Post by Susan on Mar 7, 2007 16:45:09 GMT -5
Johnny Van Zant
Johnny Van Zant, now there is a name with history. Johnny Van Zant born on February 27th, 1960 in Jacksonville, FL. Johnny is the youngest of three brothers that are also well known to the music industry, Ronnie Van Zant of Lynyrd Skynyrd and Donnie Van Zant of .38 Special.
Johnny released 7 albums as a solo artist and under the name of the, “ Johnny Van Zant Band”. One of his biggest hits was one he did as a tribute to his late brother Ronnie Van Zant called, “Brickyard Road”. The song and video are both tear jerkers from start to finish. Johnny put his heart and soul into this song. Showing his love and respect for his older brother.
In 1987, they Lynyrd Skynyrd band wanted to do a 10 year tribute tour. They ask Johnny to join the band. A spot I’m sure he never thought he would be standing in. To follow in his brother shoes center stage. Johnny did the tour and it was a hit. Johnny was very nervous and it showed in his first couple of shows. But he soon singing as though he was born to be there. And he did Ronnie justice.
However, Johnny would not sing Freebird. Only placed Ronnie’s hat on the microphone stating that he believed only one man was ment to sing that song and left the stage. It was very sad to see that empty spot on stage but your heart sure went out to Johnny for the love and respect he gave his brother.
It wasn’t long before the band and fans thought it was time for Johnny to step up to the mic and sing Freebird. And Johnny did just that. I am not sure at what point or year he did. But I do know that the tribute went so well that the fans wanted more. And so Lynyrd Skynyrd was reborn, with Ronnie’s baby brother standing center stage. And doing a d**n fine job too.
Johnny had his own voice and his own style. And impressed the fans with his ability to belt out those songs with ease. Johnny toured on for now for 20 years. He still brings the fans to their feet and no one leaves their seat to go to the bathroom. Fans stay in their seats from start to finish. And scream for more.
Johnny joined his older brother Donnie Van Zant of .38 Special in 1998 to do a CD entitled, “Brother To Brother”. It was a great success and was followed up with, “Van Zant II”. And Van Zant fans loved seeing the two brothers together.
It didn’t stop there. In March of 2005, Johnny and Donnie released a country CD called, “Get Right With The Man”. This CD went gold and has had 3 video’s released from it. They have also appeared in a Hank Williams Jr video. The have been nominated for dou of the year but have not yet taken the award. They will be releasing a new country CD early this year. So needless to say, Johnny also juggles touring with 2 bands.
Johnny is a loving husband and father. And enjoys his time at home with his lovely wife Lisa and their children. One thing I have found is that the Van Zant family takes family life very serious and personal. I have so much respect for this name. I have yet to hear or read anything bad or mean about this family. I have not had the pleasure of meeting Johnny, but hope to some day.
I saw Lynyrd Skynyrd on July 4th, 1977 in Oakland, CA. Bill Grahams Presents. Ronnie was in his prime. I have since seen Lynyrd Skynyrd 3 times in the last 2 years. I love the music than, and I love the music now. Keep doing what your doing Johnny. You have made your own name now and Ronnie is looking down upon you with pride.
Susan Snider
January 2007
Johnny Van Zant, now there is a name with history. Johnny Van Zant born on February 27th, 1960 in Jacksonville, FL. Johnny is the youngest of three brothers that are also well known to the music industry, Ronnie Van Zant of Lynyrd Skynyrd and Donnie Van Zant of .38 Special.
Johnny released 7 albums as a solo artist and under the name of the, “ Johnny Van Zant Band”. One of his biggest hits was one he did as a tribute to his late brother Ronnie Van Zant called, “Brickyard Road”. The song and video are both tear jerkers from start to finish. Johnny put his heart and soul into this song. Showing his love and respect for his older brother.
In 1987, they Lynyrd Skynyrd band wanted to do a 10 year tribute tour. They ask Johnny to join the band. A spot I’m sure he never thought he would be standing in. To follow in his brother shoes center stage. Johnny did the tour and it was a hit. Johnny was very nervous and it showed in his first couple of shows. But he soon singing as though he was born to be there. And he did Ronnie justice.
However, Johnny would not sing Freebird. Only placed Ronnie’s hat on the microphone stating that he believed only one man was ment to sing that song and left the stage. It was very sad to see that empty spot on stage but your heart sure went out to Johnny for the love and respect he gave his brother.
It wasn’t long before the band and fans thought it was time for Johnny to step up to the mic and sing Freebird. And Johnny did just that. I am not sure at what point or year he did. But I do know that the tribute went so well that the fans wanted more. And so Lynyrd Skynyrd was reborn, with Ronnie’s baby brother standing center stage. And doing a d**n fine job too.
Johnny had his own voice and his own style. And impressed the fans with his ability to belt out those songs with ease. Johnny toured on for now for 20 years. He still brings the fans to their feet and no one leaves their seat to go to the bathroom. Fans stay in their seats from start to finish. And scream for more.
Johnny joined his older brother Donnie Van Zant of .38 Special in 1998 to do a CD entitled, “Brother To Brother”. It was a great success and was followed up with, “Van Zant II”. And Van Zant fans loved seeing the two brothers together.
It didn’t stop there. In March of 2005, Johnny and Donnie released a country CD called, “Get Right With The Man”. This CD went gold and has had 3 video’s released from it. They have also appeared in a Hank Williams Jr video. The have been nominated for dou of the year but have not yet taken the award. They will be releasing a new country CD early this year. So needless to say, Johnny also juggles touring with 2 bands.
Johnny is a loving husband and father. And enjoys his time at home with his lovely wife Lisa and their children. One thing I have found is that the Van Zant family takes family life very serious and personal. I have so much respect for this name. I have yet to hear or read anything bad or mean about this family. I have not had the pleasure of meeting Johnny, but hope to some day.
I saw Lynyrd Skynyrd on July 4th, 1977 in Oakland, CA. Bill Grahams Presents. Ronnie was in his prime. I have since seen Lynyrd Skynyrd 3 times in the last 2 years. I love the music than, and I love the music now. Keep doing what your doing Johnny. You have made your own name now and Ronnie is looking down upon you with pride.
Susan Snider
January 2007