Johnny Van Zant, an American singer, leads Lynyrd Skynyrd. Ronnie Van Zant, the band’s co-founder and main singer, died in an aircraft accident in 1977. As of 2023, Johnny Van Zant’s solo and Lynyrd Skynyrd career has earned him $12 million. His early life, career, accomplishments, and possessions will be covered in this article.
Johnny Van Zantâs Early Life and Career
Biography
Johnny Roy Van Zant was born February 27, 1960, in Jacksonville, Florida. He is the youngest of three musical brothers. His parents were truckers and homemakers. Southern rock and country were his childhood favorites. His elder brother Ronnie founded and led 1970s rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. Another Southern rock band,.38 Special, was founded by his brother Donnie.
Education
Johnny Van Zant attended Lee High School in Jacksonville, where he played drums in the school band. He also sang in the choir and participated in various musical events. He graduated from high school in 1978.
Musical Beginnings
Johnny Van Zant started his musical career in the late 1970s with his first band, the Austin Nickels Band. They later changed their name to The Johnny Van Zant Band and released their debut album, No More Dirty Deals, in 1980. The album featured a blend of Southern rock, blues, and country styles. The band toured extensively and opened for acts like The Charlie Daniels Band, The Allman Brothers Band, and Molly Hatchet. They released three more albums between 1981 and 1985: Round Two, The Last of the Wild Ones, and Van Zant.
Johnny Van Zantâs Career and Achievements
Joining Lynyrd Skynyrd
Lynyrd Skynyrd returned in 1987 with Johnny Van Zant as lead singer and principal songwriter. He replaced his brother Ronnie, who perished in a 1977 aircraft accident with other band members. The new Lynyrd Skynyrd lineup includes Gary Rossington, Billy Powell, Leon Wilkeson, Artimus Pyle, Ed King, Randall Hall, and Dale Krantz Rossington. Fans and reviewers liked Lynyrd Skynyrd 1991, their return album. “Smokestack Lightning,” “Keeping the Faith,” and “Backstreet Crawler” were on the album.
Johnny Van Zant has led Lynyrd Skynyrd for nearly 30 years. He recorded The Last Rebel (1993), Endangered Species (1994), Twenty (1997), Edge of Forever (1999), Vicious Cycle (2003), God & Guns (2009), Last of a Dyinâ Breed (2012), and Nothing Comes Easy (2021) with the band. Lynyrd Skynyrd has played at Woodstock ’94, Rock am Ring, Download Festival, Hellfest, and CMA Music Festival, among others. He worked with Kid Rock, Hank Williams Jr., Trace Adkins, Jamey Johnson, and Charlie Daniels.
Solo Career and Collaborations
Johnny Van Zant also sings and writes alone. His first solo album since joining Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1990. Brickyard Road was his first country-influenced record. The title tune topped the U.S. Mainstream Rock Tracks for three weeks. “Love Can Be So Cruel,” “Three Wishes,” and “Young Girls” were on the album.
Since 1998, Johnny and his brother Donnie have performed as Van Zant. Brother to Brother (1998), Van Zant II (2001), Get Right with the Man (2005), and My Kind of Country (2007) are their four albums. They play Southern rock and country. âHelp Somebody,â âNobody Gonna Tell Me What to Do,â âThat Scares Me,â and âThings I Miss the Mostâ are popular tunes.
Top Hit Songs
Some of the top hit songs that Johnny Van Zant has sung or written are:
- âBrickyard Roadâ (1990)
- âSmokestack Lightningâ (1991)
- âSimple Manâ (1994)
- âSweet Home Alabamaâ (1994)
- âFree Birdâ (1994)
- âRed White & Blueâ (2003)
- âStill Unbrokenâ (2009)
- âLast of a Dyinâ Breedâ (2012)
- âSkynyrd Nationâ (2012)
- âNothing Comes Easyâ (2021)
Johnny Van Zantâs Net Worth and Assets
Net Worth Growth
Johnny Van Zant has a net worth of $12 million as of 2023, according to various sources. He has earned his wealth from his long and successful career as a singer and songwriter. He has sold millions of albums and singles with Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Johnny Van Zant Band, and Van Zant. He has also earned money from touring, merchandising, royalties, and endorsements. He has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Lynyrd Skynyrd in 2006 and the Georgia Music Hall of Fame with Van Zant in 2008.
Assets
Johnny Van Zant owns a luxurious mansion in Jacksonville, Florida, where he lives with his wife Lisa, and their four daughters. The mansion is worth around $2 million and has six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a swimming pool, a tennis court, a gym, and a recording studio. He also owns several cars, motorcycles, and boats. He is fond of fishing and hunting and owns several firearms. He also collects memorabilia related to Lynyrd Skynyrd and Southern rock music.
