Johnny Van Zant is the younger of the brothers Van Zant. Ronnie was founding member, frontman and lead singer of Lynyrd Skynyrd and Donnie Van Zant, founding member and lead singer of .38 Special. His first band was called "The Austin Nickels Band", then changed its name in "The Johnny Van Zant Band" releasing their debut album, "No More Dirty Deals" (1980). Johnny released three solo albums between 1981 and 1985, before taking a break from the music business. After this break, Johnny since 1987 is the lead singer of Lynyrd Skynyrd.