Lynyrd Skynyrd

USA, 1964–now

Jacksonville band led by Ronnie Van Zant, using three guitars and narrative lyrics on 'Free Bird' and 'Sweet Home Alabama'. A 1977 plane crash killed Van Zant and two other members.

MusicRoots documents 9 artists who influenced Lynyrd Skynyrd and 1 artist Lynyrd Skynyrd influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Who influenced Lynyrd Skynyrd?

• The Rolling Stones — Lynyrd Skynyrd's stated ambition was to be 'America's Rolling Stones' — the Stones' swaggering blues-rock the model for their sound.
• Cream — Cream's heavy blues-rock was an especial favourite — the British power-trio blues behind Skynyrd's guitar army.
• The Yardbirds — The Yardbirds' blues-rock was among the British bands Skynyrd revered as they formed.
• Muddy Waters — Delta and Chicago blues were Skynyrd's bedrock — Muddy Waters among the bluesmen at the root of their sound.
• Howlin' Wolf — Howlin' Wolf was among the blues artists Gary Rossington cited as core to the band's foundation.
• Jimi Hendrix — Gary Rossington named Jimi Hendrix among his guitar influences — the electric fire under Skynyrd's leads.
• Son House — One of the core blues influences Gary Rossington named, the Delta end of Skynyrd's guitar sound.
• Eric Clapton — Named by Gary Rossington among his guitar influences, with Hendrix, Jeff Beck and Paul Kossoff.
• Jeff Beck — Named by Gary Rossington among his guitar influences, with Hendrix, Clapton and Paul Kossoff.

Which artists did Lynyrd Skynyrd influence?

• Kings of Leon — Southern rock giants Lynyrd Skynyrd are echoed in Kings of Leon's early tone and swagger, especially on Youth and Young Manhood.