Southern Rock
Southern Rock has its musical origins in the United States during the 1960s. This music genre combines blues, country, and rock elements to produce an entirely unique sound. Originating from states like Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida, Southern Rock began when musicians started incorporating their blues, soul, and country influences into the rock ‘n’ roll sound. One of the most prominent and earliest Southern Rock bands was Lynyrd Skynyrd, whose debut album skyrocketed the group to fame.
The sound and style of southern rock
When it comes to the instruments used in Southern Rock, guitar takes the spotlight. This genre’s musicians put in significant time, energy, and money into ensuring their guitars have that signature Southern Rock sound. Electric guitar and slide guitar have always been staples in this genre, adding unique tonal quality to their music. Many artists have experimented with banjos, mandolins, and harmonicas to add flavor to their music.
Southern Rockers make extensive use of scales like the blues scale, often accompanying it with minor pentatonic and mixolydian scales. Chord progressions in southern rock are generally the blues, as it allows guitar players to add the tritone, one of the blues scales’ prominent features. The major scale is also present but has less prominence. Southern rock songs are highly structured with verses, choruses, and guitar solos that stand out, typically arranged in a traditional AABA format.
Southern Rock is all about blending traditional musical genres into a unique sound that captures the feeling of southern life. This means that the lyrics must represent themes that are essential to southern culture. Vocal style is also distinct in Southern Rock, with bands having one or two singers who produce their signature sound.
Lyrical themes in Southern Rock cover a broad spectrum. Southern rock music features strong lyrical themes about family, the working class, relationships, small towns, heartbreak, patriotism, and being down and out.
Some popular southern rock artists and bands
ZZ Top is a legendary band hailing from Houston, Texas, that formed in 1969. With their signature blues-inspired sound and iconic beards, ZZ Top quickly became a household name in Southern Rock. The trio is made up of Billy Gibbons on lead vocals and guitar, Dusty Hill on bass and vocals, and Frank Beard on drums. Their hits include “Sharp Dressed Man,” “Legs,” and “Gimme All Your Lovin’.” ZZ Top’s influence in the genre is undeniable, with their distinct sound and visuals paving the way for many future rock bands.
.38 Special, formed in 1974 in Jacksonville, Florida, is another staple of Southern Rock. Known for their catchy guitar riffs and vocal harmonies, .38 Special quickly rose to fame in the 80s. The band’s hits include “Hold on Loosely,” “Caught Up in You,” and “If I’d Been the One.” .38 Special’s signature sound is a mix of Southern Rock and Arena Rock, with their guitar-heavy anthems serving as the soundtrack for many classic rock fans.
Little Feat is a band from Los Angeles, California, that formed in 1969. They have been described as a mix of blues, R&B, and country rock, and have gained a devoted following over the years. Little Feat’s most popular songs include “Dixie Chicken,” “Willin’,” and “Oh Atlanta.” The band has been influential in the Southern Rock genre due to their unique sound, which incorporated elements of funk and jazz into their rock music.
The Allman Brothers Band is one of the most famous Southern Rock bands of all time. Formed in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1969, the band featured guitarists Duane Allman and Dickey Betts, as well as a talented lineup of musicians. The band’s hits include “Ramblin’ Man,” “Whipping Post,” and “Midnight Rider.” The Allman Brothers Band’s influence can be seen in many future rock bands, with their use of dual lead guitars and intricate jam sessions paving the way for future guitarists.
Lynyrd Skynyrd, also from Jacksonville, Florida, formed in 1964 and became one of the most well-known bands in Southern Rock. The band’s tragic plane crash in 1977 claimed the lives of several band members, but their music lives on to this day. Lynyrd Skynyrd’s hits include “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Free Bird,” and “Simple Man.” The band’s use of guitar-driven rock and roll and heartfelt lyrics cemented their place in Southern Rock history.
The Black Crowes is a band from Atlanta, Georgia, that formed in 1984. The band’s style is a mix of Southern Rock, blues, and psychedelic rock, making them stand out among their contemporaries.