In 1972, the band (then comprising Van Zant, Collins, Rossington

In 1972, the band (then comprising Van Zant, Collins, Rossington, Burns, Wilkeson, and Powell) was discovered by musician, songwriter, and producer Al Kooper of Blood, Sweat & Tears , who had attended one of their shows at Funocchio’s in Atlanta. Kooper signed them to his Sounds of the South label, which was to be distributed and supported by MCA Records , and produced their first album. Wilkeson, citing nervousness about fame, temporarily left the band during the early recording sessions, playing on only two tracks. He rejoined the band shortly after the album’s release at Van Zant’s invitation and is pictured on the album cover. To replace him, Strawberry Alarm Clock guitarist Ed King joined the band and played bass on the album (the only part that Wilkeson had not already written being the solo section in ” Simple Man “), and also contributed to the songwriting and did some guitar work on the album. After Wilkeson rejoined, King stayed in the band and switched solely to guitar, allowing the band to replicate its three-guitar studio mix in live performances. The band released their debut album (Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd) on August 13, 1973. It sold over one million copies and was awarded a gold disc by the RIAA . The album featured the hit song ” Free Bird “, which received national airplay, eventually reaching No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.