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Southern rock is a genre of American rock music that developed in the Southern United States from around 1965 to the mid-1980s. It has been described as heartland rock with blues and country influences, as well as being labeled “a uniquely American sound.”
The classic southern rock songs are a type of music that is typically associated with the American South. The genre has been around since the 1970s and continues to be popular today.
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The name of this blog is Southern Rock Music, and we are a website devoted to all things related to southern rock music. Whether you’re a fan of classic southern rock bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Allman Brothers Band, or ZZ Top, or if you prefer the more modern sounds of Joe Bonamassa or Blackberry Smoke, we’ve got you covered! We also have asection dedicated to the best southern rock songs of all time, as well as an archive with 30 great southern rock tracks from throughout the years. Whether you’re looking for free music downloads or just some good old-fashioned nostalgia in your listening experience, be sure to check us out at SouthernRockMusic.com!
Best Southern Rock Songs
The southern rock genre is one of the most unique and interesting in all of music. Combining elements of country, rock, blues, and gospel, southern rock has produced some of the most iconic and influential songs of all time. Here are 10 of the best southern rock songs ever recorded.
1. “Sweet Home Alabama” – Lynyrd Skynyrd
There’s no song more synonymous with southern rock than Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama.” Written as a response to Neil Young’s “Alabama,” this song features some of the most recognizable guitar riffs in all of music and remains a staple on classic rock radio to this day.
2. “Free Bird” – Lynyrd Skynyrd
Another entry from Lynyrd Skynyrd, “Free Bird” is widely considered to be one of the greatest rock songs ever recorded. At over 9 minutes long, it features an unforgettable guitar solo from the late great Gary Rossington and is sure to get any crowd singing along.
3. “Ramblin’ Man” – The Allman Brothers Band
The Allman Brothers were pioneers of the southern rock sound and “Ramblin’ Man” is perhaps their most well-known song. It was written by guitarist Dickey Betts and quickly became a concert favorite thanks to its catchy hooks and jam-friendly nature.
4. “Whipping Post” – The Allman Brothers Band Gregg Allman wrote this slow-burning bluesy number which has become one another Southern Rock standard at concerts ufffd both for its quality as a recording and because it provides such a welcome opportunity for extended live improvisation by talented musicians.. It also became something of an anthem for the bandufffds fans, many (myself included) who could identify with its lyrics about feeling unappreciated or misunderstood: ufffdAnd I’m whipping postufffd yeah!ufffd
5. “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” – The Rolling Stones This 1965 hit single was actually written by Mick Jagger while vacationing in France; he awoke from a dream with the opening line ufffdI canufffdt get no satisfactionufffd ringing in his head . While not technicallySouthern Rock (the Stones are English), ufffdSatisfactionufffd contains slide guitar work by Brian Jones that gives it a distinctly down-home feel ufffd good enough that it has been covered by everyone from Otis Redding to Aretha Franklin to Devo . Plus, how can you deny those opening lines: ufffdI canufffdt get no satisfaction / I canufffdt get me no girl reactionufffdufffd? You just canufffdt help but sing alongufffd
6.”The Weight” – The Band Originally released as part of 1968 debut album Music From Big Pink , ufffdThe Weightufffd became The Bandufffds signature tune after being covered (and popularized) by Jackie De Shannon , Aretha Franklin , Gladys Knight & the Pips , Joe Cocker , Elvis Presley , Derek & The Dominos ufffd just about everyone except Bob Dylan . With its references to Levon Helm growing up in Arkansas (Helm was actually born in Canada but raised in Turkey Scratch, Arkansas ), ufffdThe Weightufffd feels like quintessential Southern Rock even though Garth Hudson wrote the original arrangement specifically for Rick Danko ufffds bass voice . Regardless ufffd when you hear someone start playing that opening riff on electric guitar , you know exactly what song they are going forufffd
7.”Green River” – Creedence Clearwater Revival Another classic exampleof swampy Louisiana bayou blues finding its way into mainstream American pop music via Creedence Clearwater Revival . John Fogerty wrote ufffdGreen Riverufffd as an ode to his childhood spent fishing along San Francisco Bay ; however, with its references to mama snakes and hanging moss , it sounds like it could easily take place somewhere much further southufffd maybe down near Baton Rouge ? In any case, it stands as yet another reminder that CCR was so much more than just a singles band ufffd their albums are packed fullof great tunes like this oneufffd
30 Greatest Southern Rock Songs
The southern rock genre is often defined by its unique blend of rock, country, blues, and gospel influences. This mix of styles has produced some of the most iconic and influential songs in rock history. Here are 30 of the greatest southern rock songs ever recorded.
1. ufffdFree Birdufffd ufffd Lynyrd Skynyrd
This classic track from Lynyrd Skynyrdufffds debut album (Pronounced Leh-nerd Skin-erd) remains one of the most beloved southern rock anthems of all time. The songufffds simple, yet powerful lyrics about freedom and escape resonate with fans to this day.
2. ufffdSweet Home Alabamaufffd ufffd Lynyrd Skynyrd
Another timeless classic from Lynyrd Skynyrd, ufffdSweet Home Alabamaufffd was written as a response to Neil Youngufffds criticisms of then-governor George Wallace. The song quickly became one of the bandufffds most popular tracks and an unofficial anthem for the state of Alabama.
3. ufffdRamblinufffd Manufffd ufffd The Allman Brothers Band
The lead single from The Allman Brothers Bandufffds fourth studio album, Brothers and Sisters, ufffdRamblinufffd Manufffd is a perfect example of the bandufffds signature sound ufffd a mix of country, blues, and rock influences. The song became a massive hit, reaching #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1973.
4. ufffdThe Weightufffd ufffd The Band This classic track from The Band features some incredible slide guitar work from guest musician Ry Cooder and vocals from Levon Helm that are guaranteed to give you goosebumps. Originally released on 1968’s Music From Big Pink album, “The Weight” has been covered by countless artists over the years including Aretha Franklin, Jackie DeShannon, Bob Dylan, and many more.”
5. “Up On Cripple Creek” – The Band Another great track from Canadian-American rockers The Band, “Up On Cripple Creek” was released as the second single from their 1969 self-titled album.”
6.”Don’t Do It” – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell This Motown duet between Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell was originally recorded for Gaye’s 1968 album In the Groove but wasn’t released until 1970 due to creative differences with Motown founder Berry Gordy.””
7.”I’m Losing You” – John Lennon Though not technically a southern rock song per se, John Lennon’s “I’m Losing You” features some fantastic slide guitar work courtesy of guest musician Alvin Lee.””
8.”Crossroads” – Cream Written by Robert Johnson and popularized by Cream in their live performances, “Crossroads” is considered one be one of the first true examples of southern rock.””
9.”Green River” – Creedence Clearwater Revival A staple of any good southern rock playlist,”Green River” was originally released on Creedence Clearwater Revival’s 1969 album Green River.””
10.”Midnight Rider” – Gregg Allman One of Gregg Allman’s signature songs,”Midnight Rider” first appeared on his solo debut album Laid Back before being included on 1974’s Win Lose or Draw release by The Allman Brothers Band.””
Classic Southern Rock Bands
The southern rock genre is one of the most popular in America. It’s a mix of country, blues, and rock ‘n’ roll that often has a heavy focus on guitars and lyrical storytelling. There are countless classic bands that helped to define the sound, including Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Allman Brothers Band, The Marshall Tucker Band, Charlie Daniels Band, and more. These bands defined an era with their music and continue to influence musicians today.
Free Southern Rock Music
The South has always been known for its rich musical heritage and Southern Rock is no exception. This genre of music encompasses a wide range of styles, from the bluesy sounds of the Allman Brothers Band to the hard-hitting rock of Lynyrd Skynyrd.
While Southern Rock may not be as commercially successful as it once was, there are still a number of great bands keeping the sound alive. Here are 10 of the best Southern Rock bands currently making music:
1. Blackberry Smoke
2. The Cadillac Three
3. Whiskey Myers
4. Jukebox Mafia
5. Dirty Honey
6. Greta Van Fleet
7. The Revivalists
8. Muddy Magnolias
Blackberry Smoke is one of the most popularSouthern Rock bands currently touringthe country They have a very classic soundthat hearkens back to the golden ageof southern rockers like LynyrdSkynyrd and The Allman BrothersBand Their live shows are legendaryand they always put on a greatperformance for their fans 3TheCadillac Three is another band thathas a very traditional southernrock sound but with a modern twistThey’re known for their high-energylive shows and their catchy songslike “Party Like You” 4WhiskeyMyers is another band that’s beenmaking waves in the southernrock world in recent years Theirsongs are full of catchy hooks andsouthern-fried guitar licks 5DirtyHoney is a newer band on this listbut they’re already making quite aname for themselves With hitsingle “When I’m Gone” they’veproved that they’re here to stay 6GretaVan Fleet is probably the mostcontroversial band on this list due tomany people accusing them off sounding too similar to LedZeppelin However there’s no denyingthat they’re immensely talented musicians with a passionfor classic rock 7The Revivalistsare one of the hottest bands inNOLA right now Their blend offunk, rock, soul, and blues hasproven to be extremely popularwith audiences both in NewOrleans and beyond 8MuddyMagnolias are an up-and-comingband worth checking out if youlike your southern rock with alittle bit of R&B flavor 9
Southern Rock Songs of the 70s
The 1970s was a decade that saw the rise of many new and exciting musical genres, but one that remained popular throughout the decade was southern rock. Southern rock is a genre that combines elements of rock and roll, country music, and blues, and it often has a distinctly southern US feel to it.
Some of the best-known southern rock bands of the 70s include Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Allman Brothers Band, Marshall Tucker Band, Charlie Daniels Band, and The Outlaws. These bands helped to define the sound of southern rock with their signature blend of styles, and they continue to be hugely popular today.
There are too many great southern rock songs of the 70s to list them all here, but some highlights include ufffdFree Birdufffd by Lynyrd Skynyrd, ufffdRamblinufffd Manufffd by The Allman Brothers Band, ufffdCanufffdt You Seeufffd by Marshall Tucker Band, ufffdThe Devil Went Down to Georgiaufffd by Charlie Daniels Band, and ufffdGreen Grass & High Tidesufffd by The Outlaws. If you want to hear some classic southern rock from the 70s (or any other decade), these are definitely some songs that you should check out.
Southern Rock Songs of the 80s
The 1980s were a great decade for Southern rock music. Some of the best southern rock songs of all time were released during this decade, by some of the most iconic classic southern rock bands. Here are our picks for the 30 greatest southern rock songs of the 80s:
1. “Free Bird” – Lynyrd Skynyrd
2. “Sweet Home Alabama” – Lynyrd Skynyrd
3. “Gimme Three Steps” – Lynyrd Skynyrd
4. “I Ain’t the One” – The Allman Brothers Band
5. “Ramblin’ Man” – The Allman Brothers Band
6. “Whipping Post” – The Allman Brothers Band
7. “(I’m) Bad, I’m Nationwide” – ZZ Top
8. “Sharp Dressed Man” – ZZ Top
9. “Tush” – ZZ Top
Southern Rock Songs of the 90s
The 90s was a great decade for southern rock music. Some of the best and most iconic southern rock songs came out during this time period. Here are just a few of the greatest southern rock songs of the 90s:
“Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd: This song is one of the most classic and well-known southern rock songs ever. It was released in 1974, but it continued to be popular throughout the 90s.
“Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd: Another classic song from Lynyrd Skynyrd, “Sweet Home Alabama” was released in 1974 but remained popular throughout the 90s.
“The Boys Are Back in Town” by Thin Lizzy: This song was released in 1976, but it became even more popular in the 1990s after being featured in the movie “Dazed and Confused”.
“Rocky Mountain Way” by Joe Walsh: This song was released in 1973, but it experienced a resurgence in popularity in the early 1990s when it was used as theme song for the television show “South Park”.
Southern Rock Songs of the 2000s
The 2000s were a great decade for southern rock music. Some of the best and most iconic southern rock songs came out during this time period. Here are just a few of the best southern rock songs of the 2000s:
1. “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd – This classic southern rock song was released in 1974, but it gained even more popularity in the 2000s thanks to its use in a number of movies and TV shows. It’s the perfect song to sing along to when you’re driving down a long stretch of highway.
2. “Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd – Another classic from Lynyrd Skynyrd, “Free Bird” is one of those songs that everyone knows and loves. It’s been used in countless movies and TV shows over the years, and it always gets people singing along whenever it comes on.
3. “Ramblin’ Man” by The Allman Brothers Band – One of the most iconic bands in southern rock history, The Allman Brothers have produced some truly great songs over the years. “Ramblin’ Man” is one of their best, and it perfectly captures the spirit of wanderlust that so many people feel.
4.”The Boys Are Back in Town” by Thin Lizzy – This 1976 song became an instant classic upon its release, and it remains one of the most popular Thin Lizzy tracks to this day. It’s been used in numerous movies and TV shows over the years, and it always gets people pumped up when they hear it.
5.”Rocky Mountain Way” by Joe Walsh – One of Joe Walsh’s most famous solo tracks, “Rocky Mountain Way” is a must-hear for any fan of southern rock music. It captures the beauty and majesty of the Rocky Mountains perfectly, and it’s sure to get your foot tapping along with its catchy beat
Southern rock is a genre of rock music that developed in the Southern United States from the late 1950s onward. It has since spread to other parts of the world, with notable artists including Lynyrd Skynyrd, Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Allman Brothers Band and 38 Special. Reference: new southern rock songs.
External References-
https://www.britannica.com/art/Southern-rock
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxWprX-npek
