Synopsis
Based on one-on-one interviews with members of Lynyrd Skynyrd, their families, friends, business associates, and fans, Freebird: The Lynyrd Skynyrd Story is the first narrative biography to fully examine the roots, evolution, and success of the most hard-rocking, hard-living band in rock 'n roll history.
From "Freebird" and "Sweet Home Alabama" to "Saturday Night Special" and "What's Your Name," Lynyrd Skynyrd's driving, guitar-fueled, blues-inspired songs celebrate stoic independence and bar-hopping camaraderie. Evoking vivid images of Southern landscapes, raunchy good times, and reckless young romance, Skynyrd's classic catalog emphasizes the importance of home, family, and a spirit of fierce independence that defines American rock.
Tenacious 'till the end, Lynyrd Skynyrd has kept on keepin' on—touring, recording, and producing hit records in the face of devastating tragedy and the ravages of life on the road. With this book, Marley Brant has given us a mesmerizing, behind-the-scenes chronicle of the group's history, struggles, and perseverance.
Freebirds was culled from primary sources including interviews with past and present Skynyrd members Johnny Van Zandt, Ed King, Artimus Pyle, Billy Powell, Rickey Medlocke, Leon Wilkeson, and Hughie Thomasson, as well as family members, and fellow musicians like Warren Haynes, and producer Al Kooper. Also included are over 50 photographs from the personal collections of the band, and their friends and family.