T For Texas (Live 1976)

The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic "T For Texas (Blue Yodel No. 1) (Live At Knebworth Fair/1976)" by Lynyrd Skynyrd from the album Freebird The Movie, and the Zoo Freaks are surely loving this Southern rock gem. This track, a cover of Jimmie Rodgers’ 1927 song, was recorded live at the Knebworth Festival in England on August 21, 1976, where Lynyrd Skynyrd opened for The Rolling Stones in front of 300,000 fans. The performance is iconic, with Ronnie Van Zant’s commanding stage presence and the band’s raw energy stealing the show. A notable moment from the Knebworth performance, captured in a post on X, highlights Van Zant’s Southern pride as he shouted, “Don’t let that flag hit the ground!” just before launching into the song, ensuring the crowd felt the band’s roots. Fans on Reddit have debated the song’s guitar intro from the One More From The Road version, with many initially believing it was played by Steve Gaines due to Van Zant’s introduction of him and his comment, “Goddamn that boy’s funky!” However, it’s widely confirmed that Gary Rossington played the intro, showcasing his pivotal role in crafting the band’s sound.

Another piece of trivia comes from discussions on the Allman Brothers Band forum, where fans noted Lynyrd Skynyrd’s knack for making cover songs their own. “T For Texas” was reportedly used as an audition piece after guitarist Ed King’s departure in 1975, with Leslie West jamming on it during tryouts. The song also served as a jam with opening acts, like The Outlaws, as seen in rare footage of a 1976 Los Angeles Forum performance. This cover, included in the Freebird The Movie soundtrack, exemplifies Skynyrd’s ability to infuse a classic with their three-guitar attack, with Rossington’s rhythm work often credited for the “Skynyrd treatment” that made their covers stand out. The Knebworth performance, featured in the documentary, was praised by Entertainment Weekly as proof of Skynyrd’s ferocity as a live act, far beyond just “boogie and beer.”

Lynyrd Skynyrd’s origins trace back to Jacksonville, Florida, in 1964, when the band formed as My Backyard with Ronnie Van Zant on vocals, Gary Rossington and Allen Collins on guitars, Larry Junstrom on bass, and Bob Burns on drums. The group cycled through names and lineups, playing small venues for four years before settling on “Lynyrd Skynyrd” in 1968, a nod to their high school gym teacher Leonard Skinner. By 1973, with the release of their debut album (Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd), featuring hits like “Free Bird” and “Simple Man,” they solidified their place as Southern rock pioneers. The lineup evolved, with Leon Wilkeson joining on bass, Billy Powell on keyboards, and later Ed King and Steve Gaines on guitars, alongside drummer Artimus Pyle. Their relentless touring and raw, guitar-driven sound earned them a global following, and by 1976, they were headlining massive festivals like Knebworth. Despite a tragic plane crash in 1977 that claimed Van Zant, Gaines, and others, the band reformed in 1987 with Johnny Van Zant as frontman and continues to tour today.

Stay connected with Lynyrd Skynyrd through their official website, where you can find tour dates and merchandise, or follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates and fan interactions. Fans can also join vibrant communities like the Lynyrd Skynyrd subreddit or explore tribute sites such as Skynyrd.com for blogs and history. For those wanting to dive deeper, Judy Van Zant Jenness, Ronnie’s widow, runs a tribute website dedicated to preserving the band’s legacy, offering a treasure trove of historical insights for Zoo Freaks and Southern rock enthusiasts alike.