The Rise and Fall of Lynyrd Skynyrd… And Everything In Between

Just Some Teens with Long Hair and Guitars

It was during the summer of 1964 in Jacksonville, Florida that Ronnie Van Zant, Bob Burns, and Gary Rossington met while playing on rival baseball teams. The trio became fast friends and one day decided to jam together after Burns got injured by a ball the Van Zant hit. They set up their equipment in the garage of Burns’ parents’ house and played The Rolling Stones’ hit of the day: “Time Is on My Side.”

bob burns, Gary Rossington, Ronnie van Zant, larry Junstrom playing music

Source: Pinterest

After that jam session, they immediately decided to form a band. They then asked guitarist Allen Collins to join the band. Word has is that Collins initially fled on his bicycle and hid behind a tree at the sight of Van Zant pulling into his driveway. Once Collins was convinced that Van Zant meant no harm, they chatted, and he agreed to join the amateur band.