Fan mail address
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Vector Management
430 W 15th Street
New York, NY 10011
USA
Address information
Vector Management
(Music Artist Management Company)
430 W 15th Street
New York, NY 10011
USA
Phone: (212) 317-2323
Lynyrd Skynyrd is an American rock band that became a defining force in the Southern rock genre. Known for their hard-driving rock, powerful guitar riffs, and anthemic songs, the band achieved fame in the 1970s with their mix of blues, country, and rock influences. Their music, characterized by themes of rebellion, Southern pride, and personal struggles, has continued to resonate with fans worldwide, making them one of the most influential rock bands of all time.
Lynyrd Skynyrd was formed in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1964, originally under the name My Backyard by a group of high school friends. The core members included Ronnie Van Zant (vocals), Gary Rossington (guitar), Allen Collins (guitar), and Larry Junstrom (bass). After several name changes, the band finally settled on the name Lynyrd Skynyrd in honor of Leonard Skinner, a strict gym teacher at their high school who was notorious for enforcing the school’s dress code against long hair. The name became a tongue-in-cheek tribute to the man who had unwittingly inspired their identity.
The band’s early sound was rooted in the Southern rock tradition, blending elements of blues, country, and rock into a unique musical style. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, they began playing local gigs around Jacksonville, which helped them build a fan base. Their style of rock, marked by extended guitar solos and the distinctive Southern feel, set them apart from the mainstream rock bands of the time.
In 1973, Lynyrd Skynyrd signed with MCA Records and released their debut album, Pronounced Leh-nerd Skin-nerd. The album featured the hit single “Free Bird,” a song that would go on to become one of the most iconic rock anthems of all time. The song’s signature extended guitar solo became a defining element of the band’s sound and a staple of their live shows.
