Leonard Skinner, R.I.P.
Leonard Skinner, inspiration for the legendary band Lynyrd Skynyrd, died in his sleep early Monday at a nursing home in Jacksonville, Florida. A no-nonsense basketball coach and gym teacher at Jacksonville’s Robert E. Lee High School, Skinner was known in the 1960s to send students to the principal’s office if their hair touched their collars. Some of those students later had a little fun and named their band after Skinner. In later years, Skinner made friends with Lynyrd Skynyrd’s band members and even introduced them at a concert in Jacksonville.
Leonard Skinner obit and vintage photo in the Baltimore Sun
MP3: “Gimme Three Steps” (live)
30 Days Out 
September 23, 2010 at 7:04 am
No remorse that this guy is dead. I was subjected to the rants and intimidation of many of these “anti-hippie” types during my younger years. In those days it was alright for teachers to apply a little “discipline” to their students.
September 24, 2010 at 7:30 pm
I second the sentiment of Tom B but at least the band got their own back by putting his name to a rock band.
Great songs
regards
Rhod