Pronounced Leh-Nerd Skin-Nerd
Encyclopedia
is the debut album from Lynyrd Skynyrd
, released in 1973
. Featured songs include "I Ain't the One", "Gimme Three Steps
", "Simple Man
", "Tuesday's Gone
" and "Free Bird
", the rock anthem that first brought the band national attention.
Bassist Leon Wilkeson left the band during the album's early recording sessions only playing on two tracks. Strawberry Alarm Clock
guitarist Ed King was asked to fill in for Wilkeson on bass during the remaining sessions, as Wilkeson already wrote many of the bass parts. This left Skynyrd with only six official members at the time of the album's release. Not long after, King remained with the band, and was made a member, so that they could replicate the triple-guitar lead during live performances. Wilkeson returned to the band when it was time to take the photo for the album cover and embark on the tour for the album. It was certified Gold on 12/18/1974, Platinum and 2x Platinum on 7/21/1987 by the R.I.A.A.
The album was re-released in 2001 as an expanded version with bonus tracks, including demos of many of the songs on the album.
, Billy Powell
, Ronnie Van Zant
, Gary Rossington
(seated), Bob Burns
, Allen Collins
, and Ed King
.
The album cover photograph was taken on Main Street in Jonesboro, Georgia
. Coincidentally the photo of the band is only a few feet away, behind the photographer, from what would be the film scene
where Burt Reynolds
and Jerry Reed
loaded the Coors
beer onto the tractor trailer rig in the 1977 film "Smokey and the Bandit
" four years later.
Additional
Technical
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Lynyrd Skynyrd is an American rock band prominent in spreading Southern Rock during the 1970s.Originally formed as the "Noble Five" in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1964, the band rose to worldwide recognition on the basis of its driving live performances and signature tune, Freebird...
, released in 1973
1973 in music
-January–April:*January 9 – Mick Jagger's request for a Japanese visa is rejected on account of a 1969 drug conviction, putting an abrupt end to The Rolling Stones' plans to perform in Japan during their forthcoming tour.*January 14...
. Featured songs include "I Ain't the One", "Gimme Three Steps
Gimme Three Steps
"Gimme Three Steps" is a song by southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd released on its 1973 debut album, . The song can often be heard on many classic rock radio stations today...
", "Simple Man
Simple Man (Lynyrd Skynyrd song)
"Simple Man" is the fourth track on Lynyrd Skynyrd's first album, .-Composition:Shortly after Ronnie Van Zant's grandmother and Gary Rossington's mother died, they got together in Van Zant's apartment and shared stories about their mothers. Rossington came up with a chord progression, and Van Zant...
", "Tuesday's Gone
Tuesday's Gone
"Tuesday's Gone" is the second track on Lynyrd Skynyrd's first album, "". One of the band's most popular songs, its relaxing pace and serenading guitars have made it a fan staple. The lyrics, featuring themes of a relationship ending because of extensive touring, are similar in mood to the band's...
" and "Free Bird
Free Bird
"Free Bird" is a song by the American southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd...
", the rock anthem that first brought the band national attention.
Bassist Leon Wilkeson left the band during the album's early recording sessions only playing on two tracks. Strawberry Alarm Clock
Strawberry Alarm Clock
Strawberry Alarm Clock is a psychedelic rock band from Los Angeles best known for their 1967 hit "Incense and Peppermints". The group took its name as an homage to the Beatles' psychedelic hit "Strawberry Fields Forever", reportedly, at the suggestion of their record company Uni Records.They are...
guitarist Ed King was asked to fill in for Wilkeson on bass during the remaining sessions, as Wilkeson already wrote many of the bass parts. This left Skynyrd with only six official members at the time of the album's release. Not long after, King remained with the band, and was made a member, so that they could replicate the triple-guitar lead during live performances. Wilkeson returned to the band when it was time to take the photo for the album cover and embark on the tour for the album. It was certified Gold on 12/18/1974, Platinum and 2x Platinum on 7/21/1987 by the R.I.A.A.
The album was re-released in 2001 as an expanded version with bonus tracks, including demos of many of the songs on the album.
Reception
In 2003, the album was ranked number 401 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time and has sold an estimated 2 million units internationally.Album cover
The men in the photo are all the band members, from left to right: Leon WilkesonLeon Wilkeson
Leon Russell Wilkeson was the bassist of Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd from 1972 until his death in 2001.-Early life:...
, Billy Powell
Billy Powell
William Norris "Billy" Powell was an American musician. He was the longtime keyboardist of Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, from 1970 until his death in 2009.-Biography:...
, Ronnie Van Zant
Ronnie Van Zant
Ronald Wayne "Ronnie" Van Zant was an American lead vocalist, primary lyricist, and a founding member of the Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd...
, Gary Rossington
Gary Rossington
Gary Robert Rossington is a founding member of Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. He plays lead and rhythm guitar. He is also a founding member of The Rossington-Collins Band along with former Lynyrd Skynyrd bandmate, the late Allen Collins...
(seated), Bob Burns
Bob Burns (drummer)
Bob Burns is an American drummer who was in the original line-up of the Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. Burns helped to form the band in 1964 with Gary Rossington and Larry Junstrom and remained until 1974, although by some accounts he left the band for a while during the early 1970s...
, Allen Collins
Allen Collins
Larkin Allen Collins Jr. was one of the founding members and guitarists of Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, and co-wrote many of the band's songs with late frontman Ronnie Van Zant...
, and Ed King
Ed King
Edward C. King is an American musician. He is best known as the guitarist for psychedelic rock band Strawberry Alarm Clock and Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd....
.
The album cover photograph was taken on Main Street in Jonesboro, Georgia
Jonesboro, Georgia
Jonesboro is a city in Clayton County, Georgia, United States. The population was 4,724 as of the 2010 census. The city is the county seat of Clayton County....
. Coincidentally the photo of the band is only a few feet away, behind the photographer, from what would be the film scene
Scene (film)
In TV and movies, a scene is generally thought of as the action in a single location and continuous time. Due to the ability to edit recorded visual works, it is typically much shorter than a stage play scene....
where Burt Reynolds
Burt Reynolds
Burton Leon "Burt" Reynolds, Jr. is an American actor. Some of his memorable roles include Bo 'Bandit' Darville in Smokey and the Bandit, Lewis Medlock in Deliverance, Bobby "Gator" McCluskey in White Lightning and sequel Gator, Paul Crewe and Coach Nate Scarborough in The Longest Yard and its...
and Jerry Reed
Jerry Reed
Jerry Reed Hubbard , known professionally as Jerry Reed, was an American country music singer, innovative guitarist, songwriter, and actor who appeared in more than a dozen films...
loaded the Coors
Coors Brewing Company
The Coors Brewing Company is a regional division of the world's fifth-largest brewing company, the Canadian Molson Coors Brewing Company and is the third-largest brewer in the United States...
beer onto the tractor trailer rig in the 1977 film "Smokey and the Bandit
Smokey and the Bandit
Smokey and the Bandit is a 1977 American film starring Burt Reynolds, Sally Field, Jackie Gleason, Jerry Reed, Pat McCormick, Paul Williams, and Mike Henry. It inspired several other trucking films, including two sequels, Smokey and the Bandit II, and Smokey and the Bandit Part 3...
" four years later.
Side one
- "I Ain't the One" (Gary RossingtonGary RossingtonGary Robert Rossington is a founding member of Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. He plays lead and rhythm guitar. He is also a founding member of The Rossington-Collins Band along with former Lynyrd Skynyrd bandmate, the late Allen Collins...
, Ronnie Van ZantRonnie Van ZantRonald Wayne "Ronnie" Van Zant was an American lead vocalist, primary lyricist, and a founding member of the Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd...
) – 3:53 - "Tuesday's GoneTuesday's Gone"Tuesday's Gone" is the second track on Lynyrd Skynyrd's first album, "". One of the band's most popular songs, its relaxing pace and serenading guitars have made it a fan staple. The lyrics, featuring themes of a relationship ending because of extensive touring, are similar in mood to the band's...
" (Allen CollinsAllen CollinsLarkin Allen Collins Jr. was one of the founding members and guitarists of Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, and co-wrote many of the band's songs with late frontman Ronnie Van Zant...
, Rossington, Van Zant) – 7:32 - "Gimme Three StepsGimme Three Steps"Gimme Three Steps" is a song by southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd released on its 1973 debut album, . The song can often be heard on many classic rock radio stations today...
" (Collins, Van Zant) – 4:30 - "Simple ManSimple Man (Lynyrd Skynyrd song)"Simple Man" is the fourth track on Lynyrd Skynyrd's first album, .-Composition:Shortly after Ronnie Van Zant's grandmother and Gary Rossington's mother died, they got together in Van Zant's apartment and shared stories about their mothers. Rossington came up with a chord progression, and Van Zant...
" (Rossington, Van Zant) – 5:57
Side two
- "Things Goin' OnThings Goin' OnThings Goin' On was written in 1973 by Ronnie Van Zant and Gary Rossington, the lead vocalist and guitarist from Lynyrd Skynyrd. It appeared on the band's first album and expressed concerns about social and environmental issues, with especial criticism of politicians' role in such issues...
" (Rossington, Van Zant) – 5:00 - "Mississippi Kid" (Al KooperAl KooperAl Kooper is an American songwriter, record producer and musician, known for organizing Blood, Sweat & Tears , providing studio support for Bob Dylan when he went electric in 1965, and also bringing together guitarists Mike Bloomfield and Stephen Stills to...
, Van Zant, Bob BurnsBob Burns (drummer)Bob Burns is an American drummer who was in the original line-up of the Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. Burns helped to form the band in 1964 with Gary Rossington and Larry Junstrom and remained until 1974, although by some accounts he left the band for a while during the early 1970s...
) – 3:56 - "Poison Whiskey" (Ed KingEd KingEdward C. King is an American musician. He is best known as the guitarist for psychedelic rock band Strawberry Alarm Clock and Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd....
, Van Zant) – 3:13 - "Free BirdFree Bird"Free Bird" is a song by the American southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd...
" (Collins, Van Zant) – 9:18
2001 CD reissue bonus tracks
- "Mr. BankerMr. Banker"Mr. Banker" is a song by southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. The song was recorded in 1973, however it went unreleased until their debut album, was re-released with bonus tracks in 2001. It was written by Ronnie Van Zant, Gary Rossington, and Ed King.-Content:The song is memorable for its lyrics...
" (Demo) (Rossington, Van Zant, King) – 5:23 - "Down South Jukin'" (Demo) (Rossington, Van Zant) – 2:57
- "Tuesday's Gone" (Demo) (Rossington, Collins, Van Zant) – 7:56
- "Gimme Three Steps" (Demo) (Collins, Van Zant) – 5:20
- "Free Bird" (Demo) (Collins, Van Zant) – 11:09
- Tracks 9-13 previously unreleased.
Personnel
Musical- Ronnie Van ZantRonnie Van ZantRonald Wayne "Ronnie" Van Zant was an American lead vocalist, primary lyricist, and a founding member of the Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd...
– lead vocals, lyrics - Gary RossingtonGary RossingtonGary Robert Rossington is a founding member of Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. He plays lead and rhythm guitar. He is also a founding member of The Rossington-Collins Band along with former Lynyrd Skynyrd bandmate, the late Allen Collins...
– lead guitar on "Tuesday's Gone", "Gimme Three Steps", "Things Goin' On", "Poison Whiskey", "Simple Man", rhythm guitar on the others, slide guitar on "Free Bird" - Allen CollinsAllen CollinsLarkin Allen Collins Jr. was one of the founding members and guitarists of Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, and co-wrote many of the band's songs with late frontman Ronnie Van Zant...
– lead guitar on "I Ain't The One" & "Free Bird", rhythm guitar on the others - Ed KingEd KingEdward C. King is an American musician. He is best known as the guitarist for psychedelic rock band Strawberry Alarm Clock and Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd....
– lead guitar on "Mississippi Kid", bass on all tracks except "Mississippi Kid" and "Tuesday's Gone" - Billy PowellBilly PowellWilliam Norris "Billy" Powell was an American musician. He was the longtime keyboardist of Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, from 1970 until his death in 2009.-Biography:...
– keyboards - Bob BurnsBob Burns (drummer)Bob Burns is an American drummer who was in the original line-up of the Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. Burns helped to form the band in 1964 with Gary Rossington and Larry Junstrom and remained until 1974, although by some accounts he left the band for a while during the early 1970s...
– drums except on "Tuesday's Gone" - Leon WilkesonLeon WilkesonLeon Russell Wilkeson was the bassist of Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd from 1972 until his death in 2001.-Early life:...
– bass guitar on "Mississippi Kid" and "Tuesday's Gone"
Additional
- Al KooperAl KooperAl Kooper is an American songwriter, record producer and musician, known for organizing Blood, Sweat & Tears , providing studio support for Bob Dylan when he went electric in 1965, and also bringing together guitarists Mike Bloomfield and Stephen Stills to...
(Roosevelt Gook) – bass, Mellotron & back-up harmony on "Tuesday's Gone", mandolin & bass drum on "Mississippi Kid", organ on "Simple Man", "Poison Whiskey" & "Free Bird", Mellotron on "Free Bird" - Robert Nix – drums on "Tuesday's Gone"
- Bobbye HallBobbye HallBobbye Jean Hall Porter is an American percussionist who has recorded with a variety of rock, soul, blues and jazz artists, and has appeared on 22 songs that reached the top ten in the Billboard Hot 100, six of those reaching #1.-Early career:...
– percussion on "Gimme Three Steps" & "Things Goin' On" - Steve KatzSteve Katz (musician)Steve Katz is a guitarist and record producer who is best known as a member of the rock group Blood, Sweat & Tears. Katz was an original member of the rock bands The Blues Project and American Flyer...
– harmonica on "Mississippi Kid"
Technical
- Al KooperAl KooperAl Kooper is an American songwriter, record producer and musician, known for organizing Blood, Sweat & Tears , providing studio support for Bob Dylan when he went electric in 1965, and also bringing together guitarists Mike Bloomfield and Stephen Stills to...
– Producer, Engineer - Bobby Langford – Engineer
- Rodney MillsRodney MillsRodney Mills is an American mastering engineer in Atlanta, Georgia.He has been involved in the music industry for over 40 years and has earned over 50 gold and platinum records for engineering, producing, and mastering.- Biography :...
– Engineer - Thomas Hill – Photography
- Michael Diehl – Design
- Hideki Masubuchi – Liner Notes
- Chihiro Nozaki – Art Coordination
- Kenji Saiki – Art Coordination