New Artist Spotlight: Van Zant
By Gary Voorhies
The Van Zant name has been linked to a rock 'n' roll legacy that spans more than 30 years.
Brothers Johnny and Donnie Van Zant have collectively sold more than 50 million albums. Johnny replaced his late, legendary brother Ronnie Van Zant as lead singer for Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Donnie was one of the lead singers and rhythm guitarist for 38 Special.
After collaborating on two independent CDs as a duo, Van Zant recently signed with Columbia Records Nashville.
"People ask us if we've gone Country," Johnny said. "We ain't gone Country, we were born Country."
Donnie chimed in: "Our Dad was a truck driver for 35 years and Mom worked at Dunkin' Donuts, and at home, man, Country is what we listened to: Merle Haggard, Hank Williams, Mel Tillis."
The Jacksonville, Fla. duo teamed with producers Mark Wright and Joe Scaife to deliver Get Right With The Man, which hit stores on May 10. The single, "Help Somebody," was available exclusively at Wal-Mart beginning on March 22, followed by a March 29 national release. The brothers completed a radio tour in the spring.
"I hope people take a lot of journeys out of this record," Johnny said. "Each song is like a miniature movie to me, and I hope each person takes that ride and enjoys it like we did."
IN THEIR OWN WORDS:
Who is your musical hero?
DONNIE: "My older brother Ronnie Van Zant."
When they look back on your life in 50 years, what do you hope people say about you?
JOHNNY: "That I wrote great songs, and was a good family man and a good person."
What is your pet peeve?
DONNIE: "People that half do their jobs, because anything worth doing should be done right."
® 2005 CMA Close Up News Service / Country Music Association, Inc.
May 10, 2005
© Chapman Baehler
