Donnie Van Zant

Who is Donnie Van Zant?

Donald Newton "Donnie" Van Zant is an American rock vocalist/guitarist. He is best known as having been 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 Lynyrd Skynyrd's current lead singer. 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 6 months. In accordance with doctor’s strict orders and due to health issues related to inner-ear nerve damage, he will also 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.

Van Zant is an avid fan of the Jacksonville Jaguars.