“To me, there’s nothing freer than a bird, you know, just flying wherever he wants to go. And, I don’t know, that’s what this country is all about, being free. I think everyone wants to be a free bird.”  Ronnie Van Zant

Van Zant wanted to be a boxer, a baseball player or stock car driver, it was not until hearing the Rolling Stones that his career path took on new dimensions.

Capricorn Records was based in Georgia, Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Manager was the younger brother to Phil Walden, big wig at Capricorn, wasn’t interested in Skynyrd.  Al Kooper took a shot, created his own label which was bankrolled by MCA Records.  Skynyrd ended up on Al’s doorstep.  With a late night phone call from Ronnie Van Zant to Al Kooper, after their equipment was stolen, Al lent them 5,000.00 dollars.

Saying of Van Zant, he was a man of his word, he ruled that band with an iron fist, and God help any band member who crossed him.  Not always agreeing with Kooper’s ideas as their producer, Van Zant would listen to his ideas, because perhaps 1 out of 20 of those idea’s would be a good one.

In today’s society, we are often times afraid of ideas, putting them out there and seeing if they stick can bring us some of our greatest moments.  I may at one time post one of my original paintings, I look at this painting now, one that I was so proud of, and go.. OH MY GOD. I can look back now and see how far my skills as an artist have come.   I do laugh though, when I think how proud I was of this particular piece, which I had painted on a jean jacket, and proudly walked around with it on my back.

I am sure others must have chuckled at me.. my point is, if it is something you are sure about, as Kooper was this Southern Rock Band - go for it..

Origanally they called themselves “My Backyard”, well, my backyard is full of snow at the moment, leaving me to my studio and an group that became an Icon in Rock.

Only being inducted into the Hall of Fame in March of 2006, Skynyrd’s Southern Rock has hauled ass into many of our headphone’s and out of many 8 track decks during the 1970’s. 

The crash that claimed the famed band members Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines and backup singer Cassie Gaines, will remain a tragic memory in the original band’s history, on February 5th, 2008 -  the 30th Anniversary - Street Survivors Two CD Deluxe Set was released.  With previously unrealeased Album Mix and the bands final recordings.  The legendary sound of Lynryd Skynyrd will continue to live on in music history.

I was asked to do a sketch of the original album cover - for a gift.  MCA Records removed the flames on engulfed the band members on the original album sleeve, and replaced the band on a solid black background.

This sketch is half done, and I have used Woodless Graphite - Soft Pencil and I will incorporate a slight bit of color in the flames to represent the original idea behind it.  For a dedicated and loyal fan.

The completed Lynryd Skynryrd Drawing!