T For Texas (Live 1976)

Zoo Freaks, your hippie DJs at THE ZOO are cranking up "T For Texas (Live 1976)" by Lynyrd Skynyrd, and we’ve got some righteous trivia to share! This track, a cover of Jimmie Rodgers’ "Blue Yodel No. 1," was recorded for their live album One More From The Road, capturing the band’s raw energy at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta. Fun fact: before the song kicks off, Ronnie Van Zant introduces Steve Gaines as the newest member, and during the opening riffs, he shouts, "Goddamn, that boy’s funky!" Fans long thought Gaines played the iconic intro, but online discussions, like those on Reddit, confirm it was Gary Rossington laying down those gritty licks. The song was also a staple for Skynyrd’s auditions after guitarist Ed King left in 1975, with folks like Leslie West jamming on it to prove their chops, as noted in fan forums like allmanbrothersband.com.

Another cool tidbit comes from a 2014 post on allmanbrothersband.com, where fans dive into how Skynyrd made covers their own. They credit Gary Rossington’s rhythm guitar for giving "T For Texas" that distinct Skynyrd swagger, much like their take on "Call Me The Breeze." The song’s history with the band goes back to 1975, when Ed King claimed he arranged its structure—chords, stops, and riffs—while rehearsing in Phoenix, only to leave the band weeks later. Over on tigerdroppings.com, fans rave about the 1976 Knebworth performance, where Ronnie Van Zant declared, “Don’t let that flag hit the ground!” showcasing his Southern pride before tearing into the tune. That moment’s echoed in posts on X, keeping the song’s legacy alive.

Now, let’s rewind to how Lynyrd Skynyrd got rolling. Formed in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1964, the band started as My Backyard, a scrappy group of teens—Ronnie Van Zant on vocals, Gary Rossington and Allen Collins on guitars, Larry Junstrom on bass, and Bob Burns on drums. They hustled through small gigs, cycling through names like The Noble Five and One Percent, before landing on "Lynyrd Skynyrd" in 1968, a playful jab at their strict gym teacher, Leonard Skinner. By 1973, they’d locked in a lineup with bassist Leon Wilkeson, keyboardist Billy Powell, and guitarist Ed King, dropping their debut album, Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd. Hits like "Free Bird" and later "Sweet Home Alabama" from 1974’s Second Helping cemented their Southern rock throne, blending blues, country, and raw attitude.

For more Skynyrd vibes, check out their official website, where you can grab tickets for their Sharp Dressed Simple Man tour with ZZ Top. Stay tuned to their Facebook for live updates, peek at their Instagram for throwbacks, and join the chatter on X. Zoo Freaks looking to connect with other fans can dive into groups like the Lynyrd Skynyrd Fan Club on Facebook or browse fan sites like lynyrdskynyrdhistory.com for deep cuts and stories. Keep it funky, Freaks!