Donnie Van Zant
| Donnie Van Zant | |
|---|---|
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Donald Newton Van Zant |
| Born |
June 11, 1952 Jacksonville, Florida, United States |
| Genres | Southern rock, Country |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, songwriter, singer, guitarist |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar |
| Years active | 1974–2013 |
| Associated acts | 38 Special, Van Zant, Lynyrd Skynyrd |
Donald Newton "Donnie" Van Zant (born June 11, 1952, in Jacksonville, Florida) is an American rock vocalist/guitarist. He is best known as having been a member of the band 38 Special, from its formation in 1974 until 2013. He is the middle of three brothers: his older brother Ronnie was the original lead singer for Lynyrd Skynyrd who died in a 1977 plane crash in Mississippi along with five other members and associates of the band; his younger brother Johnny is the current Lynyrd Skynyrd's lead singer as of 2016. Donnie and Johnny also perform together from time to time as the group Van Zant.
According to a posting in March 2013 on the 38 Special website, "Donnie Van Zant has not been able to join the band's performances for the past 6 months. In accordance with doctor's strict orders and due to health issues related to inner-ear nerve damage, he will also not be able to join 38 Special onstage in the foreseeable future. Donnie will continue to write and record with the band." However, it was announced later in 2013 that he had officially left 38 Special, and was retiring.
Van Zant is a fan of the Jacksonville Jaguars. He recorded a video, along with remaining members of Lynyrd Skynyrd, that is played at every Jaguars home game on the Everbank Field video board.
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