Ronnie And Neil

Album: Southern Rock Opera (2001)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song is a story about the friendship between Neil Young and Ronnie Van Zant. Van Zant was lead singer of Lynyrd Skynyrd, whose song "Sweet Home Alabama" included a line about Young and his song "Southern Man." A lot of fans believed they had a feud, but that was not the case. In the end, this song describes how both Neil Young and Ronnie Van Zant were truly fans of each other and the American South is grateful for both of them.
  • The album is a 2-disc set all about Lynyrd Skynyrd. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Aaron - Twin Cities, MN, for above 2

Comments: 1

  • Ekristheh from Halath, United StatesI've sent this song to two people who despised the Skynyrd's alleged "Southern attitude" and couldn't stand to hear their music. Coincidentally, both these people were huge Neil Young fans. The juxtaposition of these elements reset their view of things considerably.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Phil Hurtt ("I'll Be Around")

Phil Hurtt ("I'll Be Around")Songwriter Interviews

Phil was a songwriter, producer and voice behind many Philadelphia soul classics. When disco hit, he got an interesting project: The Village People.

Tanita Tikaram

Tanita TikaramSongwriter Interviews

When she released her first album in 1988, Tanita became a UK singing sensation at age 19. She talks about her darkly sensual voice and quirky songwriting style.

Ralph Casale  - Session Pro

Ralph Casale - Session ProSongwriter Interviews

A top New York studio musician, Ralph played guitar on many '60s hits, including "Lightnin' Strikes," "A Lover's Concerto" and "I Am A Rock."

Emmylou Harris

Emmylou HarrisSongwriter Interviews

She thinks of herself as a "song interpreter," but back in the '80s another country star convinced Emmylou to take a crack at songwriting.

Yoko Ono

Yoko OnoSongwriter Interviews

At 80 years old, Yoko has 10 #1 Dance hits. She discusses some of her songs and explains what inspired John Lennon's return to music in 1980.

Bass Player Scott Edwards

Bass Player Scott EdwardsSong Writing

Scott was Stevie Wonder's bass player before becoming a top session player. Hits he played on include "I Will Survive," "Being With You" and "Sara Smile."