70 years ago today (1/15/48), Ronnie Van Zant, vocalist with Lynyrd Skynyrd and was the signature vocalist of southern rock was born. Skynyrd catapulted to huge mainstream success in the mid 70’s with a barrage of honky-tonk rock hits that gelled over the band’s three-guitar attack. Van Zant died in a plane crash between shows from Greenville, South Carolina to Baton Rouge, Louisiana on October 20th, 1977 along with bandmates Steve Gaines and Cassie Gaines. Remaining band members survived, although all were seriously injured. Watch Van Zant perform “Tuesday’s Gone” with Skynyrd in ’76.
3 Responses
There will never ever be another Ronnie van want – his brother is ok but can’t touch one of his balls!
I was at that Winterland show in March 1976 I remember the date! It was my first of many, many concerts. RIP Ronnie!
I got to see them in late ’74,or early 75…in Nashville TN,at a circle racetrack,& ZZTop pulled up as headliner after in 3 long black limos.Great concert.They were all dynamite.I think Johnny dod a wonderful,awesome tribute in his lifetime to his brother & to the fabs.Excellent musicians too.