Name Donnie Zant Years active 1974–2013 | Instruments Vocals, guitar | |
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Occupation(s) Musician, songwriter, singer, guitarist Role Music composer · thevanzants.com Siblings Johnny Van Zant, Ronnie Van Zant Music groups 38 Special (Since 1974), Van Zant Albums Get Right with the Man, Van Zant II, My Kind of Country, Rockin' into the Night, Wild‑Eyed Southern Boys Profiles | ||
Birth name Donald Newton Van Zant | ||
Van Zant (Donnie and Johnny Van Zant) - LIVE - 11 November 2017 - FULL SET
Donald Newton "Donnie" Van Zant (born June 11, 1952, in Jacksonville, Florida) is an American rock vocalist/guitarist. He is best known for being 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 since 1987. 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 six months. In accordance with his doctor's strict orders and due to health issues related to inner-ear nerve damage, he will 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.
