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American rock band that pioneered Southern rock musicFormed in Jacksonville, Florida, Lynyrd Skynyrd became one of the most influential Southern rock bands of the 1970s. Known for their triple-guitar attack and hits like 'Sweet Home Alabama' and 'Free Bird,' their career was tragically cut short by a 1977 plane crash that killed three members. The band reformed in 1987 with surviving members and continues to perform.

• The band's name mocks Leonard Skinner, their high school gym teacher who disciplined students for long hair
• During their 1977 plane crash in Mississippi, lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, and backup vocalist Cassie Gaines died instantly. Other members suffered severe injuries
• Original guitarist Allen Collins became quadriplegic after a 1986 drunk-driving accident and died in 1990 from pneumonia
• The band's iconic song 'Sweet Home Alabama' contained lyrical responses to Neil Young's critiques of the American South
• Lynyrd Skynyrd was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006, with surviving members performing using pre-recorded vocals of Ronnie Van Zant