Lynyr Skynyrd (pronounced /ˌlɛnɚdˈskɪnɝd/,Leh-Nerd Skin-Nerd) is an American Southern rock band. The band became prominent in the Southern United States in 1973, and rose to worldwide recognition before several members, including lead vocalist and primary songwriter Ronnie Van Zant, were killed in a plane crash in 1977 near McComb, Mississippi. A tribute band was formed in 1987 for a reunion tour with Johnny Van Zant, Ronnie's younger brother, at the helm, and continues to record music today.