Southern rock music boasts a distinct sound. There is often an inherent joy imbued into the twangy, electrified songs. And the artists who play them often present themselves as everyday folks—who just so happen to be wizards on their instruments.
And that’s just what we wanted to dive into here below. We wanted to highlight three acts from back in the day that still influence our lives today. Indeed, these are three southern rock bands that formed in the 1960s whose melodies still echo decades later.
ZZ Top
When most people think of southern rock, they think of bands from places like Alabama, Georgia, or Florida. But ZZ Top is the type of southern rock outfit that represents the great state of Texas. Indeed, they do it bigger down there in Texas, and that explains ZZ Top’s giant beards. But it also explains the band’s big, bombastic sound. Known for songs like “La Grange”, “Legs”, and “Tush”, ZZ Top’s buzzy aesthetic got started in 1969 in Houston, Texas. From there, a legendary career unfolded.
The Allman Brothers Band
Like ZZ Top, The Allman Brothers Band got things going in 1969. It all started for the group in Jacksonville, Florida, which has been a southern hotspot for music for sometime now. And that same year, the band released their debut self-titled LP. Today, The Allman Brothers are recognized as one of the greatest groups in rock music history. Featuring incredible guitar playing, moving singing, and a sound that echoed the region they were from, the group continues to offer music fans timeless work.
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Like The Allman Brothers Band, this group formed in Jacksonville, Florida. But for Lynyrd Skynyrd, things got going back in 1964. Today, the group is likely the most famous Southern rock band ever. Why? Because the members embraced their southern roots as much or more than any other act of their generation. The members were literally known to wrap themselves in the flag to celebrate their home. And in so doing, Lynyrd Skynyrd released some of the most famous Southern rock songs ever, from “Sweet Home Alabama” to “Free Bird” to “Simple Man”. If you want that down-home twang, this band is where you can find it.
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