What is the story behind Curtis Loew?

The store was immortalized in the lyrics of “The Ballad of Curtis Loew,” from the band’s 1974 album “Second Helping.” The song, written by Van Zant and Allen Collins, tells the story of a young boy who would collect bottles to raise money so an old man who hung out at the corner store would play his dobro.

Is The Ballad of Curtis Loew based on a true story?

The band’s website says that the song is based on a composite of people who actually lived in the Van Zants’ original neighborhood in Jacksonville, Florida.

Who originally sang Curtis Loew?

Lynyrd Skynyrd
Penned by Allen Collins and Ronnie Van Zant, “The Ballad of Curtis Loew” was recorded by American rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. The song was first released on the band’s 1974 album, Second Helping. It was then released again on their compilation, The Essential Lynyrd Skynyrd and later on All-Time Greatest Hits.

Who wrote the song Curtis Lowe?

Ronnie Van Zant
Allen Collins
The Ballad of Curtis Loew/Lyricists

Is the Lynyrd Skynyrd song true?

Songfacts®: Curtis Loew is not the name of an actual person from Ronnie Van Zant’s life. Rather, Curtis Loew is a composite of different people, including Skynyrd lead guitarist Ricky Medlocke’s grandfather, Shorty Medlocke. Contrary to the song’s lyrics, Shorty was not black.

How many Van Zant’s were in Lynyrd Skynyrd?

He was the older brother of two other rock vocalists: current Lynyrd Skynyrd lead vocalist Johnny Van Zant and Donnie Van Zant, the founder and vocalist of 38 Special. He was the father of Tammy Van Zant and Melody Van Zant.

Who inspired the song Curtis Loew?

Some of the sources mentioned include Claude H. “Papa” Hammer, Rufus “Tee Tot” Payne, Robert Johnson, and Shorty Medlocke, the grandfather of Rickey Medlocke, Lynyrd Skynyrd’s drummer during their 1970 tour and one of the band’s current guitarists.