Do you remember the original Lynyrd Skynyrd? Lynyrd Skynyrd is a Southern Rock band from Florida. They performed songs like "Sweet Home Alabama", "Freebird", and one of my favorites "Simple Man", I always did like that song, and of course I can't leave out "The Ballad of Curtis Loew"
OK I'll admit I like all of their music.
On October 19th 1977 Lynyrd Skynyrd played The Greenville Memorial Auditorium in Greenville, South Carolina, this is the town I lived in at the time, and my buddy Rob got us tickets to the concert, we were ecstatic at scoring tickets.
Afterwards Rob said "this was one of the best concerts I have ever seen"
I was in high school at the time, and had requested from my employer as many hours as he could spare for me to work, I was helping Mom support our family, and got a call to go into work on the day of the concert.
I opted to give up my ticket to another friend. Rob and I planned to go instead "next year" when Lynyrd Skynyrd played here again, which was never meant to be.
Upon leaving Greenville SC on October 20th 1977 Lynyrd Skynyrds airplane ran out of fuel, and ended up crashing in a wooded area near Gillsburg, Mississippi killing six people, including the bands lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, along with Steve Gains who played guitar, and Steve's sister Cassie Gains who was a backup singer for the group, the pilot, co-pilot, and the bands assistant road manager also died.
This was Lynyrd Skynyrds last concert, my very last chance to hear them play live, and I had a ticket.......
I never got to see Lynyrd Skynyrd, never happened, but I did have a chance.
I know the group started back up about ten years later, but three members will always be missing.
I have seen several other concerts, I saw Boston and The Doobie Brothers, also some great Country acts, like Alabama, they were really good, and I saw Crystal Gayle the sister of Loretta Lynn, and Eddie Rabbitt a week after I was supposed to see George Jones at the Ector County Colesieum in Odessa, Texas.
I showed up but George didn't, this was during his "no show" period.
Another Group that I really liked was The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, I saw them play at a performance in the middle of main street during a music festival in Clovis, New Mexico, Dance Little Jean is one of my favorites from this group.
I saw Waylon Jennings get booed off of stage during his drinking days, and at the same concert they introduced a newcomer Hank Williams Jr. Who totally made up for Ol' Waylons slurring attempts to sing, when he took command of the stage, Hank Jr. blew us all away but I still liked Waylon's music anyways.
I always liked Hank Williams Sr, I listened to his music a lot when I was younger. I never saw him sing live due to the fact that he died before I was born, in North Carolina I went to a performance called "An Evening with Hank Williams" by country artist Jim Owen that was the next best thing. This man looked and sang the part so well you would have thought that Hank Williams was really on the stage.
Cindy and I went to a free concert at the park and saw Wilson Phillips play, I'm telling you those girls can sing, but they come from music stock and should be able to carry a tune, with Carnie and Wendy Wilson being the daughters of Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys, and Chynna Phillips the daughter of John and Michelle Phillips of The Mamas & the Papas.
I like music and the music I like varies, anything from Gospel to Country, Pop Rock to Hard Rock, Blues to Jazz, and Easy Listening, I don't really claim a particular style I just like what sounds good to me.
There are and have been a lot of good performers, I can't begin to list them all, the few I mentioned here is just an example of some that I like.
Music I like has a tune or tells a story, I'm sorry but some of the stuff I hear screaming out of my radio now is an embarrassment, this stuff that claims to be music is nothing more than filth. If I can't play it in front of my Mama then it ain't music in my opinion.
I could play anything Ronnie Van Zant sang in earshot of my Mom without the need to apologize. I just wish some of the songwriters today thought this way when releasing their songs.
What kind of music do you like, and who is your favorite performer?
OK I'll admit I like all of their music.
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| Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1977 |
Afterwards Rob said "this was one of the best concerts I have ever seen"
I was in high school at the time, and had requested from my employer as many hours as he could spare for me to work, I was helping Mom support our family, and got a call to go into work on the day of the concert.
I opted to give up my ticket to another friend. Rob and I planned to go instead "next year" when Lynyrd Skynyrd played here again, which was never meant to be.
Upon leaving Greenville SC on October 20th 1977 Lynyrd Skynyrds airplane ran out of fuel, and ended up crashing in a wooded area near Gillsburg, Mississippi killing six people, including the bands lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, along with Steve Gains who played guitar, and Steve's sister Cassie Gains who was a backup singer for the group, the pilot, co-pilot, and the bands assistant road manager also died.
This was Lynyrd Skynyrds last concert, my very last chance to hear them play live, and I had a ticket.......
I never got to see Lynyrd Skynyrd, never happened, but I did have a chance.
I know the group started back up about ten years later, but three members will always be missing.
I have seen several other concerts, I saw Boston and The Doobie Brothers, also some great Country acts, like Alabama, they were really good, and I saw Crystal Gayle the sister of Loretta Lynn, and Eddie Rabbitt a week after I was supposed to see George Jones at the Ector County Colesieum in Odessa, Texas.
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| George Jones aka "no show Jones" |
Another Group that I really liked was The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, I saw them play at a performance in the middle of main street during a music festival in Clovis, New Mexico, Dance Little Jean is one of my favorites from this group.
I saw Waylon Jennings get booed off of stage during his drinking days, and at the same concert they introduced a newcomer Hank Williams Jr. Who totally made up for Ol' Waylons slurring attempts to sing, when he took command of the stage, Hank Jr. blew us all away but I still liked Waylon's music anyways.
 |
| Hank Williams Jr and Waylon Jennings |
Cindy and I went to a free concert at the park and saw Wilson Phillips play, I'm telling you those girls can sing, but they come from music stock and should be able to carry a tune, with Carnie and Wendy Wilson being the daughters of Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys, and Chynna Phillips the daughter of John and Michelle Phillips of The Mamas & the Papas.
I like music and the music I like varies, anything from Gospel to Country, Pop Rock to Hard Rock, Blues to Jazz, and Easy Listening, I don't really claim a particular style I just like what sounds good to me.
There are and have been a lot of good performers, I can't begin to list them all, the few I mentioned here is just an example of some that I like.
Music I like has a tune or tells a story, I'm sorry but some of the stuff I hear screaming out of my radio now is an embarrassment, this stuff that claims to be music is nothing more than filth. If I can't play it in front of my Mama then it ain't music in my opinion.
I could play anything Ronnie Van Zant sang in earshot of my Mom without the need to apologize. I just wish some of the songwriters today thought this way when releasing their songs.
What kind of music do you like, and who is your favorite performer?
Easy listening is my favorite type of music anymore. I don't think I have a favorite anyone anymore. I'm just not that into music anymore. I rarely have the radio on. What happened to me? I don't know either.
ReplyDeleteHave a fabulous day and weekend. ☺
Hi Sandee, Easy listening is definitely not a bad choice in my opinion, while you are driving around or kicking back this weekend turn on some tunes and let them play in the background, they will make you smile ;)
DeleteI kind of lost interest in the modern music 'scene' around the mid 70's. I still like the old tunes Mom and Dad had on their 78's and quite a lot of the oh so dangerous rock and roll of the 50's and 60's.
ReplyDeleteHello Delores, oh that oh so dangerous rock music of the 50's and 60's where in the world would we be without it.
DeleteI don't remember going to the G M center but I did attend a hockey game and a concert in the Bi-Lo center which is now the Bon Secours Wellness Arena
ReplyDeleteHey Adam, I actually felt a pain in my heart when they imploded the Greenville Memorial Auditorium, I went to a few concerts there and they actually held my High school graduation there, so I guess it's a part of my past, having moved away I have never been to the BI-LO center aka Bon Secours Wellness Arena, I think I've heard it called The Well, I am sure it's a very nice place but in my mind will never hold the memories for me like the old Greenville Memorial Auditorium.
DeleteI like it all, even some RAP, lately I especially like anything with an acoustic guitar.
ReplyDeleteHi Joe, yes sir acoustic guitar is something you can't go wrong with, RAP I never took a liking to but have heard some of the RAP artists do other genres of music and have been impressed with them.
DeleteI'm a huge music fan, Jimmy. My favorite classic rock tunes are some that you love as well: Freebird, Stairway to Heaven, More Than a Feeling, Walk This Way. I think my husband's 'class song' in high school was Freebird. Unfortunately, mine was Back in Black. I'm not an AC/DC fan, though I was at the time.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite band will probably always be U2. I've seen them twice in concert and the only way to describe it is that's a spiritual experience. Many people agree with me, so it's not just in my head - LOL! I mostly like alternative music now, bands like Fitz & The Tantrums, Weezer and The Killers.
Hey Bijoux, that list sounds like a playlist that I would choose, I like some AC/DC but would definitely pick from your other list first, I can just imagine U2 in person, I bet it is a whole new perspective.
DeleteMy musical tastes (such as they are) are firmly based in the sixties and seventies. And some of the eighties.
ReplyDeleteHello EC, I think that is basically the time frame I lean towards also, a lot of good music then.
DeleteLove all kinds, just never got into rap or progressive jazz. I have quite a selection on my computer from classical, rock to country. When I hear a song I like, I just add it. Loved Lynyrd Skynyrd and my favorite songs were Sweet Home Alabama and What's Your Name.
ReplyDeleteHey Patti, Rap never was my taste but I too have quite the collection of music stored on my computer, a little bit from a lot of different artists, Lynyrd Skynyrd put out a lot of good music, the two songs you mentioned are excellent examples.
DeleteI like your eclectic taste in music. I listen mostly to country western and bluegrass but I also like world beat with a touch of classic thrown in to the mix. I don't play music around the house, though, because music brings on too many memories. I listen in the car, though.
ReplyDeleteHello Jean, driving down the road with a good country or bluegrass tune coming from the speakers has to make the ride much better, your choice of where you listen to music is just as important as choosing the music itself.
DeleteI mainly like classic rock. 1970s era. Or country from the 70s/80s/90s.
ReplyDeleteAs for Lynyrd Skynyrd, one of my favorites is "Gimme Three Steps."
Hey Val, I always had to grin at the visual that I got from "Gimme Three Steps" Lines like "Wait a minute Mister I didn't even kiss her" and "You could hear me screaming a mile away as I was heading out towards the door" that was a great song.
DeleteI've fallen away from listening to music, except for the classical channel. I do enjoy music and really should make more time for it.
ReplyDeleteHello Stephen, I have listened to some classical and have been impressed with the talent of the performers, just was never my choice of music. But with that said any music you enjoy is an excellent choice and hopefully you will have time to listen more.
DeleteI like music and wish I could sing or at least play an instrument, but I'm not at all musical apart from liking it. I don't have a favourite style or singer, but there's a lot that I don't like: rap; heavy metal; the old style country music where the singers whined about broken hearts. I prefer the more modern country rock style with happier songs. Not a fan of opera either.
ReplyDeleteHello River, a lot of the newer Country music does sound more like a cross between country and rock, I never played an instrument nor can I sing according to my wife but that doesn't stop me from singing my favorite songs anyways.
DeleteI'm sorry you missed your one shot at seeing Lynyrd Skynyrd's concert, but it sounds to me like you had your priorities straight.
ReplyDeleteMe? I love all kinds of music... anything but rap crap. I don't know if I could even pick a "favorite," because it's dependent on my mood... but I do love the Doors, Pink Floyd, and the Rolling Stones. Then again, I also love opera and classical music. Oh, and folk music, for sure... and blues... and some of the old jazz greats... and show tunes... and... and...and... like I said, anything but rap. (Except for ONE song called "Parents Just Don't Understand" by Will Smith and Jazzy Jeff. It was a hoot!)
Have a super weekend.
Hey Susan, my buddy Rob still reminds me on occasion how good that concert was, but if I had it to do over again I would make the same decision....maybe ;)
DeleteIt appears there is very little music that you don't like, this makes finding a good tune on the radio easy, you make a good point though that your mood determines what you like to hear at the time.
Although I'm sure it was a hard decision, you made the best decision to work and help your family rather than attend the Lynyrd Skynyrd concert. In my "youth" I really liked Phil Collins and saw him several times in concert. These days I like praise and worship music. So much more soothing for my soul :)
ReplyDeletebetty
Hi Betty, "In The Air Tonight" by Phil Collins is one of my favorites by him, he is another really talented performer that I like.
Delete"So much more soothing for my soul" this is a terrific description for praise and worship music, although I don't listen to it all the time, when I hear it there is always a feeling of relaxation and comfort that I feel.
I love, love, love all kinds of music and Wilson Phillips do have some good songs. I remember Duran Duran, Hall & Oates, Gladys Knight and so many really good bands from back in the day. Listening to music is a really great way for me to relax. I liked Lynyrd Skynyrd's music too, and while you didn't see them then, you still did the right thing by your family. Thanks for taking me back to some good times. Hugs...
ReplyDeleteHey RO, you mentioned some really great bands, the more comments we have here the more I am realizing the quality of the music we grew up with.
DeleteThank you for your comment about me making the right decision by missing that Lynyrd Skynyrd concert, I know that you are right.
It's good to see you RO
Joe and I would travel far and wide to hear 'country'. I still love it now but my musical tastes have expanded to include classical and other types of music. I loved Hank Williams and was sad when he died - still a young man. Gosh, Jimmy, you've prodded my memory with this post. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteHello Valerie, I bet you and Joe had a really great time going to those concerts, a lot of memories to treasure of you and Joe listening to your favorite music being performed live.
DeleteIt is a wonder how much music would have been released by Hank Williams had he lived, if I remember correctly there were several of his songs that were released after his death that were hits, really a good career for a man who died at 29.
I'm glad to have you with us this morning my dear friend.
I like Skynard but I grew up in the 80's. Micheal Jackson, Blonde and the go gos were my favorites at the time. I remember hearing a lot of Boston and Journey too. I like all types of music now except rap. Depends on my mood. I like dance hip hop, to contempary Christian music and even Micheal Buble. I do not have a favorite singer but favorite songs.
ReplyDeleteLisa
Hey Lisa, you have a wide range of music that you enjoy, I like not being tied to one sound so to say, variety increases the enjoyment in music and I see that you do enjoy it.
DeleteHow did I not know of the plane crash that killed 3 of Lynyrd Skynyrd?? They had some wonderful lyrics. Sad that you missed that concert.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I like a wide variety of music. It really depends on my mood. Drunken slurring doesn't usually make the cut, though.
Hey Abby, sad to say that was the last concert the original Lynyrd Skynyrd played, the loss of Ronnie Van Zant along with all the others was a hit no family should have to endure.
DeleteDrunken slurring doesn't sound very good, but once Ol' Waylon sobered up he and Willie did make some good music.
My wife Jilda and I saw them at Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Al in July 1974. Charlie Daniels opened for them.
ReplyDeleteThe city pulled the power plug that night because the band went beyond their scheduled cut-off time, but the crowd went CRAZY. I think city worker feared for their lives, so the turned the power back on long enough for the band to end the show with Free Bird.
It was an amazing experience.
Hey Rick, that had to be an amazing show, especially with Charlie Daniels opening for them, going over on their allotted time must have been somewhat normal, my buddy Rob said they did this at the Greenville concert ending the show by playing Free Bird for like 20 minutes straight.
DeleteI enjoy most music live (even country, but I can't stand country on the radio). Jazz, Blues, Rock from the 60s and 70s are my favorite. Steely Dan would be my favorite band, but I never saw them. What a memory of Lynyrd Skynyrd--I as in college when that happened and remember it.
ReplyDeleteHello Sage, Steely Dan had a unique sound I always liked, I enjoy their music too, Peg and Josie are two of my favorites.
DeleteThat crash was big news and really hard especially for Lynyrd Skynyrd fans.
My wife and I went and saw the Eagles in concert in Greenville, South Carolina back in 2015. It seriously shocked me when Glenn Frey died just a few months later.
ReplyDeletePersonally I'm a huge Buffett fan, but I'm also into Sinatra and most pop music up until the 1990's. Most music after that leaves me cold, a symptom of becoming an old man I guess.
The Eagles would have been a great concert to see, it's good you both got to see them before Glenn Frey passed, they won't be the same without him.
DeleteJimmy Buffett is a good, I bet he would be great in person. I'm with you on becoming old, it makes you think this when the majority of your favorites are now on the oldies station.
Music is just wonderful and I couldn't imagine a world without it.
ReplyDeleteWe are so fortunate to be able to listen and enjoy so many styles and I think sometimes our mood can affect what music we choose to listen to as well. I like listening to music that sounds good to me ...
All the best Jan
Hi Jan, Well said my friend, "mood can affect what music we choose to listen to as well. I like listening to music that sounds good to me" music that sounds good according to your mood. You can't go wrong there.
DeleteI like most music, though I usually never know the artist or the name of the song or the words to the music. I don't care for rap, but (grudgingly) admit that it is OK for the weight training class at the gym, lol. The only people I ever saw live in concert were Bob Dylan (way back when I still lived in Germany) and Neil Diamond (way back when I still lived in Buffalo).
ReplyDeleteBy the way, George Jones used to live in Lakeland!
https://my-couch-corner.blogspot.com/2013/04/he-stopped-loving-her-today.html
George Jones was practically your neighbor, I would have liked to see him but it's hard to watch him when he doesn't show up, nice pictures of his mansion.
DeleteI find myself listening to a lot of jazz playlists and classical music these days. Great post and nice of you to share!
ReplyDeleteJazz and classical music appears to be popular genre's, thank you sir I am happy you joined us today.
DeleteWhen I was young my friends and I would be driven into Birmingham (England) by one of our parents, to watch several shows called Top of the Pops (televised every week on TV). I saw the likes of the Dave Clark Five, Gerry and the Pacemakers, Freddy and the Dreamers, the Mojos, so many of those rock groups back then. I confess to loath being surrounded by an audience screaming at the top of their lungs and my ears would be ringing when I got back home. I was an odd child as I had been brought up by a dad who was a very good piano player who sang opera just for fun, that I didn't know was opera, in his spare time. I used to turn the pages of his music, music sheets that I still have. So, years later I still love to listen to opera, though I enjoy anything sung by John Denver and was always a fan.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed your post Jimmy. Those were some great concerts you went to.
Hello Denise, I imagine you did see a wide range of rock performers at Top of the Pops, even with the discomfort I bet it was exciting at the same time.
DeleteYour Dad playing and singing Opera introduced you to a whole other spectrum of music that was nice to be able to learn.
John Denver was another great artist that we lost too soon, I always did like his music, Annie's Song was one of his best.
As a dj I try to like all music, but personally I love Rap, Hip Hop, R&B and some pop. I follow the charts every week, and I used to be a massive fan of 50's rock and roll and ran Bobby Vee's fan club for 10 years. Quite a contrast right?
ReplyDeleteHello Joey, I am sure the diversity in the music you like makes you a very good dj, like you said from rap and hip hop all the way to 50s rock and Bobby Vee makes you well versed in all genres and good at what you do.
Delete