Lacy Van Zant, Father of Lynyrd Skynyrd, .38 Special Band Members Dies at 89

By Brandon Woolum
Huntington News Network Columnist

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Lacy Van Zant, father of members of the Southern rock bands Lynyrd Skynyrd and .38 Special, has died. He was 89.

Van Zant died peacefully Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2004 at his Jacksonville home of pulmonary illness at 7:29 p.m., according to a news release posted on Lynyrd Skynyrd's Web site.

He is the father of Ronnie Van Zant, the founder of Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Johnny Van Zant, the band's current lead singer. Ronnie Van Zant died in a 1977 plane crash near McComb, Miss., that also killed two other band members.

Another son, Donnie Van Zant, was a member of .38 Special. .38 Special was known for such hits as "Rockin into the Night" and "Hold On Loosely."

Lacy Van Zant, who was known for his long beard, white hair and ever-present overalls, bought music equipment, drove the bands to shows, loaned them money and repaired their vehicles. Early versions of Lynyrd Skynyrd would practice at his home, which he later opened to fans so they could see the bands' gold and platinum records.

"He was the father of Southern rock 'n' roll, as far as I am concerned," Johnny Van Zant told The Florida Times-Union on Wednesday.

Lynyrd Skynyrd will postpone its show Friday in Louisville, Ky., to Sept. 26, and its show Saturday in Greenville, Wis., to Aug. 20, according to the band's Web site. 38 Special will postpone or cancel its shows on August 5 (Rama, Ontario), August 6 (Rockland, Maine) and August 7 (Hughesville, Pa.).

More information can be found on the web at:

www.lynyrdskynyrd.com

www.38special.com