A Special Moment in Music History
The 2023 CMT Music Awards will undoubtedly be a special moment in music history, as the event plans to pay tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd with an all-star lineup. The tribute is in honor of the band’s 50th anniversary since the release of their debut album and comes despite the recent loss of founding member and guitarist, Gary Rossington.
All-Star Tribute Lineup
The tribute will feature a lineup of some of the most prominent musicians in the industry. Billy Gibbons from ZZ Top, Bad Company’s Paul Rodgers, The Allman Brothers’ Band’s Warren Haynes, Slash from Guns n’ Roses, and country star Cody Johnson have all been confirmed to take part in this historical performance. These artists share personal connections to Lynyrd Skynyrd, including being friends with them for over 50 years and one member being introduced to his wife by a Skynyrd bandmate.
Deep Influence on Modern Country Music
The artists paying tribute are honored to be part of it and speak highly of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s influence on modern country music. In particular, Cody Johnson says that their music taught him how to sing blues and Southern gospel. Despite controversy surrounding the use of the Confederate flag in their imagery, these musicians also acknowledge Lynyrd Skynyrd’s proud Southern roots and their message of peace and love in their songs.
CMT Music Awards Lineup
Aside from the tribute, this year’s CMT Music Awards will feature epic performances and renowned artists like Alanis Morissette and Gwen Stefani. Lainey Wilson leads the nominee list with four nominations while Twain will receive the CMT Equal Play Award for advocating diversity and amplifying underrepresented voices in country music.
What to Expect from the 2023 CMT Music Awards
The 2023 CMT Music Awards will go live from Austin’s Moody Center on April 2, 2023. Fans can expect an exciting night with performers like Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Kelsea Ballerini, and Kane Brown. Meanwhile, viewers can catch an extended edition of the event featuring 30 minutes of new performances and bonus footage on CMT on April 6th.
Celebrating Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Legacy
The Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute is set to be a historic moment in music history, and it will undoubtedly be a special moment for all those involved. Although there will never be another Lynyrd Skynyrd or Gary Rossington, this tribute is a fitting way to honor their legacy and impact on the industry.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
