Everyone reading this sentence knows the song “Sweet Home Alabama.” Many of you also know Florida band Lynyrd Skynyrd’s 1973 Southern rock anthem was a retort to Canada/California songsmith Neil Young’s tunes “Alabama” and “Southern Man.” But did you know the state of Alabama and its cities and towns have been mentioned by songs recorded by many other classic rock artists? Below are 10 must-know spec
Penned by Grateful Dead singer/guitarist Jerry Garcia and the band’s frequent collaborator Robert Hunter, the Dead played the song in a memorable “Saturday Night Live” performance. There’s much fan forum speculation on the song’s meanings. (Civil rights commentary? A “redneck” Deadhead? The departure of Grateful Dead singer and Alabama native Donna Jean Godchaux? Band hassles in the state?) But nothing definitive.
Cowritten by Little Feat singer/guitarist Lowell George and Martin Kibbee, a Hollywood High School friend and former garage-band colleague who also collaborated with George on Feat classic “Dixie Chicken.” Inspired by prescription-happy, “doctor feelgood” physicians.
Funk-rock’s greatest geographers, Red Hot Chili Peppers have mentioned around 20 states in their lyrics over the years. “Dani California” includes six such references, including Alabama.
