1974 Hit Ranked the Greatest ‘American Rock Song’ Ever Still Defines Classic Rock
An iconic 1974 track has recently been crowned the greatest American rock song of all time. It beat out a powerhouse list of beloved songs that were recorded and released by iconic artists. More than five decades after its release, Lynyrd Skynyrd's 'Free Bird' continues to shape what classic rock means for new and old fans alike.
Who Named Lynyrd Skynyrd's 'Free Bird' the Greatest 'American Rock Song' Ever?
Photo by Richard E. Aaron/Redferns
In July 2025, Ultimate Classic Rock released its ranking of the best American rock songs ever. The list, which featured songs from some of the biggest rock stars in history, placed Lynyrd Skynyrd's 'Free Bird' in the No. 1 slot. The outlet went on to state that the song has "taken on mythic proportions" and labeled it "a definitive American song from one of the definitive American bands."
Released in November 1974, 'Free Bird' would go on to become a solid hit for the band. Still, given that it has been named the greatest American rock song by a notable outlet, it is surprising that it never reached No. 1. In January 1975, the song peaked on the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 19.
Calling 'Free Bird' a song that defines classic rock is inherently subjective, but there is real evidence to support the claim. For example, a 2022 Louder Sound piece described it as "one of the cornerstones of the classic rock canon" and argued that it is still one of the genre's most enduring tracks. Additionally, it was popular for people to yell "play 'Free Bird'" at random concerts for so long that someone even tried to get Reddit to explain the meme to them. The song has also become such a recognizable classic rock track that the website What Song lists 25 TV shows and movies that have featured it over the years.
Listen to Lynyrd Skynyrd's 'Free Bird' here:
The Top 25: Ultimate Classic Rock's Greatest American Rock Songs
- 25. Bruce Springsteen, 'Born in the U.S.A.'
- 24. Simon and Garfunkel, 'Bridge Over Troubled Water'
- 23. Alice Cooper, 'School's Out'
- 22. Tom Petty, 'Free Fallin''
- 21. Elvis Presley, 'Hound Dog'
- 20. Kiss, 'Rock and Roll All Nite'
- 19. Steely Dan, 'Reelin' in the Years'
- 18. Cyndi Lauper, 'Girls Just Want to Have Fun'
- 17. Montrose, 'Rock Candy'
- 16. Bob Dylan, 'Tangled Up in Blue'
- 15. Don Henley, 'The Boys of Summer'
- 14. Boston, 'More Than a Feeling'
- 13. The Doors, 'Light My Fire'
- 12. Guns N' Roses, 'Welcome to the Jungle'
- 11. Nirvana, 'Smells Like Teen Spirit'
- 10. Van Halen, 'Runnin' With the Devil'
- 9. Aerosmith, 'Sweet Emotion'
- 8. Creedence Clearwater Revival, 'Fortunate Son'
- 7. Jackson Browne, 'Running on Empty'
- 6. Chuck Berry, 'Johnny B. Goode'
- 5. Bruce Springsteen, 'Born to Run'
- 4. Bob Dylan, 'Like a Rolling Stone'
- 3. The Beach Boys, 'Good Vibrations'
- 2. Eagles, 'Hotel California'
- 1. Lynyrd Skynyrd, 'Free Bird'