Free Bird

"Free Bird", also spelled as one word "Freebird", is a song by American rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, written by guitarist Allen Collins and lead singer Ronnie Van Zant. The song was released on their 1973 debut studio album. Released as a single in November 1974, "Free Bird" debuted on the US Billboard Hot 100 on November 23 at No. 87 and became the band's second Top 40 hit in early 1975, peaking at No. 19 on January 25. A live version of the song, recorded at Atlanta's Fox Theater and included on the album One More from the Road, re-entered the charts in late 1976, eventually peaking at No. 38 in January 1977. "Free Bird" achieved No. 3 on Guitar World's list of greatest guitar solos of all time in 2010 and 2016, while placing at No. 8 in their rankings by 2022. It is Lynyrd Skynyrd's signature song, the finale during live performances, and their longest song, often going well over 14 minutes when played live. "Free Bird" was once the most requested song on FM radio, and remains a staple on classic rock stations.