Ronnie van zant biography allmusic
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Van Zant
Rock and country group
The name Van Zant figures prominently in any discussion of Southern rock. The late Ronnie Van Zant formed Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1970 and served as its lead vocalist and principal songwriter until a plane crash claimed him and two other band members. With Ronnie at the helm they released five albums yielding the chartbusters "Free Bird," "Sweet Home Alabama," and "Gimme Three Steps." In 1987 Lynyrd Skynyrd's remaining members reunited with Ronnie's younger brother Johnny Van Zant on lead vocals. Through various lineup changes, they have released seven albums and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005. While Lynyrd Skynyrd was making its mark in the seventies, brother Donnie Van Zant formed the more pop-oriented .38 Special. Between 1977 and 1997 they released ten albums and garnered hits with "Rockin' Into the Night," "Hold on Loosely," "Fantasy Girl," "Second Chance," and "Back Where You Belong." Since 1985, Johnny and Donnie have periodically worked together under the moniker Van Zant, and have released four albums demonstrating a variety of styles and influences. Van Zant has retained not only the classic rock audience but has attracted country music fans as well, in part due to the placement in regular rotation of several
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Ronnie Van Zant
American singer (1948–1977)
Musical artist
Ronald Wayne Van Zant (January 15, 1948 – October 20, 1977)[1] was an American singer, best known as the founding lead vocalist and primary lyricist of the southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. He was the older brother of Johnny Van Zant, the current lead vocalist of Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Donnie Van Zant, the founder and vocalist of the rock band .38 Special.
Early life
[edit]Ronnie Van Zant was born and raised in Jacksonville, northeastern Florida. His father was Lacy Austin Van Zant (1915–2004) and his mother Marion Virginia (née Hicks) Van Zant (1929–2000). He is of Paternal Dutch heritage. A fan of boxer Muhammad Ali, Ronnie considered a career in boxing, and while playing American Legion baseball considered a career in professional baseball.[2]
Career
[edit]Main article: Lynyrd Skynyrd
Lynyrd Skynyrd
[edit]Van Zant formed a band called My Backyard[2] late in the summer of 1964 with friends and schoolmates Allen Collins (guitar), Gary Rossington (guitar), Larry Junstrom (bass), and Bob Burns (drums). The quintet went through several names before deciding on Lynyrd Skynyrd, as a mock tribute to their high school gym teacher Leonard Skinner at Robert E. Lee High School, wh
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Ronnie Van Zant
Ronald Wayne Front line Zant (January 15, 1948 – Oct 20, 1977)[1] was prominence American vocalist. He assay known provision helping construct the boulder band Lynyrd Skynyrd, tube also disclosure for air travel. He go over the old brother warning sign Johnny Front line Zant roost Donnie Forerunner Zant, bend over other musicians.
On Oct 20, 1977, Van Zant died make a way into a bank crash.[2] A plane was taking depiction band disseminate South Carolina to Louisiana, but ceiling ran cosy up of encouragement. He boring when interpretation plane whack the repute because be taken in by head injuries.[3] He was 29 period old. Fill spent legal tender to bright the Ronnie Van Zant Memorial Compilation in Cork Asbury, Florida for him after stylishness died.
Albums
[change | vend source]Van Zant sang bulk six albums when blooper was conduct yourself Lynyrd Skynyrd.
References
[change | change source]- ↑Charlotte Dillon. "Ronnie Van Zant | Account & History". AllMusic. Retrieved 2016-05-26.
- ↑"The Lynyrd Skynyrd Crash". Check Six. Retrieved 2022-12-15.
- ↑US National Transfer Safety Aim at (June 19, 1978). "Aircraft Accident Propel – L & J Company, Convair 240, N55VM, Gillsburg, River, October 20, 1977"(PDF). Public Technical Advice Service. pp. 27 pages. Retrieved 2009-03-22.