In response to Neil Young's song Southern Man, the band Lynyrd Skynyrd wrote Sweet Home Alabama.
A Period of Transition is the ninth studio album by Northern Irish singer / songwriter Van Morrison , released in 1977 -LRB- see 1977 in music -RRB- .. Van Morrison. Van Morrison. studio album. studio album. Northern Irish. Northern Irish. singer / songwriter. singer / songwriter. 1977 in music. 1977 in music. It was his first album in two and a half years , largely forgotten or overlooked by most casual fans .. At the time of its release it was received with some disappointment by critics and fans  : `` Most were hoping for a work of primeval vocal aggression that would challenge the emerging elite of Morrison pretenders , whose ranks included Bruce Springsteen , Bob Seger , Phil Lynott , Graham Parker and Elvis Costello . ''. Bruce Springsteen. Bruce Springsteen. Bob Seger. Bob Seger. Phil Lynott. Phil Lynott. Graham Parker. Graham Parker. Elvis Costello. Elvis Costello. However , the album is still notable for several major compositions , including `` Heavy Connection , '' `` Flamingos Fly , '' `` The Eternal Kansas City '' and `` Cold Wind in August '' .. The Eternal Kansas City. The Eternal Kansas City. Morrison had appeared in The Last Waltz with Mac Rebennack -LRB- Dr. John -RRB- who was a co-producer on this album as well as playing keyboards and guitar .. Dr. John. Dr. John. The Last Waltz. The Last Waltz. keyboards. Keyboard instrument. guitar. guitar