Lynyrd Skynyrd (IPA: /ˌlɛnɚdˈskɪnɝd/) is an iconic U.S. southern rock band formed in 1964. The band reached prominence during the 1970s under the leadership of vocalist and primary songwriter Ronnie Van Zant, until he died, along with several other members of the band (Steve Gaines and Cassie Gaines and assistant road manager Dean Kilpatrick), in a plane crash on Oct. 20th, 1977 in a Gillsburg, Mississippi swamp. At that time their current album "Street Survivors" showed them standing in flames. This album cover version was quickly pulled from store shelves and replaced with another non-descript cover in respect to the lost members of the band.

Lynyrd Skynyrd was one of the most critically acclaimed Southern Rock groups of the 1970s (although the term "Southern Rock" did not exist at the time they formed), and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on March 13, 2006. Their distinctive triple-lead guitar sound made their songs "Free Bird" and "Sweet Home Alabama" American anthems and staples of FM radio.

Members inducted include singer Ronnie Van Zant, guitarists Gary Rossington, Allen Collins, Ed King, and Steve Gaines, bassist Leon Wilkeson, keyboard player Billy Powell, and drummers Bob Burns and Artimus Pyle.

Other members include/included Larry Jundstrom , Randall Hall,Byron Glover, Hughie Thomasson

A tribute band was formed in 1987 for a reunion tour with Johnny Van Zant, Ronnie's younger brother, at the helm, and continues to record music today.

Current members are Johnny Van Zant, Ean Evans, Rickey Medlocke, Michael Cartellone, Mark Matejka and Gary Rossington.

On January 28, 2009, keyboardist Billy Powell died at age 56 at his home near Jacksonville, Florida.

Jacksonville