The 1977 crash promptly put an end to the Southern rock band that had won legions of fans due, in large part, to their thoughtful lyrics. But, Lynyrd Skynyrd, who’d released their sixth album prior to the crash, wouldn’t stay down for long. The band would reunite in 1991 and again pick up where their popularity left off.

Lynyrd Skynyrd first burst onto the music scene in 1973 with their debut album, “Pronounced Leh-Nerd Skin-Nerd,” which included the hit single still aired on radio stations today “Free Bird.” Their sophomore offering, 1974’s “Second Helping” turned Lynyrd Skynyrd into bona fide superstars due, in large part, to the runaway hit single “Sweet Home Alabama.” The album peaked at the 12 spot on the music charts and would eventually go platinum several times. As a result, fans would queue hours early to secure their Lynyrd Skynyrd concert tickets.

The band earned their first Top Ten hit with the 1975 release “Nuthin’ Fancy,” and followed in 1976 with “Gimme Back My Bullets.” Lynyrd Skynyrd also released a live album, “One More From The Road” that year.

On fire, the band released “Street Survivors” in autumn of 1977. Little did the band or their fans know that it would be the final album featuring the original members. Three days later, the band’s plane would crash killing VanZant and the Gaines siblings, promptly putting Lynyrd Skynyrd out of commission.

But, Lynyrd Skynyrd wasn’t out of the game for good and returned in 1991 with “Lynyrd Skynyrd 1991.” The band would go on to release more than a dozen albums in the ensuing years, including “Christmas Time Again” (2000), “Twenty/Edge of Forever” (2002), and “Poison Whiskey” (2005). Their latest album, “Family,” appeared in early 2006.