I spent the Easter weekend in Birmingham, my first visit to the State. For the NCAA Gymnastics Championships.

In Birmingham they love the Governor. (boo boo boo)

Segragationist Democrat Governor George Wallace.

The don’t love judgmental Canadians.

Well, I heard Mister Young sing about her
Well, I heard ole Neil put her down
Well, I hope Neil Young will remember
A Southern man don’t need him around anyhow

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

That’s the classic and controversial hit by Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd that first appeared in 1974.

“Sweet Home Alabama” was written as an answer to two songs, “Southern Man” and “Alabama” by Neil Young, which dealt with themes of racism and slavery in the American South. “We thought Neil was shooting all the ducks in order to kill one or two,” said Ronnie Van Zant at the time …

In 1976, Van Zant and the band supported Jimmy Carter for his presidential candidacy, including fundraising and an appearance at the Gator Bowl benefit concert.

At the peak of their success, three members of Lynyrd Skynyrd died in an airplane crash in 1977, putting an abrupt end to the band’s most popular incarnation.

related – Free Bird was Skynyrd’s greatest song. Perhaps the greatest live rock anthem of all time.

By the way, it turned out that Montgomery, Alabama is a great place. I have not a single complaint.