that’s about a descriptive as you can get of what we are.""

Kix Brooks- New To This Town- (9/11)- The 12-song collection, with 9 co-written by Kix, was produced by Kix with Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts co-producing the title track. "I made an album that really is close to my heart, and it's a whole lot of fun," shares Kix. "For the most part, the music's just...it's kind of fun and games and hangin' it out there and thinkin' about gettin' back in a lot of those clubs and festivals and gettin' to play again. It's like, you know, people come to enjoy themselves, and I think this album in a lot of ways is about that."

Bucky Covington- Good Guys- (9/11)- The American Idol alum has already released two singles off of the new album, "I Wanna Be That Feeling" and a hot shot duet with Shooter Jennings called "The Drinkin' Side of Country." Through his work with Help The Good Guys, Bucky will also donate proceeds from the first week sales of his new record to the International Association of Fire Fighters Charitable Fund, benefitting our brave neighborhood heroes who keep our communities safe each and every day.

Chely Wright- Woman In The Moon (Reissue- Available Now)- Chely's 1994 debut album Woman in the Moon has been re-released at available for the for time ever on digital. This is the first time the album has been available in almost 10 years. It was previously out of print.

Lynyrd Skynyrd To Release Last Of A Dying Breed In August

August 21 will mark the release of Last of a Dying Breed from southern rock giants, Lynyrd Skynyrd. It will be their first studio album since 2009′s God & Guns. The album, which was announced on their website, was produced by veteran Bob Marlette, who has also worked with Neal Schon, Black Sabbath and Alice Cooper.

“It was great to get back in the studio with Bob for this new album,” guitarist Gary Rossington said. “We kind of went back old school this time. All of us playing together in the studio as a band, tracking songs and creating licks. We had a lot of fun and the music really flowed for us, so that’s when you know you are on to something good. We can’t wait to let the fans hear these songs and play ‘em live.”

The band will embark on a world tour beginning May 4 in Baltimore, and concluding on August 31 in Memphis

Lynyrd Skynyrd Releases New CD/DVD Today

Lynyrd Skynyrd will release Live From Freedom Hall today as both a CD/DVD set and as a stand-alone DVD. Live From Freedom Hall not only captures the band in its most natural state – on stage- but is also one of the last concerts to be recorded with longtime members Billy Powell and Ean Evans, both of whom passed away last year. The release is a tribute to and a celebration of Skynyrd.

The track listing for Live From Freedom Hall is as follows:

“Travelin’ Man”
“Workin'”
“What's Your Name?”
“That Smell”
“Simple Man”
“Down South Jukin’”
“The Needle and the Spoon”
“Ballad Of Curtis Loew”
“Gimme Back My Bullets”
“Tuesday’s Gone”
“Red White and Blue”
“Gimme Three Steps”
“Call Me The Breeze”
“Sweet Home Alabama”
“Free Bird”

New Lynyrd Skynyrd Country Music Tribute Hits Shelves Late July- Features Eric Church, Randy Houser, Jamey Johnson & Many More

With raging guitar riffs and lyrics that make up the soundtrack of summer, Lynyrd Skynyrd’s widespread influence is undeniable. Country Music’s most authentic voices pay tribute to the legendary southern rockers and their enduring legacy with SWEET HOME ALABAMA – The Country Music Tribute To Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Balancing the band’s bedrock Southern Rock and Outlaw Country roots, represents a distinct collection of many of the band’s most iconic tracks by the genre’s brightest stars, including Eric Church, Randy Houser, Shooter Jennings, Jamey Johnson, Uncle Kracker, Randy Montana, Ashley Ray and Eli Young Band.

Randy Houser delivers a soulful rendition of “Simple Man” while Eli Young Band offers up a raucous version of “Three Steps,” both from Lynyrd Skynyrd’s groundbreaking debut. Jamey Johnson keeps with tradition on the dobro laced “Four Walls of Raiford” and Eric Church’s smoky vocals are front and center on the powerfully evocative tale, “The Ballad of Curtis Loew.” The 8-song compilation will be released exclusively through Wal-Mart stores on July 20th.

More than 25 years following the release of their groundbreaking debut album (pronounced Leh-nerd Skin-nerd), Lynyrd Skynyrd’s legacy remains irrefutable. The band has cataloged over 60 albums and with sales of more than 30 million with 13 platinum or multi-platinum albums. Lynyrd Skynyrd’s influence on music remains all encompassing, ranging from Blues Traveler to Metallica to Montgomery Gentry to Kid Rock. And now, country’s brightest stars pay homage to Lynyrd Skynyrd’s everlasting legacy with the format’s first tribute to the legendary band, SWEET HOME ALABAMA – The Country Music Tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Track Listing

1. “The Ballad Of Curtis Loew” Performed by Eric Church
2. “Simple Man” Performed by Randy Houser
3. “All I Can Do Is Write About It” Performed by Uncle Kracker
4. “Call Me The Breeze” Performed by Shooter Jennings
5. “Four Walls Of Raiford” Performed by Jamey Johnson
6. “Tuesday’s Gone” Performed by Randy Montana
7. “Gimme Three Steps” Performed by Eli Young Band
8. “Sweet Home Alabama” Performed by Ashley Ray

New Music Video From Lynyrd Skynyrd

We reviewed Lynyrd Skynyrd new album earlier today and now we release the brand new music video and single off that new CD called “Simple Life.” Enjoy.

CD Reviews- Lynyrd Skynyrd- God & Guns

The Background:
With their first set of new studio material since 2003’s Vicious Cycle, legendary rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd returns with God & Guns, due out today, September 29 on Loud & Proud/Roadrunner Records. Recorded in Nashville in 2008-2009, the project was interrupted—but, tellingly, not ended—by the deaths of founding member/keyboardist Billy Powell and longtime bassist Ean Evans earlier this year. With the passing of Powell and Evans, “a lot of people probably expected us to say enough is enough,” admits Medlocke. But that would not be the way of this Rock & Roll Hall of Fame powerhouse. With a catalog of over 60 albums and sales beyond 30 million, Lynyrd Skynyrd remains a cultural icon that appeals to all generations, and God & Guns is a fitting addition to the canon. “We wanted to show the people that not only are we doing the old material, keeping the music going, but we still have some new tricks up our sleeves, too,” says founding guitarist Gary Rossington. The Skynyrd Nation awaits.

The Review:
Lynyrd Skynyrd is the pure definition of resilience. After 30 years with multiple moving band member pieces, they’re still a major draw in concert ticket sales. Overcoming losses of two band members between the last album and this one, could this album be deemed a victorious tragedy? It’s a tribute to the power of the band/brand and their legacy that they journey on. Those thoughts are appropriate as the album opens up to the first song, “Still Unbroken.” With lyrics like “Yes I’ve lost everything I’ve had/ But I’m not dead, at least not yet/ Still alone/ Still alive/ Still unbroken” set to a rocking’ electric guitar riff, it reminds of the power of the Phoenix. Just like the words to the song, Lynyrd Skynyrd endures. But what is That Nashville Sound, largely a country music review site, reviewing a rock and roll album anyways? Perhaps Lynyrd Skynyrd (led by lead singer Johnny Van Zant who released a country music album with his brother earlier this decade) is leaning more country with their sound. More likely, however, is that the electric guitar dominated (Jason Aldean’s “She’s Country” anyone?) country landscape has drifted more towards LS’s southern rock style. Either way, songs like “Simple Life,” “Southern Ways,” and “Unwrite That Song” could easily be heard on today’s modern country radio stations. One big exception to that is the terrific rock and roll drenched amphitheater opener “Skynyrd Nation.” With unsophisticated lyrics celebrated everything Lynyrd Skynyrd, it makes a great mental picture of them kicking off a concert. It’s fun, energetic and will make a great live show kick-off. With a not to Charlie Daniels Band’s “Legend Of Wooley Swamp,” another favorite is a great story-song, “Floyd.” The track tells the tale of a G-Man eluding backwoods bayou moonshiner who outsmarts the law with the help of his backwoods bayou neighbors. Lynyrd Skynyrd has always unapologetic of who and what they are over their career. God & Guns is nothing overtly new, but classically remindful of their rightful place in music history- endurers.

Sounds Like:
Charlie Daniels Band & The Allman Brothers

Track Highlights (suggested iPod adds):

Southern Ways
Skynyrd Nation
Floyd
Gifted Hands

The Verdict:

Three Stars Out Of Five

Clay Walker Covers Lynyrd Skynyrd

We had a big Clay Walker fan send in this video of their hero singing Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama” and I thought I would share. Enjoy the video below…

9513 Interview With Johnny Van Zant Of Lynyrd Skynyrd

Johnny Van Zant took over as the new lead singer and primary songwriter of Lynyrd Skynyrd after the tragic plane crash that took the lives of his brother and several band members. Skynyrd has made a mark unlike any other southern rock band with important southern anthems like "Free Bird" and "Sweet Home Alabama." Six albums and millions of concert ticket sales later, Johnny Van Zant and the rest of the Lynyrd Skynyrd boys are keeping the music alive. The band’s latest release God + Guns hits stores on September 29.

I had a chance to interview the charismatic lead singer Van Zant for the other site I write for, The 9513. You can read the whole interview HERE.

"I think a lot of the country artists that are coming out today listened a lot to the Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Ted Nugent and Aerosmith (Laughing). For example, Jason Aldean opened up for us a couple years ago, and he did a cover of an Aerosmith or a Zepplin song–I can’t remember which. But I was really surprised that he was doing that as part of his set. Of course, people like Montgomery Gentry are influenced–we’ve done a CMT Crossroads with them. We’ve been recording records in Nashville for as long as we’ve been recording records. They’ve been recorded in Nashville or Memphis or down in Muscle Shoals."

Lynyrd Skynyrd Gods & Guns To Be Released September 29

With their first set of new studio material since 2003’s Vicious Cycle, legendary rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd returns with God & Guns, due out September 29 on Loud & Proud / Roadrunner Records. Recorded in Nashville in 2008-2009 with noted rock producer Bob Marlette, input from guitarist John 5, and a wealth of material written by the band and a cadre of elite Skynyrd-minded songwriters, a remarkable album emerged.

With a backbone of Southern rock and country, passionate Van Zant vocals, and trademark layered guitars, God & Guns manages to maintain the iconic Skynyrd punch while sounding completely contemporary. Sure to attract attention in these politically divided times is the title track, which harbors a sense of menace and unwillingness to back down that hearkens back to Skynyrd’s earliest days. God & Guns, along with the unmistakable Skynyrd bite of the first single “Still Unbroken,” which was shipped to rock radio this July, form thematic songs for an album laden with attitude, heart and purpose.

The band knows the song, and others like “That Ain’t My America,” will have their critics, but Medlocke says listeners should get beyond the titles.

“Skynyrd’s about tradition,” says Medlocke. “In this record is personal tragedy, personal relationships and being on the road, all under that umbrella of real life. That’s what we think, that’s what we believe, and we stand next to that title, God & Guns.”

Beyond the tragedy, the history, the raging guitars and the killer songs, ultimately, Lynyrd Skynyrd is about an indomitable will. About survival of spirit; unbowed, uniquely American, stubbornly resolute.

“A lot of people probably expected us to say enough is enough,” admits Medlocke. But that would not be the way of this Rock & Roll Hall of Fame powerhouse.

“We wanted to show the people that not only are we doing the old material, keeping the music going, but we still have some new tricks up our sleeves, too,” says founding guitarist Gary Rossington.

With a catalog of over 60 albums and sales beyond 30 million, Lynyrd Skynyrd remains a cultural icon that appeals to all generations. The Skynyrd Nation awaits.

Lynyrd Skynyrd Loses Another Band Member

Lynyrd Skynyrd bassist Ean Evans passed away this week after losing "a valiant battle with an aggressive form of cancer," according to a statement issued Wednesday by the band. A southern rocker by birthright (raised in Georgia before moving to Mississippi), Evans joined Skynyrd in 2001, following the death of original bassist Leon Wilkeson.

Evans was a member of the Outlaws before being called up to Skynyrd as the replacement for one of his heroes and greatest influences. In addition to his full-time status in Skynyrd, he had also more recently formed a side-project with Bobby Capps of .38 Special called EVANSCAPPS.

"He's gone off to a better place brother, if you believe in Christ, in Jesus," the band's lead singer, Johnny Van Zant, said Thursday. "I'm just proud to know that his head was in the right place, and his heart too."

"I talked to him last week, and he told me how much he enjoyed that," Van Zant said Thursday. "Ean did a lot of great stuff in his life, played in front of a lot of people, did what he loved to do. Not many people can say that."

It's been a tough year for Skynyrd. Keyboard player Billy Powell died in January, leaving guitarist Gary Rossington as the only original member still with the band.

"He and Billy are talking now, I know, along with the rest of them," Van Zant said. He gave a laugh. "Pretty soon we're going to have an orchestra up there."

New Lynyrd Skynyrd Album Due Soon

After heading out on the road with Kid Rock for a second summer of the "Rock and Rebels" tour, Southern rockers Lynyrd Skynyrd will release a new album being recorded in Nashville right now. It will be the band's newest album of new material since their 2003 album 'Vicious Cycle."

The Loud & Proud/Roadrunner Records release will also mark the band's first recordings since the death in January of founding member Billy Powell, whose fluid piano runs spiced such classic Skynyrd songs as "Freebird," "Call Me the Breeze" and "Sweet Home Alabama."

Founding guitarist Gary Rossington is the only surviving original Skynard band member stilll playing with the group.

Skynyrd is heading back out on the road this summer with Kid Rock for a second round of their "Rock and Rebels" tour, reprising last summer's highly lucrative jaunt. The 22-date tour kicks off in West Palm beach, Fla., on June 26.