Question 1

Did Lynyrd Skynyrd write their own songs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and the way they did it changed completely. Ronnie Van Zant has a writing credit on 36 of the 41 tracks across the five albums released before the 1977 plane crash, almost always paired with one guitar player. The band that reformed in 1987 has released nine more albums, on which Johnny Van Zant appears on 83 tracks and 47 different outside writers turn up alongside the core group.

Question 2

Who wrote Lynyrd Skynyrd's songs?

Accepted Answer

In the original band, Ronnie Van Zant with Gary Rossington, Allen Collins, Ed King or Steve Gaines, two names at a time. In the later band, Johnny Van Zant, Rossington, Rickey Medlocke and Hughie Thomasson, usually with outside co-writers.

Question 3

Who wrote "Free Bird"?

Accepted Answer

Allen Collins and Ronnie Van Zant. Collins had the music years before Van Zant wrote the words to it.

Question 4

Who wrote "Sweet Home Alabama"?

Accepted Answer

Ed King, Gary Rossington and Ronnie Van Zant. It was the band's biggest hit, reaching number 8 on the Hot 100 in 1974.

Question 5

How many studio albums did Lynyrd Skynyrd release?

Accepted Answer

Fourteen. Five with Ronnie Van Zant between 1973 and 1977, and nine more from 1991 to 2012 with Johnny Van Zant singing.

Question 6

What happened to the original band?

Accepted Answer

A chartered plane crashed on October 20, 1977, three days after Street Survivors came out. Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines and backing singer Cassie Gaines were killed, along with the pilot, co-pilot and the assistant road manager.

Question 7

How many records has Lynyrd Skynyrd sold?

Accepted Answer

More than 78 million worldwide as of 2023.

Question 8

Which Lynyrd Skynyrd album charted highest?

Accepted Answer

Street Survivors, at number 5 on the Billboard 200 in 1977. Nuthin' Fancy reached number 9 and Second Helping number 12.

Question 9

Is Lynyrd Skynyrd in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

Accepted Answer

Yes, inducted on March 13, 2006. "Free Bird" and "Sweet Home Alabama" have both since entered the Grammy Hall of Fame.

Question 10

Who is the only member on both the old and new albums?

Accepted Answer

Gary Rossington. He plays and writes on all fourteen studio albums and has 89 writing credits, more than anyone else in the band.