In 1993, Lynyrd Skynyrd once again proved themselves as the kings of Southern rock with their seventh studio album, The Last Rebel. One of the album’s crown jewels is its title track, which was written by Michael Lunn, Johnny Van Zant, and Robert White Johnson. The song has since become a Skynyrd favorite, and you can see many a member of Skynyrd Nation jamming out to it whenever it plays.
But one father and son team likes to literally jam out to “The Last Rebel.” For the Powells, bluegrass music is a family affair. Grandpa Jeff, aunt Angela, father Josh, and son Silas all form the group called Silas Powell and The Powell Family Band. As you can guess, 13-year-old Silas is the star of the group, and once you hear this kid play, you’ll see why.
Although the Powells are a bluegrass group, that doesn’t mean they don’t have an appreciation for other genres of music. It turns out they are actually Skynyrd fans, and Silas and his father decided to give “The Last Rebel” their Powell family treatment.
Three years ago when Silas was only ten years old, he joined his father for one of the most incredible father-son collaborations we’ve ever seen. Josh starts plucking out the first few notes to “The Last Rebel,” while Silas joins in on an instrument you don’t see many people playing these days…the mandolin.
In addition to playing the guitar, Josh takes over the vocal part, while Silas continues rockin’ out beside him on the couch in their living room. Once they pick up the pace, you’ll be amazed when you see how fast Silas’ hands fly over the strings on that mandolin!
Although we don’t get to hear Silas sing in this clip, his talent as an instrumentalist is impressive all on its own. He definitely got his musical talent from his father! Check out this awesome father and son jam session in the video below.
Lynyrd Skynyrd’s ‘Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd & Second Helping Live’ is available now on DVD, Blu-ray and digital formats – it’s the perfect gift for the Lynyrd Skynyrd fan in your life. Buy it here on Amazon!
