Johnny Van Zant

American musician Johnny Van Zant was born on February 27, 1959, in Jacksonville, Florida to a family that would become known for its impact on Southern rock and roll. Van Zant first started performing with the Austin Nickels Band in the 1970s. By 1980, they changed their name to The Johnny Van Zant Band and released their first album, "No More Dirty Deals" (1980). The band would continue to release three additional albums through the 1980s. His older brother, Ronnie Van Zant, was seeing success with his own Southern rock band, Lynyrd Skynyrd, until a tragic plane crash in 1977 claimed the lives of Ronnie Van Zant and other band mates. After a hiatus, Johnny Van Zant stepped into the spotlight as the lead singer for Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1987. Under Johnny's leadership, Lynyrd Skynyrd continued to honor the legacy of its original members while introducing new material that resonated with both long-time fans and newer generations. Known for his powerful vocal style and charismatic stage presence, Johnny helped guide the band through numerous albums and tours, contributing significantly to the band's enduring popularity and the continuation of its musical legacy. His contributions to music were recognized with inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006.