I have to admit, I moved my mixed-race family to Alabama 6 years ago from DC. Best decision of my life. Far less racism than I ever witnessed in my 20+ yrs living in DC/MD and I've traveled up and down the state with them.
Quick Alabama story , 3 years ago on a highway in the country at night. Young black guy had a flat tire , big old white Sheriff followed him to the rest stop and changed his tire. Smiles and thank you's all round. Offered to follow him home to make sure he made it. I should've taken pictures.
Because they just want to keep their racist bullshit going. Far as I'm concerned Joe Biden and Kamilla Harris are just as bad as Gov. Wallace (racist pieces of trash) and us Southern Men don't need them around anyhow!
@@swampwitch6133 Excuse me Swamp, I just have a question. You're in LFRs video, and you start talking politics? Politics doesn't belong here sweetie okay. I'm thinking LFR might agree. I understand your comment of, "Southern Man don't need him around anyhow", but to bring in President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris into this? Can you tell me why? And where in your mind you thought it fit in here? You're going to sit there and bring it up, I'm sure you had absolutely no problem, if you were unemployed you took the unemployment money. I know you took your stimulus checks. And if you got kids starting next month, depending on how old they are, you're going to get more money. Biden and Harris are racist? Last time I looked at Kamala Harris, unless my eyes have deceived meI believe she's of brown skin? Soooo, she's racist to black and brown skin people, is that what you're trying to say? Okay I'm done, no more discussions here about that BS....Smh...🤦 🤷❓ 💯
Dude ive lived in Alabama my whole life and ive seen and heard far more acts of kindness between white people and any other race than i have bad ones. I love my home state and everyone who comes here to appreciate all she has to offer. Lynyrd Skynyrd is my favourite band of all time, thank you for reacting to them.
And most of the band is actually from Jacksonville, FL; they just recorded a lot at Muscle Shoals studio in Alabama. This song was in response to two Neil Young songs that labeled Southerners as racist and slamming the state of Alabama. The band didn't like being lumped in that category; Ronnie gave an interview once and said as much. The guys weren't racist and they retorted back with this song. Neil Young said he actually deserved that line in the song and that he should not have written songs, grouping all Southerners as racist. BTW, Young and Skynyrd were friends and had a mutual respect for each other. Ronnie is actually wearing a T-shirt with Neil Youngs picture on it, at this concert.
That’s why I like Neil Young so much he admits his mistakes and I figure anyone who can look at themselves and realize the messed up and then admit it, I will hang out with any time they’re worth getting to know!
Sorry, but your analysis is off point. Though Neil admitted that not everyone should be lumped together; his message was still accurate as a whole in that time. Just because one banana isn't rotten; doesn't mean the rest of them aren't; and at that time, most were rotten. Not being racist then, was not thinking of others as equal; but just not spitting on, beating, or lynching them. Still racist.
@@profanepersonality, I don’t pretend to know about the status of all “bananas “ down here, in the South, in the 70s. I do, however find it to be mighty presumptuous to say that these guys are/were racists. I don’t blame them for retorting back with a song. I went on a tour about a month ago with Ronnie’s best friend and security manager, who survived the plane crash that killed Ronnie, Steve and Cassie. I specifically asked Gene if Ronnie was racist, and his answer was an emphatic “no.” So, I understand you’re defining “not racist in the 70s” as not spitting on or lynching them. I was born, raised and still live in the south and it seems that you’re painting with a broad brush as to our views.
Damn dude! What a birthday! More titys than a whore house and some of the best bands in the world!!! I was born in 80 and I wish I could have been there in 77!!
I was at this concert. They were not headlining and they stole the whole damn show. One of the most memorable shows of my life. The crowd was still cheering for them when Peter Frampton took the stage. He was quite gracious about it. They were unlike any others.
And Slash was Allen Collins... who I could watch play all day long! Catch Free bird live in 1976 at Knebworth. Skynyrd blew the Rolling Stones away that day!
There’s a lot of meaning to this song. The Governor of Alabama, when the song was written, was a segregationist. They’re throwing shade at him because they disagreed with his stance. “In Birmingham they love the Governor, BOO, BOO, BOO” “watergate does not bother me, does your conscience bother you” referring to the issues of the time, and that the Governor’s conscience should bother him. Also a little jab in there, “where the skies are so blue, and the Governor too”. Ronnie and the band were strong supporters of desegregation, and drew a tremendous amount of influence from the black artists of the time.
I don't think you really understand this song. Neither of the lines you quoted mean what you're saying they mean. Read the lyrics in context with this song being directed to Neil Young.
Yes, and people STILL call them racist, which so pisses me off. HIGHLY prejudiced against Southerners. Just because of where they are from does not make them racist. In fact, they were the opposite. The Confederate flag, at THAT time, had a different meaning. It was just regional pride. I get tired of this victim card bullshit. Just enjoy the music.
@@charlesburger7973 The flag wasn't even their choice, it was the record label's. And I still believe... that Ronnie was buried with his Neil Young shirt on. Knowing him, face down so anybody who didn't like him could kiss his ass.
Alabama is a awesome state, don't listen to what "people" say about it. Funny most people don't realize there are probably more mixed race families in the south then any part of the country but if you listen to the talking heads on TV ( who know nothing of the south) think otherwise. Yes ignet.
warning: sad facts 3 of the people on stage (main vocalist "the short panthene guy", guitar vocalist and one of the chicks) died in a plane crash shortly after this concert
ok, that was depressing enough. let's add a fun fact (not sure if anyone else mentioned it in the other videos) name of the band comes from their p.e. teacher, "leonard skinner" he kinda bullied the core members. telling them they won't achieve anything in their lives. they named the band after his name.
@@TheBlackQueen Steve Gaines was one of the most underrated guitarists of his time. Im a guitar player and usually I dont care for Fender Stratocasters (too low of an output due to single coil pickups). BUT Steve was badass. Only one other Fender Strat player comes to mind who I could listen to all day... his name is Jimi
Alabama is one the best states as far as civil rights reform in America. This isn't 1965 anymore , things have changed. You shouldn't say stuff, unless you know what's what. Just couldn't let that stand.
As a white man I don't blame him. Even I would avoid going to a state that has a history of flying the pro slavery flag. It is what it is. Ya I am sure some fine white and fine black folks live in Alabama. But come on lets get real. I was born and raised in Texas and left it for those same reasons. Backward, racist politics and attitudes. No disrespect to Alabama but it doesn't have a friendly history toward blacks and conservatives make change slow and even go backwards at times. Bottom line is there are much better places even for me as a white man.
You gotta check out the live performance of "Free Bird" from that same concert at the Oakland Coliseum on July 2nd 1977. You will be glad that you did. Peace Out 😊✌
Please come visit Alabama sometime! I have lived here for 12 years. Friendly people of all nationalities live here. It is not the 1960’s anymore this is 2021. I live in Mobile the home of Mardi Gras…. We know how to have a good time! The white sand beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are beautiful! Beautiful people of all races live here and we all get along and love one another. I really like your reactions, enjoy your videos and appreciate you a lot.
Skynyrd was a rehearsal band. Ronnie made them practice 10 hours a day in a backwoods shack they called Hell House. Ronnie wanted them to sound exactly the same on stage as the did on record. They did. Not only was Ronnie short, but he performed in bare feet. He was all about the music. Don't know if you picked it up, but Ronnie is wearing a Neil Young t-shirt. And frankly, you have a hell of a lot more to worry about in northern big cities than you do in Alabama or any other southern state I know of.
Agreed. I'm from Minneapolis and believe me, I NEVER thought my city would be all over international news smdh. There's always going to be good and bad no matter where you go.
It's not perfect yet anywhere in the United States I mean there's rioting going on in Portland today and people are getting killed in california. But as far as the South we've come a long long way. I mean I was 10 years old during the Civil Rights movement I remember the protests and the peaceful demonstrations in Nashville Tennessee and began asking my parents then why and luckily my parents weren't taught to hate and they taught me that we judge people the way Dr King said to you by the content of their character. And there's so many more of us in the South now than the old guard
I'm from Belfast (Northern Ireland). We rocked out to this in the 70's. Yes, I'm that old :(. I understood then, that it was a reaction to Neil Young's Southern Man without precisely knowing what, ehrhm, precisely. Something like, "We're not that bad Neil, we objected to the governor"! I assumed these guys were from Alabama but they were from Florida? It's a great rock riff but I don't know what to make of it as a song.
The lead singer is Cassie Gaines, her brother played guitar in the Lynyard Skynard band, the lead singer Ronnie Van Zandt, Cassie and her brother Steven Gaines were all killed in an air plane crash in 1977.
I wish I had been able to see Ronnie Van Zant. I was born in 76 so I have seen the 2nd grouping of them. So sad about the plane crash! The world lost a great man!
I am originally from North Alabama. If you haven't seen the movie about recording in Muscle Shoals put it on your list of movies to see. Muscle Shoals is a very small town in Northwest Alabama. But so many big names recorded there because the studio gave them a sound they couldn't find anywhere else. Just to name a few.. The Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin, George Michael, Wilson Pickett, Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Etta James, Cher and many more. The Swampers were the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section. This group of men were all high school friends with no formal music training and they were incredible. Now, it's time to go watch this movie.
I'm listening from ALABAMA. sorry to hear that you go around this beautiful state..... I live close to cheaha mnt. It's so beautiful and and we are not racist ppl. The Bible says we only have one race... THE HUMAN RACE. peace love and happiness. Love your reactions.
Leon wilkenson--bass Gary rossington--3rd guitar Steve gaines--2nd guitar Allen collins--lead guitar Billy powell--keyboards Artemis pyle- drums Ronnie van Zandt. Lead vocals.
Most Southerners have no problems with Black People in general. When your pants sag to the ground and have no respect for others you might get some sideways looks. I live in Jacksonville, FL just down the road from Ronnie Van Zant memorial park complete with catfish pond. But I can take you to a place deep in the woods where Slave Quarters are still standing. There's places where white folks don't go and there's places where black folks don't go. But most places it don't matter what color you are you get treated the same. Hell the local bar has an outdoor band stand with an American flag and a Rebel flag flying on the corners and black people go there all the time. You even see them hug their white girls they are friends with. No body raises an eyebrow. It's all good.
Man black and white people have been living side by side in the South for generations. I am not denying are past because there was a time that things were terrible for blacks in the South but that period ended a long time ago.. The North actually did a study about the negative effects of slavery on whites. According to Dr. Thomas Sowell they determined that we were less than because of our closeness to the black population or slave population whichever you prefer but the simple fact is that yes we have had some SERIOUS issues but we have been influencing each other for hundreds of years down here and we came out on this end much better for it. So I can't speak for Alabama but if you want to come hang out in Mississippi just holler at ya boy and we'll plan us up a Crawfish Boil and show ya why they call us the "Hospitality State". I promise you would be shocked at how you would be treated. I don't know where you're from but you should visit the South my guy.. You may never WANT to go back to a city where nobody even takes the time to give a polite head nod let alone care about their neighbors.. 🔥 Ass review.. I know I'm late to this party lol but those are my 2 cents anyway 😁🙏✌
I'm from Alabama. Went on a short cruise between Turku Finland and Stockholm and back. The house band played this song. Pretty cool...... people around the world song it!! I was proud.
They're from Jacksonville, Florida, but they recorded All their music in Muscle Shoals, Alabama... so they considered it their second home. Being From Alabama and now living in Jax,Fl ... Lynyrd Skynyrd has ALWAYS been a Big part of my Life !! ROLL TIDE 🐘🐘🏆
No, they actually only recorded a couple of early (pre-record deal) things in Shoals. They recorded mostly in Doraville, Georgia at Studio One. And a couple times in Florida and Cali.
@@JCDwyer This song was recorded at Muscle Shoals Sound. Billy Powell was their roadie, when the guys went out to eat Billy sat at the piano and played the opening. The Swampers ask what it was, they worked on it and when the guys came back Sweet Home was born. Ronnie firmly believed the bathroom in the studio was haunted and refused to use it. Mick Jager & Cher recorded vocals in it and Keith Richards did some guitar from there. That bathroom still has amazing acoustics. They continued visiting The Shoals often. Gary Rossington recruited a college friend Mitch Regal to play on one of his and Dale’s albums and tour. We still are putting out great music. Willie Nelson was here last year along with Ann Wilson. Both studios give tours and are worth the trip! If you do the behind the scenes tour at FAME you can see Miss Aretha’s piano. Both studios are magical places adding proof to the Cherokee legend that there’s a muse in the Tennessee River. They called it Singing River. We had a concert recently honoring The Swampers. We only have David Hood left and he’s still rockin. Look up The W.C. Handy Festival we have so many musicians come it’s hard to choose who to see. 😂 Hope to see y’all next July!
@@teresahall4247 Nah, I’m pretty sure you’re thinking of Freebird. The story you mention above did happen, and did result in Billy joining as a band member, and did result in an awesome piano intro. But it was the piano intro to Freebird, not Sweet Home. 1, Sweet Home doesn’t even have a piano intro. 2, it was written at Hell House and very quickly recorded at Studio One in Doraville, GA. (shortly after Pronounced was recorded there) And 3, it was co-written by Ed King, right after he switched from Bass to Guitar. (Also shortly after Pronounced was finished). Them’s the Facts, Ma’am.
They called the 3 women backup singers the Honkettes. The middle one was the sister of the guitarist in red pants and they along with the lead singer died in the plane crash on Oct. 20, 1977, 2 months later. 2 managers and both pilots also died. The only 2 members from this line-up still alive is Artimus Pyle, the drummer and the guitarist with the long black hair, Gary Rossington. FYI, That Smell was written about Gary.
As much of a straight up respectful man, that is my impression that I have gotten, you would be treated with more respect in any city, town, county in Alabama than you would in any city from New York, New Jersey, Illinois or any major cities north of the Mason Dixon line. You are missing out on some of the greatest "comfort food" and all around hospitality.
I went to a Willie Nelson picnic concert in Tulsa Oklahoma fair grounds and I was 13 years old and I am 60 now and there was 6 bands and Leonard Skynyrd played everyone partied until them and Willie Nelson played and I know there was a lot of babies made that night if not 100s.
The lead singer Ronnie Van zant and one of the lead guitar players Steve Gaines and one of the backup singers Steve's sister Cassie Gaines, those three members of the band were killed in October later that year in the plane crash. I saw there concert the night before the plane crash. the show I will never forget..
I'm an American living in Australia and a huge Skynyrd fan.. I saw then in concert here in Australia in 2014, 27,000 in attendance and mostly Aussies... when they played this song everyone... on their feet singing the entire song... got to the point where Johnny Van Zant the lead singer just stopped singing and stood watching the crowd grinning from ear to ear...
Huntsville AL is the #1 town to retire early in. In the top few for growth and Madison County has more PHDs per capita than anywhere else on this Planet. Better town than most.
Bands of that era were ALL LIVE BANDS! They toured 260 days out of the year to promote their next album. They would never be caught dead lip singing or using auto tune. The “ cool guys “ name is Leon Wilkinson on bass guitar…
I remember in the late 70's in Arkansas roofing with my brothers listing to skynyrd in the summer. Damn I miss those days. Hot humid wearing blue jean shorts and no shirt getting tan and paid on Friday gonna go to the Quarry for the weekend swimming with young girls black white and Hispanic I haven't met yet. Those were the days where everyone was full of love no matter your skin color. Hell my first real girlfriend was black. Her family loved me and her two brothers were impressed I could dunk at 12 years old.
Fun fact: The guitarist in the red pants (Steve Gaines) is the kid brother of the middle backup singer- Cassie Gaines. It was she who introduced them, and kept after the guys to give him a try. He turned out to be an absolute BEAST on the guitar- and he could sing lead, too. Check out the video of them doing their version of "Gimme a T for Texas" at Knebworth fair- opening for the Rolling Stones in front of 350,000 people. Steve really shows off his skills on that one.
The bass player is Leon Wilkeson known to Skynyrd fans as “The Mad Hatter” This is from their Oakland CA show 7/2/77. A little more than 3 months later on 10/20/77 we lost Ronnie Van Zant (lead singer) Steve Gaines (guitarist in the white T-shirt) & his sister Cassie Gaines (background singer in the middle) in a terrible plane crash that also claimed the lives of their Manager Dean Kirkpatrick & both pilots 😪 The ladies were know as The Honkettes ♥️♥️ You should check out their Knebworth show from 1976! I suggest “T For Texas” live from that show!!
I love this tune its a classic and I find it ironic that I'm from Birmingham, Wild West Midlands, England 🏴, UK a city rich in diversity and culture I don't have to travel to world to see all the different people as they are all residing here which makes me so proud how all so many different folks can accept and respect each other. Thanks for sharing and please try not to avoid Alabama I'm sure there's good and bad everywhere we go, peace out BRUH!!
Well Van if you ever do have to drive through Alabama I would suggest just pulling into the nearest WalMart/ Dollar General and buying the cheapest Alabama Hat (preferably camo on it somewhere) then just wear that bad boy everywhere!
When you mentioned your feelings for Alabama, you used the word ignorant. I think you hit the nail on the head. The core of the Black community in the United States is in the "South." I'm not here to change your mind about anything. I just think you should know, that there isn't ANYWHERE in this great country where you wouldn't be welcomed with open arms (and probably some damn fine cooking.) Even Alabama. I truly believe that. Best reactions on RUclips. Keep it up, bud.
You would be so welcomed in Alabama! The Swampers were the band that played in FAME music studio. Everyone from Aretha Franklin to Aerosmith came to Muscle Shoals, Alabama for the sound quality. You would fall in love with Birmingham. I love your videos, JoJo too. 🥰
This concert was in Oakland,and the live version of Freebird kicks butt and you'd be able to see the buildup near the end of the solos. Allen Collins always jumped at the change after the buildup it's great check it bruh! Love watching you,you make me laugh mang.
In this video,Allen Collins is the guitarist in white. He and Gary Rossingron were the two guitarists left after the plane crash. Billy Powell the pianist was left and Artemis Pyle the drummer. Allen Collins and Gary Rossington formed the Rossington Collins band but didn't go too far. Rossington plays in the New Skynard band with Ronnie Van Zants cousin or brother,cant recall off hand, as lead singer now. Also Ronnie Van Zant the singer always was barefoot on stage so he could feel if the beat was right and could tell who was off.
Van, come on! Come down and enjoy our part of the US! I’m from Muscle Shoals….. MANY MANY BLACK ARTISTS recorded records in my hometown. Many artists still move to the area.
Man, this looks like it was 1977 and a few months later this band was in an airplane crash in the piney woods of Mississippi. Three of the band Ronnie ( lead vocals) , Steve (lead guitar) and Cassie (backup vocals) died , along with both pilots,and their road manager. Not one of the Skynyrd Band was from Alabama, it was just a fantastic song. I don't see why you want and enjoy making fun of people who made so many happy. I was 18 in "77" and was going to go to the concert in November in Chattanooga TN to see this band , thanks to fate I didn't get to. But please man, don't make fun of Lynyrd Skynyrd, the represent some of the best musicians that have ever lived. There are only two of them still alive, Gary Rossington and Artimus Pyle I wish you would give them the respect they deserve,as far as I know none of them were racist,why do you treat them as if they were? As far as Sweet Home Alabama goes it was about going to Muscle Shoals to a recording studio,where many soul records were recorded BTW. Check out the history, Percy Sledge , Aretha Franklin were just two of the greats who recorded down there. I'm not going to do your work for you, Google it. Also I know that there are many, many black people who call Alabama home and they love it. So just don't criticize people for no reason my friend, I've been watching yours and your sons videos for a while now, and I have enjoyed the reactions. Let's all just be friends now, I got nothing against anyone, but I defend people who can't take care of themselves. Thanks Van and thanks to the brothers and sisters of the Skynyrd Nation. Brother Gary
Just found your channel and I’ve watched about three videos so far. You get thousands of comments a day but if your reading this I want you to know that I really enjoy and appreciate what your doing and to keep up the great work. Your reactions are very entertaining and the quality is great looking forward to checking out more 👍
What people missed in the song was the lyric about the governor. The backup singers response BOO, BOO, BOO. The reason for that was then democrat gov George wallace. He was a pure racist, segregationist thru and thru. When their plane crashed the guitarist in the white shirt, red pants was killed along with his sister who was one of the backup singers. The lead singer died as well, sadly.
I've lived in Ga for nearly 40 years and haven't been to Alabama yet. Never even occured to me to visit ...or to avoid it, actually. Just never had a reason. Strange. Been to all the other neighboring states many multiple times. Huh. Weird. I can understand your hesitancy, from a historical pov. Not sure how relevant such concern is currently. But I don't pretend to know anything about that. Keep up the good work. Entertaining!! Still can't believe some of the music you haven't heard. Just goes to show how different people can be and still experience recognition and appreciation of talent. I respect and support your effort to explore.
The original beef between musicians. Neil Young and Lynard Skynard were beefing. Thats why you have the line here "I hope Neil young will remember, the Southern Man dont need you around anymore!" in response to the Neil young song "Southern Man" and "Alabama" which labeled people in the south as racists. You should give Southern Man a listen. Great song!
This song wasn't actually about the state as much as it was political. At that time Alabama was one of the last states to except segregation. It was more about the good people in the state and a slam against the evil of it's state government.
If youtube permitted pictures, i could attach a few here of Gary Rossington in the 70s that totally substantiates what LFR said. Since i can't, go look for vintage photos of the band on the internet and you'll see what i mean. There are some where Gary chose to pull on the ends of his locks to drive the point home
Van, you must look up the music of "Muscle Shoals" (referenced in the song), I turned 7 on the banks of muscle shoals and never knew what was happening at that time. It goes rather deep into American soulful music.
Alabama is buatiful nice people small towns everyone know they're neighbor I love it here I'm a Truck driver been all over the country Love Alabama it's quite
Just so you know they were criticising the racist governor of Alabama, George Wallace in this song. And the Confederate flag to them was about region. It was a different era.
That flag doesn't stand for racism. People need to study history closer. Thank you for your comment. Grew up in TN, we all grew up and worked together, never a problem.
Did Lynyrd Skynyrd ever have a number one hit? Lynyrd Skynyrd never had a song reach number one on the charts. Their song, "Sweet Home Alabama," reached number 8 on the US charts in 1974, becoming the band's highest-charting single.
first of all,They might be Grandma's but I don't think the great-grandma's. Okay maybe a few of them. I'm certainly one of them Grandma's except I don't have any grandchildren but I'm older than that. And yes I was rocking at those concerts. I saw Lynyrd Skynyrd live at the Nashville Tennessee motor speedway July of 1977. That was a great show. It featured Peter Frampton and Gary Wright with Skynrard as the headliners. Second I understand what you're saying about driving through Alabama but here's some food for thought Would you be safer driving through Alabama or through parts of Chicago? I don't really know I just haven't looked the stats up yet I'm just asking the question.
Can’t lie, they played off racism a bit. One day a black church group could hear the girls working on their vocals. Only couldn’t see them at first, rounded the corner & said in shock (Its a group of honkettes) a play off honky n the Rockettes. Anyway, after having a laugh about the situation the girls kept it as the sub name for the back-up singers.
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I have to admit, I moved my mixed-race family to Alabama 6 years ago from DC. Best decision of my life. Far less racism than I ever witnessed in my 20+ yrs living in DC/MD and I've traveled up and down the state with them.
Exactly! I'm from 'Bama but raised in Tennessee, and the most racist people I've encountered are 'damn Yankees'.
I always appreciate hearing from ppl who have recently had experience with something so we get that perspective too. 👍 glad to hear it.
I'm from England but would love to visit
True
I'm actually quite shocked at how much we have regressed as a culture I can't believe the topic of racism even exists
Quick Alabama story , 3 years ago on a highway in the country at night. Young black guy had a flat tire , big old white Sheriff followed him to the rest stop and changed his tire. Smiles and thank you's all round. Offered to follow him home to make sure he made it. I should've taken pictures.
@Mr Negative - Oh media, Where are you????? That's should be a common thing! We all bleed Red.
Because they just want to keep their racist bullshit going. Far as I'm concerned Joe Biden and Kamilla Harris are just as bad as Gov. Wallace (racist pieces of trash) and us Southern Men don't need them around anyhow!
Funny thing about Wallace is he carried over 30% of the black vote.
@@swampwitch6133 Excuse me Swamp, I just have a question. You're in LFRs video, and you start talking politics? Politics doesn't belong here sweetie okay. I'm thinking LFR might agree. I understand your comment of, "Southern Man don't need him around anyhow", but to bring in President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris into this? Can you tell me why? And where in your mind you thought it fit in here? You're going to sit there and bring it up, I'm sure you had absolutely no problem, if you were unemployed you took the unemployment money. I know you took your stimulus checks. And if you got kids starting next month, depending on how old they are, you're going to get more money. Biden and Harris are racist? Last time I looked at Kamala Harris, unless my eyes have deceived meI believe she's of brown skin? Soooo, she's racist to black and brown skin people, is that what you're trying to say? Okay I'm done, no more discussions here about that BS....Smh...🤦 🤷❓ 💯
@@Mssinful75 So what you're saying is you either know nothing about the cackling little bus girl or choose to be ignorant...🤔
Dude ive lived in Alabama my whole life and ive seen and heard far more acts of kindness between white people and any other race than i have bad ones. I love my home state and everyone who comes here to appreciate all she has to offer. Lynyrd Skynyrd is my favourite band of all time, thank you for reacting to them.
the problem is, that the bad acts make the headlines....
Truth
@@Metzwerg74Media agenda pushed that
And most of the band is actually from Jacksonville, FL; they just recorded a lot at Muscle Shoals studio in Alabama. This song was in response to two Neil Young songs that labeled Southerners as racist and slamming the state of Alabama. The band didn't like being lumped in that category; Ronnie gave an interview once and said as much. The guys weren't racist and they retorted back with this song. Neil Young said he actually deserved that line in the song and that he should not have written songs, grouping all Southerners as racist. BTW, Young and Skynyrd were friends and had a mutual respect for each other. Ronnie is actually wearing a T-shirt with Neil Youngs picture on it, at this concert.
That’s why I like Neil Young so much he admits his mistakes and I figure anyone who can look at themselves and realize the messed up and then admit it, I will hang out with any time they’re worth getting to know!
@@oldmanballer5088, I agree.
Facts about hometown. We share hometowns, mom went to school with the OG band, it was cool to meet the surviving members
Sorry, but your analysis is off point. Though Neil admitted that not everyone should be lumped together; his message was still accurate as a whole in that time. Just because one banana isn't rotten; doesn't mean the rest of them aren't; and at that time, most were rotten. Not being racist then, was not thinking of others as equal; but just not spitting on, beating, or lynching them. Still racist.
@@profanepersonality, I don’t pretend to know about the status of all “bananas “ down here, in the South, in the 70s. I do, however find it to be mighty presumptuous to say that these guys are/were racists. I don’t blame them for retorting back with a song. I went on a tour about a month ago with Ronnie’s best friend and security manager, who survived the plane crash that killed Ronnie, Steve and Cassie. I specifically asked Gene if Ronnie was racist, and his answer was an emphatic “no.” So, I understand you’re defining “not racist in the 70s” as not spitting on or lynching them. I was born, raised and still live in the south and it seems that you’re painting with a broad brush as to our views.
Alabama actually has some of the most accepting people.
...thank you!!
From Phenix City!!
Long as they Rolllll Tiiidee!!!
@@ascott6804 hello from fort Mitchell 🤙🏻
Go Clemson!! Can you accept that? 😉
@Ronald williams You are a racist biggot thats whats wrong with america is guys like you and your victim mentality.
Some Grannys out there, all sunburnt, high, drunk, having a good time.
Telling all the kids "Yea I was out there. And i was cooler than you."
Yes!
I turned 20 at that show: Outlaws, Santana, Skynyrd, and Peter Frampton. Free Bird was epic. And yeah, Grandma was hot.
Lucky dog!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
What was the date on that show? I always figured it was the original 420 LOLLLL
@@evangelinebelami8716 4th of July Weekend. They had two shows on the 2nd and 4th.
Man! Michael that's a cool ass story. 😎 Must have been an amazing experience.
Damn dude! What a birthday! More titys than a whore house and some of the best bands in the world!!! I was born in 80 and I wish I could have been there in 77!!
I've always thought this was the opening act for rolling stones?
I’m sorry you feel that way man we would love to have you visit sometime here in Alabama
I was at this concert. They were not headlining and they stole the whole damn show. One of the most memorable shows of my life. The crowd was still cheering for them when Peter Frampton took the stage. He was quite gracious about it. They were unlike any others.
Larry's name was Leon, Tom's name was Steve and Sneaky Pete is Ronnie
And Slash was Allen Collins... who I could watch play all day long! Catch Free bird live in 1976 at Knebworth. Skynyrd blew the Rolling Stones away that day!
Lol! 👈😉
And the female singers were Leslie Hawkins, Cassie Gaines (Steve’s sister) and Jo Jo Billingsley.
Hahaha! Well Leon is close to Larry- for just a random guess Van made😆
I’ll go anywhere in Alabama, you won’t catch me in Chicago!
And this may come as a surprise, but there's nice people in Chicago too. It's not ALL liberals.
@@kfjn0450 I've been to Navy Pier and yah I'll walk downtown Birmingham Alabama before Chicago at dark!!! At least I can carry in Alabama!!
@@willydb11184 Only if you're not Homosexual.
@@willydb11184 Stay away from Ensley. They're friggin cray cray over there.
@J G you can go anywhere if you make friends.
Ever notice how Ronnie just stood there on stage looking like a bad ass. No fancy lead man theatrics. Just pure southern stud......
There’s a lot of meaning to this song. The Governor of Alabama, when the song was written, was a segregationist. They’re throwing shade at him because they disagreed with his stance. “In Birmingham they love the Governor, BOO, BOO, BOO” “watergate does not bother me, does your conscience bother you” referring to the issues of the time, and that the Governor’s conscience should bother him. Also a little jab in there, “where the skies are so blue, and the Governor too”. Ronnie and the band were strong supporters of desegregation, and drew a tremendous amount of influence from the black artists of the time.
@Ronald williams That was in relation to Neil Young claiming all southerners were backwood bigots, which he later apologized for.
I don't think you really understand this song. Neither of the lines you quoted mean what you're saying they mean. Read the lyrics in context with this song being directed to Neil Young.
Roll Tide. From this human woman/Professor turning farmer. Only love here. Don’t listen to the noise. We have the soul, & the food.
Yes, and people STILL call them racist, which so pisses me off. HIGHLY prejudiced against Southerners. Just because of where they are from does not make them racist. In fact, they were the opposite. The Confederate flag, at THAT time, had a different meaning. It was just regional pride. I get tired of this victim card bullshit. Just enjoy the music.
@@charlesburger7973 The flag wasn't even their choice, it was the record label's.
And I still believe... that Ronnie was buried with his Neil Young shirt on. Knowing him, face down so anybody who didn't like him could kiss his ass.
In the 60’s and 70’s there was no auto tune. You had to have singing talent!!
Thats why todays singers would not have made a living in the 70s
Oh so close..."Larry is Leon"....RIP to almost all of the originals in Lynyrd Skynyrd
Can't get over how close he was to his name
Gary Rossington is still alive.
@@carpenter2833 Artimus, Gary, Leslie are the only original members left.
Alabama is a awesome state, don't listen to what "people" say about it.
Funny most people don't realize there are probably more mixed race families in the south then any part of the country but if you listen to the talking heads on TV ( who know nothing of the south) think otherwise.
Yes ignet.
@Ronald williams
Maybe it's just you ?
Maybe your attitude just suxs. So natural people don't like you. Lmao
I've lived near DC for 10 years and was living in Alabama 50 years before and Alabama is less racist acting.
warning: sad facts
3 of the people on stage (main vocalist "the short panthene guy", guitar vocalist and one of the chicks) died in a plane crash shortly after this concert
Ronnie Van Zant
Steve Gaines
Cassie Gaines
ok, that was depressing enough. let's add a fun fact (not sure if anyone else mentioned it in the other videos)
name of the band comes from their p.e. teacher, "leonard skinner"
he kinda bullied the core members. telling them they won't achieve anything in their lives. they named the band after his name.
@@sickturret3587 in Jacksonville, FL
@@TheBlackQueen Steve Gaines was one of the most underrated guitarists of his time. Im a guitar player and usually I dont care for Fender Stratocasters (too low of an output due to single coil pickups). BUT Steve was badass. Only one other Fender Strat player comes to mind who I could listen to all day... his name is Jimi
Oh sooo sad!😢
Alabama is one the best states as far as civil rights reform in America. This isn't 1965 anymore , things have changed. You shouldn't say stuff, unless you know what's what. Just couldn't let that stand.
Alabama is one of the prettiest states and some of the nicest people I've ever met. Greetings from the midwest, Illinois.
As a Georgia boy, I have to admit Alabama is a great place to visit…. Lol
EVERYONE DESERVES THIS BEAUTIFUL SONG. It is a beautiful tribute to the state. Love you Alabama!!
Alabama is a great place... hate to hear you said you’d avoid even going there...
Yea, I hate ignorant statements like that.
Agreed. As if no black people live and prosper in Alabama 🙄🤷🏻♀️
no shit
As a white man I don't blame him. Even I would avoid going to a state that has a history of flying the pro slavery flag. It is what it is. Ya I am sure some fine white and fine black folks live in Alabama. But come on lets get real.
I was born and raised in Texas and left it for those same reasons. Backward, racist politics and attitudes. No disrespect to Alabama but it doesn't have a friendly history toward blacks and conservatives make change slow and even go backwards at times.
Bottom line is there are much better places even for me as a white man.
@@Hot_Topic the flag your talking about is a cross it is called saint adrews croos is from Scotland so when put that flag down then your put the cross
You gotta check out the live performance of "Free Bird" from that same concert at the Oakland Coliseum on July 2nd 1977. You will be glad that you did.
Peace Out 😊✌
People of Alabama would welcome you. Southern hospitality
Please come visit Alabama sometime! I have lived here for 12 years. Friendly people of all nationalities live here. It is not the 1960’s anymore this is 2021. I live in Mobile the home of Mardi Gras…. We know how to have a good time! The white sand beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are beautiful! Beautiful people of all races live here and we all get along and love one another. I really like your reactions, enjoy your videos and appreciate you a lot.
Skynyrd was a rehearsal band. Ronnie made them practice 10 hours a day in a backwoods shack they called Hell House. Ronnie wanted them to sound exactly the same on stage as the did on record. They did. Not only was Ronnie short, but he performed in bare feet. He was all about the music. Don't know if you picked it up, but Ronnie is wearing a Neil Young t-shirt. And frankly, you have a hell of a lot more to worry about in northern big cities than you do in Alabama or any other southern state I know of.
Come on to Alabama. This isn’t 1960...lol. After watching the news I find that terrible crazy people are in every state...Peace & blessings!!❤️
Agreed. I'm from Minneapolis and believe me, I NEVER thought my city would be all over international news smdh. There's always going to be good and bad no matter where you go.
It's not perfect yet anywhere in the United States I mean there's rioting going on in Portland today and people are getting killed in california. But as far as the South we've come a long long way. I mean I was 10 years old during the Civil Rights movement I remember the protests and the peaceful demonstrations in Nashville Tennessee and began asking my parents then why and luckily my parents weren't taught to hate and they taught me that we judge people the way Dr King said to you by the content of their character. And there's so many more of us in the South now than the old guard
There will always be ignorant people no matter where you go but I think the old guard Alabama is pretty much dead now
Always has been. If you aren’t too sensitive listen to Randy Newman’s song Rednecks.
Nah... Go around! Lol
I'm from Belfast (Northern Ireland). We rocked out to this in the 70's. Yes, I'm that old :(. I understood then, that it was a reaction to Neil Young's Southern Man without precisely knowing what, ehrhm, precisely. Something like, "We're not that bad Neil, we objected to the governor"! I assumed these guys were from Alabama but they were from Florida? It's a great rock riff but I don't know what to make of it as a song.
The lead singer is Cassie Gaines, her brother played guitar in the Lynyard Skynard band, the lead singer Ronnie Van Zandt, Cassie and her brother Steven Gaines were all killed in an air plane crash in 1977.
I wish I had been able to see Ronnie Van Zant. I was born in 76 so I have seen the 2nd grouping of them. So sad about the plane crash! The world lost a great man!
Born in 1975 here, and I love some Skynryd. Ronnie was the songwriter and made them who they are. :)
I am originally from North Alabama.
If you haven't seen the movie about recording in Muscle Shoals put it on your list of movies to see.
Muscle Shoals is a very small town in Northwest Alabama.
But so many big names recorded there because the studio gave them a sound they couldn't find anywhere else.
Just to name a few..
The Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin, George Michael, Wilson Pickett, Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Etta James, Cher and many more.
The Swampers were the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section.
This group of men were all high school friends with no formal music training and they were incredible.
Now, it's time to go watch this movie.
I'm listening from ALABAMA. sorry to hear that you go around this beautiful state..... I live close to cheaha mnt. It's so beautiful and and we are not racist ppl. The Bible says we only have one race... THE HUMAN RACE. peace love and happiness. Love your reactions.
Leon wilkenson--bass
Gary rossington--3rd guitar
Steve gaines--2nd guitar
Allen collins--lead guitar
Billy powell--keyboards
Artemis pyle- drums
Ronnie van Zandt. Lead vocals.
Most Southerners have no problems with Black People in general. When your pants sag to the ground and have no respect for others you might get some sideways looks. I live in Jacksonville, FL just down the road from Ronnie Van Zant memorial park complete with catfish pond. But I can take you to a place deep in the woods where Slave Quarters are still standing. There's places where white folks don't go and there's places where black folks don't go. But most places it don't matter what color you are you get treated the same. Hell the local bar has an outdoor band stand with an American flag and a Rebel flag flying on the corners and black people go there all the time. You even see them hug their white girls they are friends with. No body raises an eyebrow. It's all good.
After Ronnie Van Zandt was killed in the plane crash his little brother Johnny stepped in as lead singer. They still tour today.
But it isn’t Leonard Skynard.
@@matthawkins8880 who’s Leonard Skynard never heard of them now I have heard of Lynyrd Skynyrd! They are awesome!
he was lead for 38 special....
Real musicianship, real singing, and real talent!!!
Man black and white people have been living side by side in the South for generations. I am not denying are past because there was a time that things were terrible for blacks in the South but that period ended a long time ago.. The North actually did a study about the negative effects of slavery on whites. According to Dr. Thomas Sowell they determined that we were less than because of our closeness to the black population or slave population whichever you prefer but the simple fact is that yes we have had some SERIOUS issues but we have been influencing each other for hundreds of years down here and we came out on this end much better for it. So I can't speak for Alabama but if you want to come hang out in Mississippi just holler at ya boy and we'll plan us up a Crawfish Boil and show ya why they call us the "Hospitality State". I promise you would be shocked at how you would be treated. I don't know where you're from but you should visit the South my guy.. You may never WANT to go back to a city where nobody even takes the time to give a polite head nod let alone care about their neighbors.. 🔥 Ass review..
I know I'm late to this party lol but those are my 2 cents anyway 😁🙏✌
You would like it ! I'm from Carolina but Bama has really nice people!
I'm from Alabama. Went on a short cruise between Turku Finland and Stockholm and back. The house band played this song. Pretty cool...... people around the world song it!! I was proud.
They're from Jacksonville, Florida, but they recorded All their music in Muscle Shoals, Alabama... so they considered it their second home. Being From Alabama and now living in Jax,Fl ... Lynyrd Skynyrd has ALWAYS been a Big part of my Life !!
ROLL TIDE 🐘🐘🏆
No, they actually only recorded a couple of early (pre-record deal) things in Shoals. They recorded mostly in Doraville, Georgia at Studio One. And a couple times in Florida and Cali.
Roll tide
@@JCDwyer This song was recorded at Muscle Shoals Sound. Billy Powell was their roadie, when the guys went out to eat Billy sat at the piano and played the opening. The Swampers ask what it was, they worked on it and when the guys came back Sweet Home was born.
Ronnie firmly believed the bathroom in the studio was haunted and refused to use it. Mick Jager & Cher recorded vocals in it and Keith Richards did some guitar from there. That bathroom still has amazing acoustics. They continued visiting The Shoals often. Gary Rossington recruited a college friend Mitch Regal to play on one of his and Dale’s albums and tour.
We still are putting out great music. Willie Nelson was here last year along with Ann Wilson.
Both studios give tours and are worth the trip! If you do the behind the scenes tour at FAME you can see Miss Aretha’s piano. Both studios are magical places adding proof to the Cherokee legend that there’s a muse in the Tennessee River. They called it Singing River.
We had a concert recently honoring The Swampers. We only have David Hood left and he’s still rockin.
Look up The W.C. Handy Festival we have so many musicians come it’s hard to choose who to see. 😂
Hope to see y’all next July!
@@teresahall4247 Nah, I’m pretty sure you’re thinking of Freebird. The story you mention above did happen, and did result in Billy joining as a band member, and did result in an awesome piano intro. But it was the piano intro to Freebird, not Sweet Home.
1, Sweet Home doesn’t even have a piano intro. 2, it was written at Hell House and very quickly recorded at Studio One in Doraville, GA. (shortly after Pronounced was recorded there) And 3, it was co-written by Ed King, right after he switched from Bass to Guitar. (Also shortly after Pronounced was finished).
Them’s the Facts, Ma’am.
They called the 3 women backup singers the Honkettes. The middle one was the sister of the guitarist in red pants and they along with the lead singer died in the plane crash on Oct. 20, 1977, 2 months later. 2 managers and both pilots also died. The only 2 members from this line-up still alive is Artimus Pyle, the drummer and the guitarist with the long black hair, Gary Rossington. FYI, That Smell was written about Gary.
Skynyrd is life!!
Tuesdays Gone.
I saw them in Pittsburgh PA in 77. Nazareth played and Aero Smith. Freaking awesome concert.
I was born in 66. So I was 10 this summer. So yeah grandma is in the audience.
As much of a straight up respectful man, that is my impression that I have gotten, you would be treated with more respect in any city, town, county in Alabama than you would in any city from New York, New Jersey, Illinois or any major cities north of the Mason Dixon line. You are missing out on some of the greatest "comfort food" and all around hospitality.
I went to a Willie Nelson picnic concert in Tulsa Oklahoma fair grounds and I was 13 years old and I am 60 now and there was 6 bands and Leonard Skynyrd played everyone partied until them and Willie Nelson played and I know there was a lot of babies made that night if not 100s.
Not only can they do it live they’re actually the best live band in history.
Led Zepps not to shabby
The lead singer Ronnie Van zant and one of the lead guitar players Steve Gaines and one of the backup singers Steve's sister Cassie Gaines, those three members of the band were killed in October later that year in the plane crash. I saw there concert the night before the plane crash. the show I will never forget..
I'm an American living in Australia and a huge Skynyrd fan.. I saw then in concert here in Australia in 2014, 27,000 in attendance and mostly Aussies... when they played this song everyone... on their feet singing the entire song... got to the point where Johnny Van Zant the lead singer just stopped singing and stood watching the crowd grinning from ear to ear...
Huntsville AL is the #1 town to retire early in. In the top few for growth and Madison County has more PHDs per capita than anywhere else on this Planet. Better town than most.
@Jimmyyo Stinson The town really does have two sides. The laid back go fishing side, and the invade a small country or land a rocket on the moon.
Born and raised here in huntsville wouldn't live anywhere else
Bands of that era were ALL LIVE BANDS! They toured 260 days out of the year to promote their next album. They would never be caught dead lip singing or using auto tune. The “ cool guys “ name is Leon Wilkinson on bass guitar…
I remember in the late 70's in Arkansas roofing with my brothers listing to skynyrd in the summer. Damn I miss those days. Hot humid wearing blue jean shorts and no shirt getting tan and paid on Friday gonna go to the Quarry for the weekend swimming with young girls black white and Hispanic I haven't met yet. Those were the days where everyone was full of love no matter your skin color. Hell my first real girlfriend was black. Her family loved me and her two brothers were impressed I could dunk at 12 years old.
Alabama is my sweet home, born and raised here...we are layed back and are known for our hospitality. We are also booming...
*You need to watch them do "FREE BIRD" at this same show in Southern California, you WILL be impressed!!!*
Day on the Green in Oakland Coliseum.
The short little lead singer is a badass. His dad was a boxer & he grew up boxing.
Damn, I coulda been one of those "grandmas!" And we were wearing bikinis, dude. What a grand time we had back then. Love your channel, and your vibe!
As an Alabamian, trust me there is nothing better than a summer day blasting this song with the windows down!
Van, This is not the 1800's! The people of Alabama are great and will treat you with the greatest respect.
I'm a Georgia girl. Go Dawgs!
But Alabama is a cool place with a lot of good people. Roll Tide!
Fun fact: The guitarist in the red pants (Steve Gaines) is the kid brother of the middle backup singer- Cassie Gaines. It was she who introduced them, and kept after the guys to give him a try. He turned out to be an absolute BEAST on the guitar- and he could sing lead, too.
Check out the video of them doing their version of "Gimme a T for Texas" at Knebworth fair- opening for the Rolling Stones in front of 350,000 people. Steve really shows off his skills on that one.
"...lustin' over Larry. With their bras on." 😂
The bass player is Leon Wilkeson known to Skynyrd fans as “The Mad Hatter” This is from their Oakland CA show 7/2/77. A little more than 3 months later on 10/20/77 we lost Ronnie Van Zant (lead singer) Steve Gaines (guitarist in the white T-shirt) & his sister Cassie Gaines (background singer in the middle) in a terrible plane crash that also claimed the lives of their Manager Dean Kirkpatrick & both pilots 😪 The ladies were know as The Honkettes ♥️♥️ You should check out their Knebworth show from 1976! I suggest “T For Texas” live from that show!!
I love this tune its a classic and I find it ironic that I'm from Birmingham, Wild West Midlands, England 🏴, UK a city rich in diversity and culture I don't have to travel to world to see all the different people as they are all residing here which makes me so proud how all so many different folks can accept and respect each other. Thanks for sharing and please try not to avoid Alabama I'm sure there's good and bad everywhere we go, peace out BRUH!!
Please do "That Smell" next. Love your vibe.
Well Van if you ever do have to drive through Alabama I would suggest just pulling into the nearest WalMart/ Dollar General and buying the cheapest Alabama Hat (preferably camo on it somewhere) then just wear that bad boy everywhere!
Tom is Steve Gains his sister Cassie is one of the backup singers, unfortunately both passed in the plane crash
When you mentioned your feelings for Alabama, you used the word ignorant. I think you hit the nail on the head. The core of the Black community in the United States is in the "South." I'm not here to change your mind about anything. I just think you should know, that there isn't ANYWHERE in this great country where you wouldn't be welcomed with open arms (and probably some damn fine cooking.) Even Alabama. I truly believe that. Best reactions on RUclips. Keep it up, bud.
I live in Alabama been a fan for awhile you can come to my house and eat dinner when ever you want
You would be so welcomed in Alabama! The Swampers were the band that played in FAME music studio. Everyone from Aretha Franklin to Aerosmith came to Muscle Shoals, Alabama for the sound quality. You would fall in love with Birmingham. I love your videos, JoJo too. 🥰
*Alabama is the state.
Freebird live Knebworth. You’ll have a greater appreciation of the musicianship period.
This concert was in Oakland,and the live version of Freebird kicks butt and you'd be able to see the buildup near the end of the solos. Allen Collins always jumped at the change after the buildup it's great check it bruh! Love watching you,you make me laugh mang.
Back when music was great and concerts were the best time. My my how things have changed. ✌💖🤘
Born and raised in North Alabama straight out of the mountains I want to thank you for for what you do .....
In this video,Allen Collins is the guitarist in white. He and Gary Rossingron were the two guitarists left after the plane crash. Billy Powell the pianist was left and Artemis Pyle the drummer. Allen Collins and Gary Rossington formed the Rossington Collins band but didn't go too far. Rossington plays in the New Skynard band with Ronnie Van Zants cousin or brother,cant recall off hand, as lead singer now.
Also Ronnie Van Zant the singer always was barefoot on stage so he could feel if the beat was right and could tell who was off.
I’ve been listening to Skynyrd since I was 14 and I’m 62 now
Van, come on! Come down and enjoy our part of the US! I’m from Muscle Shoals….. MANY MANY BLACK ARTISTS recorded records in my hometown. Many artists still move to the area.
Some of y’all’s grandmas lookin fine as hell in the crowd 👀
We grandmas were cool back in the day. Our men were soldiers. I would stay out of Missouri before Alabama.
You getting in the meaty south, hard.
Hats off to you good sir
Man, this looks like it was 1977 and a few months later this band was in an airplane crash in the piney woods of Mississippi. Three of the band Ronnie ( lead vocals) , Steve (lead guitar) and Cassie (backup vocals) died , along with both pilots,and their road manager. Not one of the Skynyrd Band was from Alabama, it was just a fantastic song. I don't see why you want and enjoy making fun of people who made so many happy. I was 18 in "77" and was going to go to the concert in November in Chattanooga TN to see this band , thanks to fate I didn't get to. But please man, don't make fun of Lynyrd Skynyrd, the represent some of the best musicians that have ever lived. There are only two of them still alive, Gary Rossington and Artimus Pyle I wish you would give them the respect they deserve,as far as I know none of them were racist,why do you treat them as if they were? As far as Sweet Home Alabama goes it was about going to Muscle Shoals to a recording studio,where many soul records were recorded BTW. Check out the history, Percy Sledge , Aretha Franklin were just two of the greats who recorded down there. I'm not going to do your work for you, Google it. Also I know that there are many, many black people who call Alabama home and they love it. So just don't criticize people for no reason my friend, I've been watching yours and your sons videos for a while now, and I have enjoyed the reactions. Let's all just be friends now, I got nothing against anyone, but I defend people who can't take care of themselves. Thanks Van and thanks to the brothers and sisters of the Skynyrd Nation.
Brother Gary
Just found your channel and I’ve watched about three videos so far. You get thousands of comments a day but if your reading this I want you to know that I really enjoy and appreciate what your doing and to keep up the great work. Your reactions are very entertaining and the quality is great looking forward to checking out more 👍
You do realize they are from Jacksonville Florida, come to Bama I'll drink a beer with you
You would really like "Freebird" from the same live concert... they really rock that one.
What people missed in the song was the lyric about the governor. The backup singers response BOO, BOO, BOO. The reason for that was then democrat gov George wallace. He was a pure racist, segregationist thru and thru.
When their plane crashed the guitarist in the white shirt, red pants was killed along with his sister who was one of the backup singers. The lead singer died as well, sadly.
The best band of all time!!! So glad you are here Van!!
I've lived in Ga for nearly 40 years and haven't been to Alabama yet. Never even occured to me to visit ...or to avoid it, actually. Just never had a reason. Strange. Been to all the other neighboring states many multiple times. Huh. Weird. I can understand your hesitancy, from a historical pov. Not sure how relevant such concern is currently. But I don't pretend to know anything about that. Keep up the good work. Entertaining!! Still can't believe some of the music you haven't heard. Just goes to show how different people can be and still experience recognition and appreciation of talent. I respect and support your effort to explore.
The original beef between musicians. Neil Young and Lynard Skynard were beefing. Thats why you have the line here "I hope Neil young will remember, the Southern Man dont need you around anymore!" in response to the Neil young song "Southern Man" and "Alabama" which labeled people in the south as racists. You should give Southern Man a listen. Great song!
Alabam You Got The Rest Of The Union To Help You Along
This song wasn't actually about the state as much as it was political. At that time Alabama was one of the last states to except segregation. It was more about the good people in the state and a slam against the evil of it's state government.
I haven’t ever thought of lynyrd skynyrd and good shiny Pantene hair 😂
If youtube permitted pictures, i could attach a few here of Gary Rossington in the 70s that totally substantiates what LFR said. Since i can't, go look for vintage photos of the band on the internet and you'll see what i mean. There are some where Gary chose to pull on the ends of his locks to drive the point home
Van, you must look up the music of "Muscle Shoals" (referenced in the song), I turned 7 on the banks of muscle shoals and never knew what was happening at that time. It goes rather deep into American soulful music.
THAT'S THE OAKLAND CONCERT! ! ! . . . . . FREE BIRD, ya got'a do FREE BIRD from the same concert ! ! !
Fun fact about lynerd skynyrd, the band 38 Special is their cousin's. You should give them a listen to
Alabama is buatiful nice people small towns everyone know they're neighbor I love it here I'm a Truck driver been all over the country Love Alabama it's quite
Just so you know they were criticising the racist governor of Alabama, George Wallace in this song. And the Confederate flag to them was about region. It was a different era.
That flag doesn't stand for racism. People need to study history closer. Thank you for your comment. Grew up in TN, we all grew up and worked together, never a problem.
I live in Alabama. You would be surprised how welcomed you would be. Southern hospitality is reel.
Did Lynyrd Skynyrd ever have a number one hit?
Lynyrd Skynyrd never had a song reach number one on the charts. Their song, "Sweet Home Alabama," reached number 8 on the US charts in 1974, becoming the band's highest-charting single.
first of all,They might be Grandma's but I don't think the great-grandma's. Okay maybe a few of them. I'm certainly one of them Grandma's except I don't have any grandchildren but I'm older than that. And yes I was rocking at those concerts. I saw Lynyrd Skynyrd live at the Nashville Tennessee motor speedway July of 1977. That was a great show. It featured Peter Frampton and Gary Wright with Skynrard as the headliners.
Second I understand what you're saying about driving through Alabama but here's some food for thought Would you be safer driving through Alabama or through parts of Chicago? I don't really know I just haven't looked the stats up yet I'm just asking the question.
Freebird from the same concert is a must
Can’t lie, they played off racism a bit. One day a black church group could hear the girls working on their vocals. Only couldn’t see them at first, rounded the corner & said in shock (Its a group of honkettes) a play off honky n the Rockettes. Anyway, after having a laugh about the situation the girls kept it as the sub name for the back-up singers.