While, Florence Henderson will forever be associated with The Brady Bunch, she also factors into one of the dumbest—and most enduring—traditions in rock n’ roll.

It’s a cliché at this point, and one you’ve probably seen go down if you’ve been to a concert in the past 30 years or so. During a lull, or between songs by the band, some fool will shout out “Free Bird!” or “Play ‘Free Bird’!” This is a reference to “Free Bird,” one of the best-known songs by 1970s Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. Now, it’s highly unlikely that the people who shout out “Free Bird” want to hear the song—nor does the band want to play it, or know how. It’s just something people do at rock concerts.
Back in 1976, Lynyrd Skynyrd recorded a live album in Atlanta called One More from the Road. At one point, the crowd is getting restless, and singer Ronnie Van Zandt inquires why, asking “What song is it you wanna hear?” The audience responds, loudly, “Free Bird.” And so the band plays it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMVvNtcMYjo
Flash-forward 12 years, to 1988. A popular Chicago radio DJ named Kevin Matthews announces on his show that Florence Henderson is coming to town for a concert. Henderson actually has a wonderful singing voice—she sang often on The Brady Bunch, and before her TV days she starred in a number of musicals. While her repertoire consisted of show tunes and easy listening standards, Matthews thought it would be funny if his listeners went to the Florence Henderson and demanded a song the same way Lynyrd Skynyrd fans had. And so, a few people went to Florence Henderson’s concert and heckled her by shouting “Free Bird.” From there, it spread.
Sorry, Mrs. Brady.