You Won’t Be Able To Take Your Eyes Off Of Skynyrd’s Sweltering Performance Of ‘T For Texas’
on Jul 12, 2016 • Updated Jan 29, 2023
Lynyrd Skynyrd is well known for writing their own songs, resulting in the continuous production of original music. But the few times Skynyrd has decided to cover another artist’s work have been noteworthy. Just look at their version of Elvis‘ “Heartbreak Hotel” or their rendition of Merle Haggard‘s “Honky Tonky Night Time Man.”
Merle isn’t the only country artist Skynyrd has covered over the years. Back in 1976, they recorded their own version of country singer Jimmie Rodger’s “Blue Yodel No. 1,” also known as “T for Texas.” Recorded by Rodgers in 1927, “T for Texas” is perhaps the most-well known song in his 13 part “Blue Yodel” collection, and was a national phenomenon following its release.
Skynyrd helped add further to the song’s legacy when they recorded it for their 1976 live album, One More from the Road. The group took Rodger’s country tune and made it completely their own, turning it into a rock and roll work of art, complete with their triple guitar sound.
In addition to recording the song, Skynyrd frequently included “T for Texas” in the setlist for their concerts. They did just that during their appearance at the Knebworth festival in England, which has been noted as one of the most historic performances of their entire career.
If you didn’t know any better, you’d swear from watching Skynyrd’s performance that the song was their own. They performed it with such passion and drive that the crowd couldn’t get enough, and lead singer Ronnie Van Zant invited them to clap and sing along.
Every single member of the band got their moment to shine in this sweltering performance. As always, Ronnie took complete command of the stage with his powerful voice. When he wasn’t singing, he stood back and grinned at his bandmates, as Allen Collins, Gary Rossington, and Steve Gaines dazed with their triple guitar attack.
Drummer Atriums Pyle’s playing was on fire that day, bass player Leon Wilkeson jammed out wearing one of his iconic costumes, and keyboardist Billy Powell worked in some stellar work on his piano. So much talent on one stage!
If you’re a fan of Skynyrd, or just music in general, this is one performance you have to watch.
