Donald Newton ‘Donnie’ Van Zant, also known as Donnie Van, is an American rocker and guitarist. He is best known as the former lead singer of the rock band ‘38 Special’. Donnie is the brother of Ronnie Van Zant, the late lead singer of ‘Lynyrd Skynyrd’. Along with his younger brother Johnny, Donnie also performs as ‘Van Zant’. Donnie has been a part of ‘38 Special’ since 1974 and has recorded numerous songs with the band. However, due to health issues, Donnie had to step back from performing with the band in 2013. Despite his health struggles, Donnie continued to write and record music for ‘38 Special’. Eventually, in late 2013, he made the difficult decision to leave the band.
Quick Facts
- Nick Name: Donnie
- Age: 71 Years, 71 Year Old Males
- Family:
- Spouse/Ex-: Ashley Van Zant
- Siblings: Johnny Van Zant, Ronnie Van Zant
- Guitarists
- Rock Singers
- U.S. State: Florida
Childhood & Early Life
Donnie was born Donald Newton Van Zant in Jacksonville, Florida, USA on June 11, 1952 to Lacy Van Zant and Marion. He is the middle one among three brothers. His elder brother and rocker, Ronald ‘Ronnie’ Wayne Van Zant, died in a plane crash in Mississippi on October 20, 1977. He was in a chartered plane along with five members of his band, ‘Lynyrd Skynyrd’. His younger brother, Johnny, is now the lead singer of ‘Lynyrd Skynyrd’.
Their Father’s Influence
Their father Lacy Van Zant was a big supporter of the three brothers, and wanted them to follow their dreams. Their father’s contribution in their success is huge. He neither had experience nor any source in recording music, yet he pushed his boys to become southern rockers. According to Donnie, ‘He is the father of Southern rock music’.
Career
Donnie co-founded ‘38 Special’ with his then neighbor, Don Barnes, in 1974. Until 2013, he remained as one of the most loyal members of the band. In three decades of making and performing rock music, the band has sold more than 20 million copies of their albums. The extraordinary energy that the members of the band emit in their shows has connected really well with their fans. They cover as many as 100 cities a year to perform their songs. The band has produced 15 albums since 1976. Their Gold and Platinum albums have won countless awards and honors. Some of their many hit songs are ‘Hold on Loosely’, ‘Rockin’ into the Night’, ‘Caught up in You’, ‘Fantasy Girl’, ‘If I’d Been the One’, ‘Back Where You Belong’, ‘Chain Lightnin’, ‘Second Chance’ etc. Most of their albums have been smashing hits. Donnie was the lead vocalist/guitarist for the band for 39 years.
Around the 80’s, Donnie and his younger brother, Johnny, decided to become a musical duo ‘Van Zant’. They started recording with the music label ‘Geffen Records’, but later disbanded. They again got together in 1998 to record two albums for ‘CMC International’. However, they again took a break after 2001. With their comeback in 2005, ‘Van Zant’ started focusing more on country music. They released two more albums with ‘Columbia Records’, this time. Their first album was titled ‘Get Right with the Man’, which made its way to ‘Top Ten Country Album’ (U.S Billboard) charts at no. 2. Its single ‘Help Somebody’ contributed to the success of the album. Other songs from the album are ‘Nobody Gonna Tell Me What to Do’, ‘I Know My History’, ‘Sweet Mama and ‘Things I Miss the Most’. It was released under certain copy control in some regions.
In 2013, Donnie suffered from inner-ear nerve damage and other health issues. It was decided and later announced that Donnie won’t be able to sing for the band, at least for the time being, but he would be writing songs for the band. However, in late 2013 Donnie announced that he won’t be able to do either due to his condition, and finally retired from the band. He said that he had to leave because his doctor had strictly told him so.
Personal Life & Legacy
Donnie Van Zant has settled in his hometown, Jacksonville in Florida. He lives there with his wife Ashley Van Zant.
Trivia
Donnie is an avid fan of ‘Jackson Jaguars’ – a football franchise from his hometown of Jacksonville. He can play piano and drums, apart from guitar.