Lynyrd Skynyrd “(Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd)” 1973. Today’s spin of their debut LP in commemoration of Gary Rossington’s death yesterday, March 5th 2023, at age 71. He was the last remaining founding member of the band, having survived the infamous plane crash of ’77 that killed fellow bandmates Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines and Cassie Gaines. (Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd) went to #27 in the US and is still ubiquitous on classic rock stations 50 years on. The album includes some of the era’s most recognizable southern-fried blues rock songs: “Tuesday’s Gone,” “Gimme Three Steps,” and, of course, the ultimate arena rock ballad, “Free Bird.” “Free Bird” is still considered one of the best rock songs of all-time; it went to #19 in ’74 (when it was released as a single) and then charted again after the plane crash. It’s also the longest running joke in rock history (I’m assuming anyway), its name still screamed out by audience members at shows regardless of the band or style on stage. I’m pretty ambivalent about Skynyrd in general, but there’s no denying the anthemic appeal of (Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd) and its influence on the rock genre.