Ronnie Van Zant who was the frontman for Lynyrd Skynard in the 1970’s was born on this day 1948. To many Ronnie Van Zant was Lynyrd Skynard. He was the founder, lead singer and primary lyricist.  They named the group Lynyrd Skynard after the gym teacher they had who hated them and their long hair-his name was Leonard Skinner. Lynyrd Skynard released 5 albums in the 1970’s before a plane crash would claim the lives of Ronnie Van Zant and 5ive others.  They had 5ive Top 40 hits. Their most iconic songs are “Free Bird” and “Sweet Home Alabama” Ronnie Van Zant was only 29 when he was killed. To me Lynyrd Skynard and The Allman Brothers Band are the greatest southern rock bands -no one else is even close. Van Zant was a great talent, I think had he lived he would have produced a lot more great music, no question.