Lynyrd Skynyrd - Workin’ For MCA (REACTION)

[@324cmac]

That concert pianist turned roadie turned rock star brought the whole band up a notch.

[@retiredfirelt586]

"Billy Powell on the piano!"

[@whome1299]

My favorite keyboard player. Then Elton. 😁🤘

[@InspectorVol]

Ed King added some flavor also.

[@jenniferfoster1692]

I just love that story, how they band didn't even know he could play. Imagine if they never figured it out! Piano and rock is the best & he killed it every time.

[@MarkMay-cr6bv]

Best damned reaction channel on YT, bar none. Thank you! And Lynyrd Skynyrd is the real deal, and then some.

[@aspjake123]

Agreed, why in the hell don't these brothers have 1m subs like they deserve is beyond me.

[@kevinmorrell4155]

I agree! You two dudes bring it and it’s much appreciated

[@Mickraut-xe5im]

Amen ! Love seeing music people learning and appreciating our music. La and Che are the best.

[@jenniferfoster1692]

100%, love La & Che. They're the first channel I check in the morning.

[@AirplayBeats]

@@MarkMay-cr6bv Thanks Airplay Fam!!

[@RichardWarner-nq2kf]

They wrote this song to play in front of the MCA executives who were in attendance for their showcase event to get a record deal

[@markhopkins222]

No the hell they did not DA the song came out April 15th, 1974. Lynyrd Skynyrd signed with Sounds of the South in September 1973

[@RichardWarner-nq2kf]

@ do you even read what you say they did a showcase got signed and then recorded it

[@xhighone]

@@markhopkins222 it's true. the record with the song came out after, but they were very innovative and were experimenting with the idea of actually writing songs, and playing them, before actually recording them.

[@markhopkins222]

@@xhighone no shit that is how most bands do it. There is nothing yall can tell me about LS pre 77. I know their history very well and saw them three times before the crash. Pretty well versed in LS history and the folklore that abounds with this band. I listen to them every day. They had been writting songs since they were 16 Allen came up with Freebird at 16 years old.

[@Gordy63]

The great Ed King (RIP) with an amazing riff and guitar solo 🤘. Like the Stones, Skynyrd songs will remain relevant for decades to come.

[@davewing68]

There's a great quote from Ed King about Ronnie in the "If I Leave Here Tomorrow" documentary. (If you haven't seen that doc, you should. Just know it has a really sad ending.) Anyway, King said (roughly) "To understand Ronnie Van Zant, all you have to do is listen to six of his songs." The interviewer asked which six songs, and King said "Any six - doesn't matter."

[@freebirdtony]

Thank you kindly guys. Ya'll just made my day! The Yankee slicker being referred to is Al Kooper, the man who discovered them at an Atlanta night club called Funochios in 1972, and he also produced their first three albums.

[@sooty951]

And played mellotron on Tuesday's gone

[@Gordy63]

And sang the words “Southern Man” in a Neil young imitation voice in the background of the song Sweet Home Alabama” (left speaker to be exact). If you listen real carefully, you’ll hear it right after Ronnie sings “I heard Neil Young sing about her”…..

[@freebirdtony]

@sooty951 That is correct, he went by the name Roosevelt Gook on the album credits, and if you listen to "Sweet Home Alabama" with earphones on you can slightly hear Kooper imitating Neil Young saying southern man on the right earphone after Ronnie sings well I heard Mr. Young sing about her.

[@freebirdtony]

@Gordy63 That is correct, although I think I remember it sounding from the right earphone, I'm gonna have to check that now. Lol.

[@WilliamClark-uj1uo]

Al Kooper was also in the Band- Blood, Sweat and Tears before he discovered Skynyrd

[@michaeldezego340]

This isn’t one of their more popular songs but it’s always been in my top 3 Skynyrd songs. Love your reactions gentlemen.

[@oldschoolfink3212]

Lynyrd Skynyrd is still my all time favorite band since I first discovered them at 12 years old. I have some other favorites, but when I can't find anything I wanna hear, Lynyrd Skynyrd is my goto. I'm 58 years old. They never get old.

[@jimmymcintyre7944]

Saw Skynyrd July 4th, 1976 at the Liberty Bowl in Memphis. The lineup that day was The Outlaws, Blue Oyster Cult, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and ZZ Top. Poor ZZ, nobody follows Skynyrd. When the plane crash happened, they were on the cusp of Super Stardom. The rest of the country was discovering what us Southerners knew. These boys could rock. Got their last album with the fire in the background. Was planning in seeing their Street Survivors tour. Unfortunately that tour never took place. What a shame.

[@clasmaster1471]

I just can’t get over the age. These guys were and the quality and seems like knowledge behind this music is amazing. When I was that age, there was no way this level could be achieved by me or anyone else I knew personally. I probably knew one or two music prodigies in my life but other than that These guys played like they’ve been around for 50 years. To only be around for such a short amount of time and leave such a lifelong impression on the world is very telling about Lynyrd Skynyrd and I am very blessed to have seen them a few times, but wasn’t blessed to ever see the full original band. RIP.

[@mtzoar]

this has been my favorite skynyrd song since it was first released: best/funniest lyrics; best riff; best leads; best mix. thanks very much for playing this and i'm glad you liked it

[@kraig7777]

I had this album in 8 track when I was a kid and ever since then I look at records with the MCA label on them funny lol. The two bands I had the most in that 8 track collection were Led Zeppelin, and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

[@tonyfred123]

They always opened their shows with this song. God I miss em.

[@NickStenger-qt8yz]

You are right,I've seen them 7 times and they started every show with this song.

[@kevinmorrell4155]

@@tonyfred123 they still do! Saw them a few months ago and they still rock out and put on an amazing show.

[@smr9981]

It’s one of the hardest opening songs of any band ever. The downbeat straight into that sick guitar riff is undefeated.

[@kevinmorrell4155]

You two dudes are the best for continuing to roll out Skynyrd songs. Ya’ll appreciate authentic music and these southern rockers bring it. Thanks

[@CANDOKNOWHOW]

🔥Gangster A.F. 🔥 THIS is the first tune that comes to mind when people ask what’s my favorite Skynyrd song. This encompasses the badass attitude of the band.. from the very start it’s like they’re jumping up and socking us in the mouth with a fist of truth about making it to the “big time”. They’re pissed off at their record company and bustin’ through the door like they’re looking to put someone in the hospital. Musically, they’re showboatin’ here with the early piano solo as well as the two part guitar solo, with the second guitar coming in bright and laying it down smoking hot before rolling it all back to main hook. My favorite out of the whole discography right here, thanks for another awesome reaction, y’all understood this tune the moment the horses left the gate. 💯 PURE 🔥 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@edwardcapobianco2975]

You’re dead on balls accurate with your synopsis brother !! Everything you wrote down here is the perfect description as to the essence of RVZ and the boys!! Great response!!!!!!

[@scottcoleman9710]

This group didn't miss, every album is excellent. They were easily my favorite group in the 70s growing up in small town MS. The day their plane crashed was a dark day. So talented and had so many more great albums left in them. Thanks for the reactions of this great catalog.

[@buddystewart2020]

From Songfacts: MCA was Lynyrd Skynyrd's record company. This song is based on how they were signed. The "Yankee Slicker" is Al Kooper. They actually were signed for $9,000. After recording "Sweet Home Alabama," Lynyrd Skynyrd performed at the "Sounds of the South" press party. According to the booklet included with their box set, "When Skynyrd hit the stage with a roaring version of 'Workin' For MCA,' written especially for the event, the party stopped while 500 hardened industry vets stood on chairs to get a glimpse of the unknown band." A few months later, Lynyrd Skynyrd opened for The Who on their "Fallout Shelter" tour. The "seven years of hard luck" in the opening line is the time from 1966 to 1973. 1966 was when the group changed their name to Lynyrd Skynyrd, and 1973 was when their first album was released. >> In spite of the suspicious tone to this song, "Workin' For MCA" had its perks. Al Kooper, in his memoir Backstage Passes and Backstabbing Bastards, goes to great lengths to describe the studio where Second Helping, Skynyrd's second album, was recorded. The Record Plant in Los Angeles was a Hollywood crib of decadence and hedonism, with all the hallmarks of 1970s sleaze. Jacuzzis and bedrooms in the building, squealing groupies bounding naked down the halls, and a staff which had standing orders to cater to every whim of the guests. And as for the decor, if it wasn't wood paneled, it was tie-died.

[@laurakali6522]

Their live album, One More From the Road is worth listening to start to finish. 1976. The album showcased how great of a straight up rock band they were.

[@Jen-in-Texas]

Yes!

[@BBaldwin]

“Needle and the Spoon” and “I Ain’t the One”. Cmon fellas!💪

[@peacefulwarrior4078]

Cry for the bad man As well

[@kengunter6903]

Just the look on ure faces says it all. Pure Greatness!!!!

[@klasseact6663]

I can't wait for you guys to do the song.Give me back my bullets❗️❗️

[@clasmaster1471]

My son went to Florida last year and made a trip just to go down and see everywhere that they lived and worked, the general store where the school was all that stuff. Really cool! Lynyrd Skynyrd really was one of the best bands to ever play.

[@janicez2630]

Thanks for the reaction! Love this band and this song. Imagine this live back in 77 in Oakland... what a great show.

[@Jen-in-Texas]

I so wish I could have been there. I lived about 20 minutes from Oakland, but I was only 11 at the time 😢. My brother and his buddies were all there though.

[@ricobonifacio1095]

They got so much energy, I love their music so much. Never be another Skynyrd.

[@jeremyward2027]

This was off their second album. They were still on the MCA label. Lead singer Ronnie Van Zant always told the band yall handle the music and I'll always handle the business! "Mister pay me all my money and maybe you won't get a scare" those were serious words. Not just lyrics! Another great job guys keep em coming!

[@klasseact6663]

You guys went with a deep cut...Congratulations📣📣

[@Godisgr8-ni5vi]

Listen to "T for Texas" live at Knebworth music festival, England. 300,000 people in crowd and they were a warm up band for the stones. All music critics said, Skynyrd blew the stones off the stage! Mick Jagger told Skynyrd to not go out on the "Tongue" part of the stage, but of course, Ronnie made the guitarists go out there for solos causing Huge friction between the bands. Not to mention, Skynyrd went about 30 minutes OVER on their set, causing more fighting. Anything from this concert is awesome, including Freebird.

[@jdzube2933]

This incredible lick is the work of Ed King, the only member of Skynyrd that wasn't a southerner (he was from LA) and had success in his previous band Strawberry Alarm Clock ( also co-wrote their hit Incense and Peppermint)

[@williethebeerman]

Skynyrd still opens most of their shows to this day with this song

[@Tuesdays_Gone]

Yeah, I saw them in 2018, and that’s exactly what they opened with.

[@bluetopguitar1104]

The guitar playing on this is fantastic. Especially that twangy Stratocaster tone that Ed King gets. This song and "On the hunt" are two of the most technical skynyrd songs in my opinion. Billy Powell added a lot on that honkey tonk piano.

[@TonyHuff-v4z]

Im 68 now. Saw Skynyrd when I was 16 at a small theater in my home town of Mableton Ga. This was before they had made the big time, had been playing in a club in Atlanta for a bit. Their van had been broken in, some of their equipment was stolen. They borrowed some equipment from a local band that was playing there also. I know some of the fellas that were in that band. Got to meet them in the lobby after the show. They had a table set up selling their album Pronounced. Their bass player now is Keith Christopher. He is one of my best friends 1st cousins. The 70's was a good time for music and to be a teen age hippie lol. I really enjoy your reactions.

[@Gordy63]

@@TonyHuff-v4z I’m so jealous! I’m 61 but got my intro to great music at an early age. (My first album was The Rolling Stones Hot Rocks when I was 9.) 70’s were by far the best time to be coming of age with music. My top three bands are Stones, Zeppelin and Skynyrd. I saw the Stones a few times, was supposed to see Zeppelin but Bonham died, so I never did, and never saw Skynyrd.

[@TonyHuff-v4z]

@@Gordy63 Never saw the Stones, did see Zeppelin at Atlanta Stadium. Saw so many great bands back in the day. Floyd, Yes, Genesis when Gabriel was still with them, ELO, Allman Brothers, Queen just to name a few. Got to see Roy Buchanan and speak with him after the show. Great times.

[@SusanFritz-v7i]

One of the things I admire most about Lyndsey Skynyrd is how their songs are based on real world experiences in the band’s lives and Ronnie Van Zant is a stellar vocalist.

[@Zeb-gb2uk]

Rip Ed King 🙏❤️

[@MarkMay-cr6bv]

🤘❤

[@franktrig]

Great job gentlemen. You just reinforced our feelings way back in the day that we were listening to something special.

[@mwrobinson1169]

Others have eluded to this, but Gary Rossington played the first shorter but intense guitar solo, Ed King played the brilliant longer solo. Such a great tune.

[@billadkins5150]

They put in the hours. That’s why they were so good. The great ones do.

[@WesleySeay-f8s]

Love yall's reactions

[@amrak5028]

Between Led Zeppelin we had Aerosmith, Lynyrd Skynard, Rush, Deep Purple, BTO, Alice Cooper. Montrose, Nugent. and Nazarth, We Stood tall in those 70's

[@KennyCamaro2364]

Yes sir!

[@NoviJimB]

Don't forget ZZ Top! And Uriah Heep. And Black Sabbath (only going with 'hard rock', there are lots of others). And...

[@rickmts]

Incredible guitar playing on this one!

[@stevebaldwin8218]

Loved you guys reaction to a song that cooks....Peace from Minneapolis

[@stevedahlberg8680]

Damn, I am so glad you guys are checking out more and more skynyrd. It's one of those few bands that I really like every single song on every single album. I can't say that about very many bands. The Beatles and CCR also come to mind. ❤ I really hope you get to "Honky Tonk Night Time Man" off their last album before the plane crash, Street Survivors. It's just a showcase of fierce musicality, and it's an all-out banger. And it's so fun.

[@williamclifford6112]

Lynard Skynard spawned the term "Guitar Army " because of their 3 lead guitarists. Great song.

[@Mikeyski4]

I come to this channel consistently to hear you guys reach to Skynyrd

[@Mikeyski4]

And with this, please react to Skynyrds "T For Texas' live at Knebworth. It's an old blues jam with Skynyrd at the very peak of their powers just months before the crash

[@TeresaMount-t9o]

Lynyrd Skynyrd one of my top 5 favorite bands. Never heard this one before, I really enjoyed it. Thank you both!

[@edf9682]

All 3 guitar players can play the meanest licks, weave all 3 together and can lay back and play some groovin rhythm guitar..🎸 🎸🎸❤❤❤

[@MarcEdmunds-n4g]

can never go wrong wih lynyrd Skynyrd, I never saw them live before the plane crash, but saw them 10 years later when they reformed and they still killed it.

[@71rcode72]

You guys nailed it. Since I got this album when I was 12 years old around 1980 this is one of the heaviest songs I've ever heard from them. The heaviest. Ed King is a brutal guitar player on that solo and outro solo

[@andrecas1]

Skynyrd keepin' it real! One of their best.

[@WendyWeaver-l1e]

They recorded a lot of their music at Musle Scholes but the studio could get no company's to put out their albam so they kept playing and then mca signed them.

[@oldskool4612]

Again, thanks for warming my soul with your Skynyrd reactions. I was 13 when they released their 1st LP and 17 when their plane went down. I was a huge fan and devastated to my core. They were as real and as authentic as it got. They're all gone now, and may god rest their souls. Their music is a gift that never stops giving.

[@williamclifford6112]

There is still a lot more songs to check out from Skynard. Can't wait for you to react to them.

[@777rjery]

MCA is right on the lower left corner of the album cover. Look into the Hell house in Jax, Ronnie made them practice all day every day, that's why they're so good

[@joeblow5037]

Thanks guys, brings me back 🙂

[@denisetowe895]

I so enjoy your reactions and I love your feelings for Skynyrd! Keeping it real and loving great music! ❤

[@jenniferfoster1692]

Lynyrd Skynyrd don't miss! They have such a deep catalogue of incredible stuff. Love Southern Rock!

[@NJNDZoo]

You have to check out the live footage of this song from Knebworth in 1976 - the band is electric, and Steve Gaines is on FIRE on the guitar. One of my favorite Skynyrd songs.

[@adamwayne5711]

Gaines is awesome , but Ed King's solo can't be replicated.

[@fenderchamp8241]

The guitar work is tremendous on this one. Saw them play this in '76.

[@allengray5748]

DANG IT!! Haven't heard this in a while! Awesomely structured tune. MCA!! WHY MCA?? Great Job Beats!! Peace 🕊️☮️♾️😎🎸🤟🏼

[@myownchannel247]

This is the song they would start their concerts with 🎸

[@tyronesharp9205]

This is the story of how the band got signed. The Yankee Slicker is Al Kooper. He produced the early albums. His book is a good read.

[@CANEsPappa]

Al Kooper, founder of Blood Sweat and Tears. Also played organ on Dylan’s Like a Rolling Stone. Also wrote This Diamond Ring Doesn’t Shine for me Anymore Super Sessions with Stephen Stills. Legend.

[@randyallaben9900]

I knew you guys would love this one! Killer groove and the lyrics are pure gangster! I’ll keep sending Skynyrd bullets to you!

[@smr9981]

Y’all gotta checkout the full 77 Oakland Coliseum concert. They open with this one, and it’s a RIPPER.

[@markhopkins222]

They signed with Sounds of the South a subsidiary of MCA on Sept 73, Album with song came out on Apr 15 1974. And yes they were still with MCA at the time of the release

[@DavidTrippi-fp9yg]

They open every show with this song from back then to right now

[@3rdeyeprism4110]

I clicked on this sooo fast! I knew you'd love it! Great reaction!

Skynyrd was my band. My oldest sister’s band was the Beatles while my middle sister’s was Bowie and Mott. I loved them all but Skynyrd rocked so hard.. Saw the Who ‘s Quadrophenia tour in 73 , I was 14 years old, and Skynyrd was the opening act. Their last song was Free Bird. Every guy in the arena lost his mind!! Then the Who with Moony finished the place off! Still the best concert I ever saw..

[@vickihoward406]

Play me some Skynyrd.. The Best of Southern Rock.. Glad to see Young people Love them too......

[@wordword6039]

Skynyrd brings it every time. Grew up with this music and still play it all the time. Crazy these guys grew up close to each other and were all late tenns early 20's. Who can do that today?? Amazing thing is too when they went into the studio they were ready.

[@dreggymon]

Awesome, one of the best LZ songs. Ed King does a great solo in the middle. R.I.P., boys.

[@bjwnashe5589]

I saw them play at Anaheim Stadium in the summer of 1977. This is the song they opened with. It set a tone, to say the least. Their whole set was insanely good. A couple months later, their plane crashed, killing several band members.

[@johnfreeburn5459]

This song was used most often to open their concerts!🙏♥️🔥

[@davihinghaus9785]

The song is fire, the fellas reacting too!

[@bobshaw8319]

The best reactions on the planet .. Skynyrd is the best ever

[@danconroy8293]

Hey guys you HAVE to see these guys live at the Knebworth Festival! It's the shit !!!

[@JohnMcSmith-b9t]

nice work fellas keep it up🥊🥊💪

[@Tuesdays_Gone]

Love these guys so much. ❤❤❤❤

[@michaelhodge6779]

1 word. Awesome

[@ramsin99]

You guys are the best! I love how you can tell the GREATNESS of Skynyrd. Still waiting for you guys to do some off the live album, One More From the Road! They were better live I promise you!

[@werewolvesofsanger4649]

You guys should react to their song Gimmie back my Bullets. Awesome jam.

[@NickStenger-qt8yz]

You guys are starting to think like I've been feeling for over 50 years. Zeppelin and Skynyrd 1A and 1B !!!

[@grantshouse486]

LOVE LOVE LOVE this channel and yalls love for Lynyrd Skynyrd! T For Texas live 1977 Convention Hall. Actually, it'd be nice if yall reacted to the whole concert. Your minds will be blown. They start the concert with Workin for MCA. It's awesome, and they DO NOT miss a beat!

[@robertsutter4373]

Great tune, well done. next is " You got that right".

[@AirDOGGe]

The song they opened many concerts with, including the awesome 1987 reunion tour.

[@David-br5zx]

They are my no.1 for sure and it gets even better from here fellas

[@alanstevenson4968]

Still a dam good album...Every song a gem...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@SamuelGriffin]

You guys have best reactions. I watch every day.

[@robertbruce194]

My favorite band for years by far…. You guys are fn awesome

[@jasonstacy5587]

The boys will melt your face off sometimes. That's why I know you're gonna love I Ain't The One.

[@markhopkins222]

The core of the band was RVZ lead singer, Allen Collins guitar, Gary Rossington Guitar, Billy Powell Piano, Leon Wilkeson Bass. Bob Burns drums, Then they got Ed King for the third guitar, Bob left got Artimus Pyle who took over drums. Ed left and they got Steve Gains on guitar, And the back up singers Casey, Jo Jo, and Leslie the Honkettes

[@Jen-in-Texas]

Love you guys! You catch everything and that is refreshing. This is a great driving song too. Have you reacted to “One Way Out” yet? You’d love it. The live version from the album “One More for the Road” is the best version I think.

[@jasonwalker7916]

Thanks for the reaction. You just can't miss with LS. The Allman Brothers opened the door for Southern Rock. A couple of years later LS kicked it wide open. Jacksonville alone produced the for mentioned. Also Molly Hatchet and Blackfoot. Outlaws from Tampa Bay area. The 70s was a great time for great music. LS will always be my favorite band. Ronnie Van Zant said during a interview that LS was a rock band from the south, not a Southern Rock band.😊 😊😊

[@ricknblueridge]

One of their lesser played and reacteded to gems. One of my favorite Skynyrd songs.

[@hog7203]

I'm so glad you are listening to the deep cuts. When someone mentions Skynyrd, most folks just think Free Bird. Which is understandable, it's a classic. But they are so much more than that song. And y'all get it.👍👍 Every song from their first five studio albums, and their live album are excellent. Imo, you can't have a best of Lynyrd Skynyrd without including all of the songs from each album. I'm not even gonna suggest a song for the next reaction. Y'all are doing just fine with the tunes you're choosing.

[@BacBac-g5e]

Yes, they were working (recording) at MCA when they wrote and recorded this.

[@lawrencesansone4451]

This was their opening song live from the first note they were off and you hung on for dear life. PLAY IT LIVE

[@seandouglas8655]

My favorite skynyrd song along with Saturday night special

[@jacquesstrapp3219]

One of the best albums of all time.

[@gavinschwier8242]

Skynyrd is the most gangsta Southern Rock ever. Che always gets a scowl on when you’re grooving along. Love it. They are as “streets” as it gets for the time. But with impeccable playing and sound.

[@williamclifford6112]

You guys need to check out "One more time "by Skynard. One of their last recorded songs with Ronnie Van Zant.

[@tonygreene3941]

I have always felt that RVZ was the Mark Twain of rock and roll, real America, such a great band, been waiting forever for you to do tis song, great channel guys