Feb 27, 1959

Johnny Van Zant is born in Jacksonville, Florida. The brother of Lynyrd Skynyrd's Ronnie Van Zant and 38 Special's Donnie Van Zant, he joins Skynyrd in the 1980s and also teams with Ronnie to form Van Zant, a duo that nabs a country hit in 2005

Sep 6, 1987

Charlie Daniels hosts Volunteer Jam XIII at Nashville's Starwood Amphitheatre, with Lynyrd Skynyrd, William Lee Golden, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Gary Chapman and rock band Great White. It marks Johnny Van Zant's first appearance with Skynyrd

Sep 26, 1991

Following a Lynyrd Skynyrd show in Nashville, vocalist Johnny Van Zant breaks his back on the way down a staircase. Four years later, he's on the country charts with the Van Zant hit "Help Somebody"

Apr 28, 1998

CMC/Sanctuary releases Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Lyve From Steel Town." The band includes vocalist Johnny Van Zant, who earns a country hit seven years later as a member of the duo Van Zant

Nov 3, 1998

BMG releases Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Extended Versions," a live album featuring Johnny Van Zant as lead vocalist

Apr 9, 2000

Marion "Sister" Van Zant dies of cardiac arrest in Florida. Her son, Ronnie Van Zant, co-wrote the Lynyrd Skynyrd hit "Sweet Home Alabama." Two other sons, Donnie and Johnny, form the duo Van Zant, destined to have a country hit in five years

Jun 26, 2001

Lynyrd Skynyrd scores a gold album from the RIAA for "Lyve From Steel Town." The group's vocalist is Johnny Van Zant, who joins brother Donnie Van Zant four years later on the country hit "Help Somebody"

Aug 3, 2004

Lacy Van Zant dies of a pulmonary illness at his home in Jacksonville, Florida. His son, Ronnie Van Zant, was the lead singer of Lynyrd Skynyrd. Other sons Donnie and Johnny will soon find success in country music as the duo Van Zant

Jan 13, 2005

Columbia announces the signing of Van Zant, featuring Lynyrd Skynyrd vocalist Johnny Van Zant and his 38 Special brother, Donnie Van Zant

Feb 21, 2005

Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Thyrty: The 30th Anniversary Collection" is certified platinum by the RIAA. In addition to hits by the original lineup, it also features a live disc of the reunion band, fronted by Van Zant member Johnny Van Zant