Customer Reviews

Lynyrd Skynyrd: An Oral History

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What an outstanding book. If you have even a passing interest in the band, or if you're like me and are obsessed with them, buy this book now. The story of the band is told by band members, friends, and others who were there to experience it themselves. This is the definitive look at the world's greatest (and most underrated) rock and roll band. So buy this book, crank up the Lynyrd Skynyrd Box Set on the stereo, and enjoy.

This is very good coverage of Lynyrd Skynyrd from a time before the band formed until the aftermath of the plane crash. Interviews (both past and present) with over 40 people who were closely associated with the band and the band members themselves is used thoughtout to give a very comprehensive picture of the band. The background they came from, what made them the way they were, the struggles they had thoughout their career, and future plans Ronnie had revealed to very few people just before the plane crash are all covered. I felt like I actually knew Ronnie Van Zant after reading the book and realize he was a much deeper & philisophical person than the media hype portrayed him to be. Anyone who is even mildly interest in Skynyrd would really enjoy this book.

An excellent compilation of stories about the premiere Southern Rock Band. Skynyrd made their own style of music when they came together, this book provides insight into the band from beginning to end, the re-birth and their current work. If you love Skynyrd, you've got to have this book! Very factual. FYI, did you know that Skynyrd is MCA's highest producing artist? Over 30MM records sold!

This is a wonderful book, told by those of us who were there; band members, employees, relatives and contemporaries. Lee has done a fine job portraying one of America's best rock and roll bands, doing so with the words of people who knew the band and were part of the dream. This book provides some unique insights into the legacy of Lynyrd Skynyrd and their classic music, a must-read for anyone interested in this band. Great job, Lee!

John Haury

I've read Brant's book and this one. In addition, I visited all the relavent web sites I can find including www.skynyrd.com and Ed King's web site. Ballinger's book is very good. It's readable and is built on many resources. Brant's book is almost painful to read but compliments this one very well. After all the reading I have done I have come to the conclusion that we will never know all the facts surrounding this great band. There are just too many contradictions amongst all the accounts. However, Ballinger does a good job of presenting what is probably the most factual information available. This is a must read for all LS fanatics and recommended for anyone else who is interested in the history of Rock and Roll.

Lee Ballinger does a great job of capturing the spirit of Lynyrd Skynyrd. This book is a must for any Skynyrd fan.

The book if full of quote of both LS members and people who were around them in their heyday for one reason or another. It also features some nice photos. When you get to Ronnie's reaction to the announced crash landing, you're left to decide whether version to believe - Gene Odom's or Artimus'. I tend to believe the former's.

Lynyrd Skynyrd: An Oral History by Lee Ballinger (West Coast Editor of "Rock & Rap Confidential") is a unique and informative history of the Lynyrd Skynyrd rock-n-roll band as seen through the eyes and told in quotes of the people who were around them before, during, and after their sometimes legendary performances -- as well as the 1977 plan crash that killed almost half of the original band. Consisting entirely of quotes and brief vignettes by different people concerning various topics and performances concerning the band, Lynyrd Skynyrd is highly readable, fascinating to flip through, distinctive in its presentation, and highly recommended reading for rock 'n roll enthusiasts in general, and the legions of Lynyrd Skynyrd fans in particular.

Guy's I must say being not only a fan but a student of Skynyrd for years I was amazed to read about so many things I didn't already know. Mr. Ballanger through quotes from the people who knew the guy's best has really touched on their private lives. I really enjoyed reading what Tom Dowd had to say about Ronnie. The book is in an easy to read format and is hard to put down. It's a must read for any Skynyrd fan.