Sultry Cover Of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Simple Man”
Youtube "Kappa Larson"
Great Take On A Classic
“Simple Man” was written shortly after the death of Gary Rossington’s mother and Ronnie Van Zant’s grandmother. Ronnie penned the lyrics while Gary came up with the chord progression. They finished writing in about an hour. It was then released in 1973 for Lynyrd Skynyrd’s debut album. Being one of the band’s most popular songs, this became available for digital download thus making it their third best-selling digital track.
Frontman Johnny Van Zant discussed this song in a track-by-track commentary to promote the band’s 2010 CD/DVD Live From Freedom Hall. He said: “Well that’s a great song and something that I think we all live by. I think anybody out there needs to respect their mother, and the words of their mother. It’s mama talking to you in that song and I think it’s probably one of my favorites if not my favorite to do live. It’s just a great song and that one stays in the set and the crowd always goes crazy on that one.”
Aside from using it in TV series, it was also covered by Deftones (alternative metal band) and Shinedown (rock band) and Confederate Railroad (country rock band). And while there have been several versions, this one by Kappa Larson is a refreshing rendition. It’s incredibly soothing and beautifully sung.
Beware though, it can move you to tears.
