Lynyrd Skynyrd's 'Free Bird' Ranked Best 'American Rock Song' of All Time

The sprawling Southern rock anthem has cemented its legacy as one of the most iconic rock songs in American music history.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Nearly six decades after its release, Lynyrd Skynyrd's 1973 hit 'Free Bird' has been named the best American rock song of all time. The song's legacy includes iconic live performances, entry into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and renewed significance after the band's tragic 1977 plane crash and the arrival of lead singer Johnny Van Zant.

Why it matters

As one of the most beloved and enduring rock songs in American music, 'Free Bird' has transcended its origins as a sprawling album track to become a defining moment in rock history. The song's themes of freedom and the band's perseverance after tragedy have cemented its place in the pantheon of classic rock.

The details

Written by guitarist Allen Collins and singer Ronnie Van Zant, 'Free Bird' originally clocked in at over nine minutes on Lynyrd Skynyrd's 1973 debut album '(Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd)'. The track was later released as a single in late 1974 and reached No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1975. On the band's 1976 live album 'One More From The Road', the song's performance stretches well over 14 minutes, showcasing electrifying dual-guitar interplay that helped it join the league of classic rock staples.

  • Lynyrd Skynyrd's 'Free Bird' was released in 1973 on the album '(Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd)'.
  • The song was released as a single in late 1974 and reached No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1975.
  • Lynyrd Skynyrd's live version of 'Free Bird' on the 1976 album 'One More From The Road' stretched over 14 minutes.

The players

Lynyrd Skynyrd

The Southern rock band that recorded the iconic song 'Free Bird'.

Allen Collins

The guitarist who co-wrote 'Free Bird' with Ronnie Van Zant.

Ronnie Van Zant

The lead singer of Lynyrd Skynyrd who co-wrote 'Free Bird' before his death in a 1977 plane crash.

Johnny Van Zant

Ronnie Van Zant's younger brother, who joined Lynyrd Skynyrd in the 1980s and took over singing his brother's words, including 'Free Bird'.

Gary Rossington

The Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist who brought Johnny Van Zant into the band after the 1977 plane crash.

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What they’re saying

“I had never wanted to be in the band. Lynyrd Skynyrd was going to go on with my brother forever. Ten years after the crash, I was called into a meeting. I walked into a room, and here are these guys who survived the crash with my brother. They wanted me to come on for a tribute tour.”

— Johnny Van Zant (Garden & Gun)

The takeaway

Lynyrd Skynyrd's 'Free Bird' has transcended its origins as a sprawling album track to become a defining moment in American rock history, with its themes of freedom, the band's perseverance after tragedy, and its iconic live performances cementing its status as one of the greatest rock songs of all time.