Van zant family
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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
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
Main article: Lynyrd Skynyrd
Lynyrd Skynyrd
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 (bas
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With over 28 million records sold in the U.S. and a sound as iconic as the American culture it celebrates, Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Lynyrd Skynyrd continue to inspire fans of all ages while embodying the very soul of Southern rock.
Celebrating 50 Years
From their humble Jacksonville beginnings, through tragedy, reunion, and redemption, the band has earned its place on Rolling Stone’s list of the “100 Greatest Artists of All Time” – as well as a prominent spot in the hearts of generations.
In 2023, with the 50th anniversary of their pioneering debut album Pronounced ‘Lĕh-’nérd ‘Skin-’nérd the band continues to tour, record, and delight their hundreds of millions of global fans with an eye on both the future and their rich history.
In the summer of 1964, teenagers Ronnie Van Zant, Bob Burns, and Gary Rossington met while playing on rival baseball teams in Jacksonville, Florida. An impromptu afternoon jam session in the carport of Burns’ parents’ house inspired the trio to form a band. Before long, guitarist Allen Collins Ronnie Van Zant Born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida to Lacy (1915-2004) and Marion (1929-2000) Van Zant. Van Zant aspired to be many things before finding his love for music. Notably, Ronnie was interested in becoming a boxer (as Muhammad Ali was one of his idols) and in playing professional baseball. Ronnie also tossed around the idea of becoming a stock-car racer. In fact, he would say that he was going to be the most famous person to come out of Jacksonville since Lee Roy Yarbrough. However, after seeing The Rolling Stones with his future bandmates, Ronnie decided on his future career path. Van Zant was married twice. His first marriage was to Nadine Inscoe and during this marriage Ronnie's first daughter Tammy Van Zant was born. During his second marriage to Judy, Melody Van Zant (his second daughter) was born. Van Zant was known to be superstitious; he hated snakes and hated to fly. Despite his unflattering mention in "Sweet Home Alabama", he was a close friend of Neil Young and the two admired each o
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Ronnie Van Zant
Early Life[]
Lynyrd Skynyrd[]
Personal life[]
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