[EP 413] Lynyrd Skynyrd: How Ronnie Van Zant Led Rock’s Most Defiant Band with Chris Salisbury

Lynyrd Skynyrd became one of the most influential and enduring bands in Southern rock, powered by the songwriting, vision, and uncompromising leadership of Ronnie Van Zant. In this episode of Booked On Rock, author Chris Salisbury joins me to explore the story behind Lynyrd Skynyrd’s classic albums and songs, from their difficult early years in Jacksonville to the creation of “Free Bird,” “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Simple Man,” “Saturday Night Special,” and more.

Chris shares fascinating stories about Ronnie Van Zant’s leadership and songwriting, the development of Skynyrd’s legendary three-guitar attack, Al Kooper’s role in shaping the early record...