Jimmie Van Zant:  Family, Music & the Future of Southern Rock

Family. They are what bond us together. They teach us right from wrong. They are always by our side through all of the challenges that are thrown at us. And it’s family that keeps tradition alive. For these reasons, Jimmie Van Zant has taken his place with the rest of his family to carry on the music that was born out of the dreams of his cousin Ronnie. Like his other cousins, Johnny and Donnie, and various other family and band members, Jimmie’s intent is to keep Southern Rock alive and to always remember where he came from and the ideals that were instilled into him. As a child, he watched his cousins’ soar to success with Lynyrd Skynyrd and .38 Special. And now as a man, he is leading his own charge to keep the Van Zant name at the fore-front of music. That's what he knows and that's what he does. It may make for a harder climb supporting the family name, but Jimmie does it with honor and pride. With conviction Jimmie states, “I have always believed that music can change people’s lives and if I can do something to make someone’s life a little more enjoyable, then I feel I have done my job well. That’s why I am here and that is also the reason why there is Southern Rock.” Born in Jacksonville, Jimmie realized soon he wanted to follow in the footsteps of his older cousins and ever since then, Jimmie has taken the flag to hold high his family name and help to pay tribute to his fallen family members. Jimmie shows his great vocal ability and distinction with songs off of his “My Name Is Jimmie” album which features songs like “Preacher Man”, “King of Nothing”, & “Ray Ray’s Juke Joint”. Like Ronnie, Jimmie is an exceptional story teller. For this reason, songwriting seemed to be a natural fit allowing him to write the tracks off of his “Southern Comfort” album. And with his command of the stage and standout presence, he can stand on his own with anyone in the Southern Rock world. As friend and original Honkette for Lynyrd Skynyrd, Jo Jo Billingsley says: "As a former member of the original Lynyrd Skynyrd Band it is always a pleasure to get to sing with a Van Zant! Jimmie Van Zant is a talented singer and songwriter and has been a good friend to me as well. I wish him the very best in carrying on the family tradition of great southern music. Love you Jimmie!" With his microphone in hand and his family in his heart, Jimmie carries on the songs that were left in his soul and continues the forward march with new music across the nation. Like the other members of the extended “Freebyrd” family, Jimmie wears his life and name as a badge of honor. And his adoring fans stand by him as the next generation of Southern Rock establishes its grasp and submits its piece of the long and storied legend that has come to be a movement around the world. From the nest… Hornetman

Official Jimmie Van Zant website Official Jimmie Van Zant myspace page

Contact Artist Public Relations: Lori  Emory for more on The Jimmie Van Zant Band

Back to the nest...