Post by Susan on Mar 7, 2007 16:43:48 GMT -5
Donnie Van Zant
When you hear the name Donnie Van Zant, you just can’t help but think of the legacy of the family. Ronnie, Donnie and Johnny. All three have made a mark in the music world. But with this I would like to talk about Donnie, the founder of the Rock Band, “.38 Special”.
Donnie Van Zant was born on June 11th, 1952 to the proud parents Lacy and Marion Van Zant. He grew up in a poor neighborhood, that they nicknamed,”Shanty Town”. Growing up in the shadow of his older brother Ronnie Van Zant who was already making a name for himself with Lynyrd Skynyrd. He looked to his brother for advice and guidance.
In 1975, Donnie Van Zant along with Don Barnes formed the band .38 Special. The band hailed from Jacksonville, FL. The band members that started out as .38 Special were, Donnie Van Zant, Don Barnes, Jeff Carlisi, Ken Lyons, Jack Grondin, and Steve Brookins.
As the story goes they got their name from an incident that happened while practicing in an abandoned warehouse. One night the police barged in, with there guns out, which happened to be .38 Specials. And so formed the great band .38 Special. As for the story of the band, I will save that for the .38 Special bio.
Donnie has made a name for himself, but it has not come without hard work, long hours and playing in a lot of honkytonk bars. He spent many nights in smoke filled bars getting his band on the road to success. But while doing so he suffered a loss that would change his life forever.
On Oct. 20th, 1977, he lost his brother Ronnie Van Zant in a plane crash along with 3 others, Steve Gaines, Cassie Gaines, and Dean Kilpatrick. Ronnie was the founder and lead singer for Lynyrd Skynyrd. And was at the time of the plane crash at the height of his career.
Donnie went on with his music and .38 Special. Signing his first record deal with A&M in 1977. But really hit it big in 1981 with the release of “Wild Eyed Southern Boys”. And after 30 years Donnie is still touring with .38 Special. Although some members have changed since than.
Donnie would write and perform a tribute song to his brother Ronnie later called, “Rebel To Rebel”. A hit that he plays at his concerts and I swear still brings a tear to his eye.
You can still find Donnie on stage giving the fans a show that compares to nothing you will ever see. Donnie jumps, runs, and twirls across the stage today like he did 30 years ago and has not missed a beat.
In 1998, Donnie would unite with younger brother, Johnny Van Zant to do a CD called, “Brother To Brother”. They would both reunite to do a follow up CD called, “Van Zant II”. Both CD’s are great listening. But they wanted to fulfill a dream that there late brother Ronnie had. To do a country album, which now are CD’s.
So in March of 2005 they released Van Zant,”Get Right With The Man” CD. Off of this CD they have had 3 video’s released and the CD has gone gold. A new CD is expected out early this year.
Donnie continue’s to tour with .38 Special and somehow manages to tour with Johnny as Van Zant. He manages to tour during the year with both bands and still have time to be with his family. He is a very devoted husband, father and grandfather. His family is the most important part of his life. His time off the road is spent with his lovely wife Ashley. Donnie is a very private man who keeps his family and music seperate. His home life to him is just that, his.
I have had the pleasure of meeting Donnie. I can say that he is a giving and talented musician. And is always happy to meet fans when he can. I have never known him to turn down an autograph. When you meet Donnie Van Zant he leaves an impression that will last a lifetime. Although it was I who was honored to meet him. Donnie made me feel as though, he was the one honored to meet me. Meeting Donnie and the band has been a dream come true for me.
Donnie’s kindness never ceases to amaze me at each concert I attend. 30 years he has been on stage and he just gets better and better. Rock on Donnie. I hope I have done you justice with this.
Susan Snider - January 2007
When you hear the name Donnie Van Zant, you just can’t help but think of the legacy of the family. Ronnie, Donnie and Johnny. All three have made a mark in the music world. But with this I would like to talk about Donnie, the founder of the Rock Band, “.38 Special”.
Donnie Van Zant was born on June 11th, 1952 to the proud parents Lacy and Marion Van Zant. He grew up in a poor neighborhood, that they nicknamed,”Shanty Town”. Growing up in the shadow of his older brother Ronnie Van Zant who was already making a name for himself with Lynyrd Skynyrd. He looked to his brother for advice and guidance.
In 1975, Donnie Van Zant along with Don Barnes formed the band .38 Special. The band hailed from Jacksonville, FL. The band members that started out as .38 Special were, Donnie Van Zant, Don Barnes, Jeff Carlisi, Ken Lyons, Jack Grondin, and Steve Brookins.
As the story goes they got their name from an incident that happened while practicing in an abandoned warehouse. One night the police barged in, with there guns out, which happened to be .38 Specials. And so formed the great band .38 Special. As for the story of the band, I will save that for the .38 Special bio.
Donnie has made a name for himself, but it has not come without hard work, long hours and playing in a lot of honkytonk bars. He spent many nights in smoke filled bars getting his band on the road to success. But while doing so he suffered a loss that would change his life forever.
On Oct. 20th, 1977, he lost his brother Ronnie Van Zant in a plane crash along with 3 others, Steve Gaines, Cassie Gaines, and Dean Kilpatrick. Ronnie was the founder and lead singer for Lynyrd Skynyrd. And was at the time of the plane crash at the height of his career.
Donnie went on with his music and .38 Special. Signing his first record deal with A&M in 1977. But really hit it big in 1981 with the release of “Wild Eyed Southern Boys”. And after 30 years Donnie is still touring with .38 Special. Although some members have changed since than.
Donnie would write and perform a tribute song to his brother Ronnie later called, “Rebel To Rebel”. A hit that he plays at his concerts and I swear still brings a tear to his eye.
You can still find Donnie on stage giving the fans a show that compares to nothing you will ever see. Donnie jumps, runs, and twirls across the stage today like he did 30 years ago and has not missed a beat.
In 1998, Donnie would unite with younger brother, Johnny Van Zant to do a CD called, “Brother To Brother”. They would both reunite to do a follow up CD called, “Van Zant II”. Both CD’s are great listening. But they wanted to fulfill a dream that there late brother Ronnie had. To do a country album, which now are CD’s.
So in March of 2005 they released Van Zant,”Get Right With The Man” CD. Off of this CD they have had 3 video’s released and the CD has gone gold. A new CD is expected out early this year.
Donnie continue’s to tour with .38 Special and somehow manages to tour with Johnny as Van Zant. He manages to tour during the year with both bands and still have time to be with his family. He is a very devoted husband, father and grandfather. His family is the most important part of his life. His time off the road is spent with his lovely wife Ashley. Donnie is a very private man who keeps his family and music seperate. His home life to him is just that, his.
I have had the pleasure of meeting Donnie. I can say that he is a giving and talented musician. And is always happy to meet fans when he can. I have never known him to turn down an autograph. When you meet Donnie Van Zant he leaves an impression that will last a lifetime. Although it was I who was honored to meet him. Donnie made me feel as though, he was the one honored to meet me. Meeting Donnie and the band has been a dream come true for me.
Donnie’s kindness never ceases to amaze me at each concert I attend. 30 years he has been on stage and he just gets better and better. Rock on Donnie. I hope I have done you justice with this.
Susan Snider - January 2007
