Lynyrd Skynyrd’s iconic smash hit ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ turns 50 today.
The all-time jam still, which was originally meant as a response to Neil Young’s Southern Man, echoes around the state to this day with legendary lyrics that talk about Muscle Shoals and Birmingham.
Releasing in 1974 as the single to the band’s second album, Second Helping, it was the most popular single in the band’s history, reaching No. 8 on the charts.
Several of the band’s original members passed away in a plane crash in 1977, leading to a hiatus before different iterations of the group have been rolled out over the last 50 years.
The tune has become something of a state-wide anthem and permeated the culture of the Yellowhammer state over its 50 years in the musical ether.
Still playing at every Alabama home game with a ‘Roll Tide Roll’ chant mixed in, residents of the state have kept the song alive through generations.
As 50 years is upon us, have a listen to one of the most iconic songs ever written.
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey also marked the half-century of Sweet Home. “Thank you, Lynyrd Skynyrd for capturing the heart of Alabama so beautifully,” she wrote.
🎉: Happy 50th Anniversary to "Sweet Home Alabama"!
This iconic song has become a beloved anthem for our great state, celebrating our spirit and pride.
Thank you, Lynyrd Skynyrd, for capturing the heart of Alabama so beautifully.
Here's to many more years of singing along! pic.twitter.com/wFexDntVl8
— Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) June 24, 2024
Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP and hear him every weekday morning from 6 to 9 a.m. on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5, available free online.
