Despite sharing the same surname, Steven Van Zandt and Ronnie Van Zant are not related by blood or by name. They have different origins, backgrounds, and families.
Stevie Van Zandt and Ronnie Van Zant are both great figures in the music world, each leaving their unique mark.
Both of them made significant contributions to the rock ‘n’ roll legacy, inspiring generations of musicians.
While they are from different backgrounds, they are linked by their spirit, influence, and contributions to music.
Musical Journey of Stevie Van Zandt and Ronnie Van Zant
Stevie, aka Steven Van, and Ronnie Van are not related by any familial connection but have the same surname.
Steven Van Zandt, aka Little Steven or Miami Steve, is an American musician and actor.
He was born on November 22, 1950, in Winthrop, Massachusetts, to his parents, Mary Henrietta Lento and Nicholas Malafronte.
However, after his mother’s divorce, he adopted the name Steven Lento and took his stepfather’s last name, William Brewster Van Zandt.
He joined Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band on July 20, 1975, during the initial show of the Born to Run Tour.
Additionally, he has appeared in various television drama series, including iconic roles such as Silvio Dante in The Sopranos and Frank Tagliano in Lilyhammer.
Van Zandt has been active in his own solo band, Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul, since the 1988s. Beyond music and acting, he is an activist, historian, and teacher.
On the other hand, Ronnie Van Zant was a singer and co-founder of the legendary band Lynyrd Skynyrd.
He was born on January 15, 1948, in Jacksonville, Florida, to his parents Lacy Austin and Marion Virginia Van Zant.
Ronnie formed a band called My Backyard with friends and schoolmates. Later, the band name changed to Lynyrd Skynyrd as a playful tribute to their high school gym teacher, Leonard Skinner.
Unfortunately, he died in a plane crash in 1977. His brothers are Johnny, the lead vocalist, and Donnie Van Zant, the vocalist and founder of the rock band.
Although not related by blood or name, Stevie and Ronnie respected each other’s work, and their influence on rock ‘n’ roll history is unforgettable.
Additional Information
- Ronnie Van Zant joined a local band “The Squires” in early 1964 but he soon renamed the band to Us.
- Leonard Skinner, a gym teacher’s strict rule against long hair inspired the choice of band name, Lynyrd Skynyrd.
- Steven attended Middletown High School in New Jersey, where he was expelled for refusing to cut his long hair.
