Classic Rockers from Florida

Jacksonville is the home to all the best classic rock bands (and one classic rocker) from Florida...except for one band, who is from Gainesville, Florida. Check out the best classic rockers from the Sunshine State.

Lynyrd Skynyrd began in Jacksonville, Florida in 1964, but they didn't call themselves"Lynyrd Skynyrd" at first. The band started out as My Backyard, then changed names to The Noble Five and then, One Percent, before deciding on "Leonard Skinnerd" in 1969.

Donnie Van Zant, the younger brother of Lynyrd Skynyrd's Ronnie Van Zant, along with neighborhood friend, Don Barnes formed their band, .38 Special in Jacksonville, Florida in 1974.

The Allman brothers, Duane and Gregg, along with Dickey Betts, Berry Oakley, Butch Trucks and Jai Johanny "Jaimoe" Johanson formed their southern rock/blues/jazz/country band, The Allman Brothers Band in Jacksonville, Florida in 1969.

The Doors' frontman, Jim Morrison was originally from Florida. He was born and raised in the Sunshine State and even attended college at Florida State University before heading to the west coast, where he would graduate from UCLA with a degree in film studies in 1965. That same year, Morrison co-founded The Doors.

Tom Petty was born and raised in Gainesville, Florida. He and his band (some of the future Heartbreakers) started out in Gainesville, where they gained local popularity. Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers reached more commercial success following the release of their second album, You're Gonna Get It, and a year later, with Damn the Torpedoes.