Lynyrd Skynyrd stands as a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band that established Southern rock through their powerful guitar-based anthems and enduring ballads that have become essential to American rock heritage. Through its blend of swagger and storytelling abilities and its ability to endure challenges, the band created its legacy which shaped a musical genre and inspired multiple generations of rock, country and blues musicians.

Formed in Jacksonville, Florida in the 1960s and officially taking on the name Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1969, the group rose to national fame with their 1973 debut Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd.The album presented their distinctive musical style through blues-inspired riffs and three-guitar arrangements and working-class themes with songs such as “Simple Man” and “Gimme Three Steps.” The performance also introduced their signature song "Free Bird" which would become their most famous track and one of the longest requested rock songs in history.