1973 Hit Ranked Best ‘American Rock Song’ of All Time
- - 1973 Hit Ranked Best ‘American Rock Song’ of All Time
Nina DerwinFebruary 14, 2026 at 10:24 PM
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Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Free Bird" has been named the best American rock song of all time.
When "Free Bird" first appeared on (Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd) in 1973, few could have predicted the enduring legacy it would build. Decades later, the sprawling Southern rock anthem is still widely recognized as one of the most iconic rock songs in American music history.
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Written by guitarist Allen Collins and singer Ronnie Van Zant, "Free Bird" originally clocked in at more than nine minutes on the album, which was a bold choice during a time shorter singles reigned supreme. The track was released as a single in late 1974, eventually reaching No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1975.
More than just a charting single, "Free Bird" slowly became the emotional centerpiece of Lynyrd Skynyrd concerts. On the band's 1976 live album One More From The Road, the song's performance stretches well over 14 minutes, with electrifying dual‐guitar interplay that helped it join the league of classic rock staples.
Thematically, the title and lyrics capture an expansive American ideal: freedom of movement and spirit. Although some early speculation held that the song was a tribute to Allman Brothers guitarist Duane Allman, who died in 1971, it was later revealed that the song was written before his passing. However, the band chose to occasionally dedicate it to his memory in live shows.
The song's legacy goes well beyond rock radio and music venues, too. "Free Bird" is included in The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll, and it's consistently included in round-ups and rankings of the greatest hard rock songs of all time.
When Van Zant died in a plane crash in 1977, the future of the band, and performances of the song, became uncertain. Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist, Gary Rossington, brought Van Zant's younger brother, Johnny Van Zant, into the band in the 1980s, and not only did he help reshape the band, he took over singing his brother's words.
"I had never wanted to be in the band," Johnny Van Zant told Garden & Gun. "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." Van Zant joined the band, and the rest is nothing short of rock history.
Since then, the song took on another meaning entirely.
Over the decades, the song's message, plus blistering guitar work and impassioned vocals, have helped “Free Bird” stand as a defining moment in rock music. Ranked by multiple outlets and beloved by generations of listeners, it remains a towering achievement in American rock songwriting.
Related: 1971 Best-Selling Record Ranked No. 1 ‘Classic Rock Album’ of the '70s
This story was originally published by Parade on Feb 14, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
