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2023's unfortunate parade of deaths in the music world marches on. Gary Rossington, the last surviving founding member of Lynyrd Skynyrd has passed away at the age of 71.
As always, for comprehensive obituaries, I defer to Variety Magazine:
Gary's contributions to the Skynyrd "songbook" included his incredible guitar work on "Freebird," which we highlighted back on 10/16/21, and as a songwriter, (with Ronnie Van Zant and Ed King), today's "Great Song of 1974:" "Sweet Home Alabama."
The song was written in response to Neil Young's "Southern Man," which the Skynyrd boys felt was a little too critical of the South in general, and slavery specifically. And I quote:
"Well I heard Mister Young sing about her... Well I heard old Neil put her down... Well I hope Neil Young will remember... A Southern man don't need him around anyhow.
Note: For years, most people thought there was a feud between the Neil & Skynyrd, but the truth is, they admired each other and were friends behind the scenes.
The song charted higher in Canada (#6) than the US (#8), but hey, a Top 10 song is nothing to sneeze at, no matter what the chart position!
In 2002, the song inspired the title and plot of the film, "Sweet Home Alabama,(starring Reese Witherspoon). Jewel sang the song on the soundtrack.
In 2009, the state of Alabama started using the title as a slogan on their license plates--an odd, but impressive honor!
"Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd: a "Great Song of 1974," and a testament to the talent of the late Gary Rossington, R.I.P.
"Free Bird:" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LwcvjNJTuM
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