I remember the first time I heard Lynyrd Skynyrd. I was over at a friend's house and That Smell was playing on the radio. I hadn't listened to much rock-and-roll back then, I grew up listening to country music. But that driving beat and Ronnie's heartfelt lyrics did something to me. I've been a Skynyrd Fan ever since.

It's hard to put into words exactly what I like about their music. Of all the bands I've heard, they have one of the widest ranges. Listening to the slow Ballad of Curtis Lowe you would never think that it was the same band that played Gimme Back My Bullets. But in spite of that range, you can still tell a Skynyrd song. They have that magical quality that sets them apart from the crowd.

As I grew up, I collected all of their albums. I was even lucky enough to find a copy of the original "Street Survivors" album (see right). I got to know the band through their music. I can still feel Ronnie's pain as I listen to Tuesday's Gone or his frustration in Am I Losin'. Those songs have helped me over a lot of rocky roads, and they have become a part of my life.

I cried the day I heard of the plane crash that took the life of Ronnie VanZant, Steve Gaines, and Cassie Gaines. I felt like I had lost a friend, and I guess I had. Because although they never knew who I was, they were always there for me. I never even got to see them live.

They say when you take something, you should give something back. I took from Lynyrd Skynyrd and this page is my attempt to give something back. As long as there are those of us who remember, their music and their legend will never die!

Before I close, I've got to say "Thank you" to Johnny VanZant and the other members of the band for bringing back to life the rock-and-roll legend that is Lynyrd Skynyrd. Although I never saw the original band live, I did see the new band. All I can say is "Long live Lynyrd Skynyrd!"

CLICK HERE TO RETURN