Freebirds: The Lynyrd Skynyrd Story

Based on one-on-one interviews with members of Lynyrd Skynyrd, their families, friends, business associates, and fans, Freebird: The Lynyrd Skynyrd Story is the first narrative biography to fully examine the roots, evolution, and success of the most hard-rocking, hard-living band in rock 'n roll history.

From "Freebird" and "Sweet Home Alabama" to "Saturday Night Special" and "What's Your Name," Lynyrd Skynyrd's driving, guitar-fueled, blues-inspired songs celebrate stoic independence and bar-hopping camaraderie. Evoking vivid images of Southern landscapes, raunchy good times, and reckless young romance, Skynyrd's classic catalog emphasizes the importance of home, family, and a spirit of fierce independence that defines American rock.

Tenacious 'till the end, Lynyrd Skynyrd has kept on keepin' on—touring, recording, and producing hit records in the face of devastating tragedy and the ravages of life on the road. With this book, Marley Brant has given us a mesmerizing, behind-the-scenes chronicle of the group's history, struggles, and perseverance, with details about,

• Their formation and early days in Jacksonville, Florida
• Their ambitious climb to the peak of rock stardom
• The complexities of interband relationships and conflicts
• The truth behind stories of booze-fueled crime and broken contracts
• The origins of their songs

Freebirds was culled from primary sources including interviews with past and present Skynyrd members Johnny Van Zandt, Ed King, Artimus Pyle, Billy Powell, Rickey Medlocke, Leon Wilkeson, and Hughie Thomasson, as well as family members, and fellow musicians like Warren Haynes, and producer Al Kooper. Also included are over 50 photographs from the personal collections of the band, and their friends and family.

Marley Brant has been a Skynyrd fan since the beginning of their recording career, loving their raw and charismatic catalogue of insightful ballads and their pure, rock-ensemble attack. She has enjoyed friendships with various members of the band, the crew and their families, and is the author of nine books, which have been featured by People magazine, The New York Times, VH1, A&E, The History Channel, TBS, CMT, The Biography Channel, and PBS. She has also produced a number of music-related programs for a variety of television networks.