I looked up to Ronnie as a young teen in Florida about the time they really took off and man were they great and been that way in my life even to this day now I'm a senior citizen and still Loving Skynyrd.
Ronnie was a gift. Simply a true gift to the music the lyrics to the industry, & to the world, his family friends & to us fans. Like Johnny said, " brother do you know what you done, you touched the hearts of everyone, You mighta died young, but your songs still live on" ....thanks Steve keep them swamp chats coming.
@@mog882 nope. He was a hippie. Quite open minded and a free thinker. If he was a Republican he would have been a large supprter of the NRA, which he was not. Saturday Night Special basically summed up his feelings about guns. But i think he was in line with the Constitution and Americans right to bare Military type arms to protect our country. And i go along with that and i am not a Republican, sorry.
lol good luck with that now days! People like that exist, but humble musicians similar to Ronnie are 1 in a million. I know there are several non musicians and average Joes like that. I would consider myself to be like that.
@@joleneloveland2942 I meant to add that not all Republicans support the NRA. What do you know about the NRA? They are the oldest civil rights organization in the USA. I'm a conservative who doesn't hate anyone but I do hate the actions of people and believe they will suffer the consequences of their actions one day. I am currently upset with the NRA because of they mismanagement of funds and will probably not renew my membership. The NRA does a lot of good things but always gets a bad rap from the main stream media so I just ask that you look at both sides with an open mind. It's easy to vote your freedoms away but throughout history freedoms are only won back through blood, sweat, and tears. God bless.
I just hope Ronnie gave his heart to the Lord. Heaven will be awesome with him singing. I cant wait to hear him and Mac Powell from Thrid day sing one day in heaven.
@@bananka4905 alot of children of Jesus Christ have problems everyone sins and falls short of the glory of God he still loves us and welcomes us it was for the unrighteous that he came for not the righteous.
I'll never forget the day the news broke at my High School that their plane had crashed. Everyone was in total shock. What a great band and they were Florida Boys!
Don’t take no genius to understand what Mr Van Zant was like as a human being. Just listen to his story’s sung with the music. Since I was a kid I’ve known what Skynyrd was about. This gentleman and his storied facts, are pure folk tale gold.
AMen to my southern brothers ! THis Yankee KNOWS who he is and never shuts up about it and I KNOW that ROnnie Van Zandt was my kind of friend and I believe his band was the GREATEST band ever to come out of this here United States !! I cant get enough of this music ! It LIVES IN ME ! LONG LIVE RONNIE !!MUCH LOVE AND BLESSING !
It's been a long while now however Ronnie van zant .set a standard for us ... amazing vocalist..he did and still does tell the TRUTH ...I our life style.. 🌹⚔️
Mr Steve Vest, you tell the story so heartfelt, it was a pleasure to back you in Gainesville Fl, and for you to play with that special night, I will never forget it, JT
Sounds like the kind of man I thought He was , I always knew from His music He had good moral convictions, but I'm glad to know he found time for man of God and I'm sure He found time for God too. perhaps God like talking to Him so much He just brought Ronnie on up!
Yes Ronnie was very spiritual and believed in God. Very much. Plus if he made a mistake or screwed something up, he was not afraid to admit it, and take care of it.
Yes, that is a sound inference from life experience over the millennia -- how people who have it all may lose it fast, how God appears vengeful and punishing too, hubris angers the gods, for example, how the angry will come to ruin, etc. @@TheTinyAutistsGuideToTheGalaxy
Nice job Steve! I knew Ronnie too and as I listened to you I got that old warm feeling I get when I remember back on our times. So I know you are telling it straight up. Only one thing to add: as a woman I've always had strong opinions and convictions, especially when it came to music, but Ronnie actually helped me to 'find' my true self. Where I came from people saw me as a 'dreamer' or an 'oddball' and I really didn't know where I fit in, if anywhere. Ronnie took an interest in that and was like an older protective brother, God bless him! He told me later that he saw alot of his younger self in me. He was 4 years older than I. He said we both had one great thing in common, and that was that we both "just had to know". The last thing he said to me was, " I think you'll do just fine, sistah". I will love him for that and honor his memory forever! And yes I will always send a prayer out for you too, every Oct. 20th. Also thank you for sharing because alot of people hear alot of things about Ronnie because he was such a legend, but we're here to dispel the bullshit and uphold his honor and integrity. He was and is truly a great man and a true brother!
Jolene, the reason I started telling these stories is because I have heard so many rumors through the years and because we had the privilege of knowing him, we knew the truth about his personality. He was truly the spokesman for the Southern man and woman. I will think of you every Oct. 20th. It was the darkest day of my life. The Ronnie I knew was just like you described him.
Steve Vest's Swamp Chat Every birthday I get to think about that crash. My birthday is October 20th. I was 13. They were and are my favorite band. They just resonated with me. I love many different styles of music, but southern music is just in my bones. My grandparents on my fathers side both died in Jacksonville, FL but are buried in Gaffney, SC. My mothers side are mostly from GA, FL and AL. My father was born NC and raised in AL and FL. I, myself, was born in DC, a little removed from deep in Dixie, but close enough with regular visits. Still below the Mason-Dixon line. LOL. My sister knew Larry Junstrom. She was/ is a wild one. Me too. I knew nobody, until I jumped out of planes with Walter McCreary’s kid in the 82d Abn Div. A strange thing to jump out of planes with the son of the pilot who flew the Free Bird into the ground on my birthday just as I was really getting into Skynyrd’s music. Never saw Ronnie, Steve or Cassie live but did see the survivors, Rossington-Collins Band, the night Allen chucked his guitar in the crowd and left the stage. I think it was Derek Trucks who told us sorry. Think that was the band’s last show. Saw a newer version of Skynyrd twice in the Carolina’s. Thanks for the vids about the boys. Nice to know Ronnie was so well respected by those who knew him.
@@mauallen4234 my birthday is Oct. 14th. And every year, i know and remember that the week after, i will always remember the date, Oct 20th as a day that breaks my heart. Nothing is a coincidence. Now for what reasons, i cant tell you. You and McCreary's son, were in the place that our Creator wanted you, or you would not have been there together then. It is however very ironic, i must agree. And for what reasons, again, who right now could possibly know, we are not finished yet. But i do believe that where ever a person finds themself, is exactly where He wants us to be. No coincidences.
Steve...just listened to this and enjoyed hearing about Ronnie. I have been a Skynyrd fan since my early teens in the late 70s.....I also cannot stand being around people who's opinion shifts like the sand beneath our feet. I would have loved to meet Ronnie Van Zant. Sounds like a straight shooter. Love the videos....keep up the good work.
Steve, love all the stories and your respect for the band as a fan and friend, ill be thinking about you and lost members tomorrow on 10/20. Ima play skynyrd songs all day tomorrow!
You know you got me in tears man."gimme back my bullets is one of my favorite songs, mainly because of that line that says,"I'll keep on workin, like a working man do, I got my act together, gonna walk all over you!"that story you just shared epitomizes what I always got when I listen to skynard.I love you chanel Mr vest.your awesome stories keep that great musical time in America alive! Rhode Island thanks you.RIP Ronnie, Steve,Cassie,dean, and the to pilots!we will never ever forget you!
I got you in prayers my Brother!if I don't meet u here,I'll see u pon the otherside, my friend,maybe we can all sit back and jamn in heaven with the whole band!!!
Thank you Steve for sharing this about Ronnie I think many people have mistaken Ronnie Van Zant as being a rebel but how you choose to describe his true character is anything but As a fan of Ronnie's songs i have always got the feeling that he was a man of conviction, a man who stood up for what is right and reached out to others with a big heart even if that meant fighting for them Only a person who's truly in step with God can live like that I also get that same feeling from Stevie Ray Vaughn The best jams are not here on earth they are in heaven To others reading this..."Don't let yourself miss out on your seat!"
Definitely disagree with a lot you say. He was a Rebel. All you have to do is listen to some of Gary and Artemis interviews. When you’re an aspiring boxer and drink a lot, stuff happens. He’s human. He definitely had a big heart and brain (all those unwritten songs in his head). Bottom line is he was an alpha male, something we need more of these days. A true gentleman.
You can tell who he was by his music, by the lyrics of his songs, as it was a different time back then ,there was "love" not hate in the air. And a lot of the evil that is here now was not even imagined! May Our God Have Mercy on ALL of Us. Thanks for sharing and yes I will remember you in my Prayers! Yep Chameleon= Hypocrite!!!
Thank you Steve. What you're talking about , helped me understand thats it ok to be a simple man . The poetry in His songs helped understand that im not gonna fake s###! When i meet God i know haven't been perfect but atleast us good ole boys stand for what we believe . No apologies. Thanok you again
Thanks Steve, I feel like Ronnie was my brother from another mother, he gave me the inspiration to start a Southern rock band in Md. In the late 70s and early 80's. We even made it as far as opening for KIX one night and that was about it.
Thank you Steve to take tge time and share these pricless memories. If it wasn't for your effort we would never understand a time in the beginings of Rock and Roll. I was just a little kid in 1970. Now my son is 10 years old, we listen to little martha every night before bed. Could you share any background on this song. I really love how you can hear his breathing as he played. Im so happy i just wondered upon your channel. Please don't stop making these videos. If i lived in your town, I'd buy you a lunch as a thank you. It's ok to feel sad at times, we all do. It is normal to have depressing moments, it means you are alive and that you care deaply for people. It is also ok to allow yourself to feel joy and be joyous. The lord is you saviour and he will protect you. Speak on my spirit brother.A long distance friend
Just found these, burned thru about ten of them. I believe he could go on a story tour and harmonica? Play a little tell a little. Good story teller, god bless.
how's it going Steve! just wanted to thank you for keeping the skynyrd family alive I I've been listening to skynyrd for over 40years. if you'll a real lynyrd skynyrd fan they never get old!!...just wanted to let you know you're blessed to know such a great man and band. my brother and I God bless his soul used to trivial from the lower parts of the US to the upper part of the state just to see king of southern music...God! Blass you sir and stay well....l would love to hear from you from time to time keep! rockin!!!
Ed King said in an interview Ronnie was great when he was sober, when Ronnie drank he got belligerent and wasn't fun to be around at all, especially on the road. He left the band because it got be too much.
Yeah, I lost some respect for Ronnie when he got in a fight with Gary and broke a lamp light and took it to the back of Gary's hand and said , "You'll never play guitar again and cut the back of his hand badly." You may have seen the shot of Gary playing with bandages on his hand on stage.
Ronnie had alot of pressures on him on the road. I know that is no excuse. Truth is some people just shouldnt drink, ever! It is not properly metabolized by some. Alcohol can make these people mean as a rattlesnake! And Ronnie knew this and was talking about cleaning up his act, to leave as a good example for his year old daughter. Unfortunately we never got to see that happen, as the crash claimed his life. Rest easy, Brother.
"mean as a rattlesnake" -- that's a good way of putting it. It's like in the old western saloons, when the barkeep breaks up a fight with, "That's just the whiskey talking." Jim Morrison and Amy Winehouse both destroyed their bodies & minds with booze, it seems... Best advice for anyone over 25 is to quit booze totally.@@joleneloveland2942
@@DexterHaven yeah i was around them and others. I quit in 1982, because i would always be so sick the next day and then at 7 p.m. start all over again. I think it was Billy Powell that said, "We all got sick and tired of being sick and tired." Yep i gave it up. I can not stand drunk people because they get so obnoxious and some get mean. No one should drink, but it is so available and two friends of mine are committing a slow suicide with their drinking. Neither wants to quit and it's breaking my heart. It's awful to watch them go down and feel so helpless. Alcohol can be a very effective tool for self destruction, as im sure you know.
I agree. You seem like wise woman. I quit in 2005. My method is in the video "Beyond Sober." I met a girl I knew in high school recently and she is rich, living in the best part of town now, but she says her husband is drinking himself to death slowly. That is the secret vice of a lot of upscale neighborhoods, behind closed doors, I think. Booze lies to you. @@joleneloveland2942
If you were making your way through a swamp, not paying attention and got lost, got your foot caught in a gator trap, this guy would probably pop out from some swamp bush, release your foot and play you Gimme Three Steps on his honker.
Im just starting to research lynryd Skynyrd. I've always loved their music and now I'm very interested in Ronnie and how his songwriting reflected him as a human being.
Thomas Anthony knight Cumberland city tn, saw Lynyrd Skynryd 1988 final tribute show in Tennessee,saw them 1993 in camp lejuene n.c on marine base,i serve Marines 1990 1994 got to meet them greatest band
Thank you for sharing that my friend! These types of individuals that you kept describing that Ronnie disliked, well in my form of description, I call them `A Fool for the City' Someone that is selling their sole and true feeling for what is in. I would have loved to have hung out with Ronnie, just one time...Maybe someday in heaven when I meet Jesus , I will ask him...But could you imagine how cool Jesus is! I mean, look at his stories and how he was around the curve on what everyone was saying and doing. You couldn't touch him...Even the Romans and the King...Until his destiny was set for it to be so. Sorry for the change over in my point....I miss Ronnie's presents and his band and those times...Life was sooo simple...and clean and innocent..
If I knew Ronnie I would have liked him according to what Steve is saying. The word is out he was a mean drunk. So are a lot of us. "Don't Be Drinking When Your Mad". Thanks Steve. Your are very articulate......
Steve I met you at the Hoosier in Osprey at sun. service some years back life wasent the best for me then but maybe your handshake and a beer went a ways.Thanks.I didn't know you were harp with ABB with Ace who I used to see around town friends I guess.Since moved to N.Florida. I can say your kinda like how you describe Ronnie. Thanks man
Thanks for this video brother! Individualism....sounds like Ronnie liked it....so do I. Stand on your own principles if it make 10,000 around you mad. Yessir...I can relate.
Ronnie is still alive,...on the "other side". He is doing fine, waiting for "The Banquet", you dig?!! And the dead shall be risen in Christ!! True story. "The Sign of the Southern Cross".... Give a life, to those who've died!!!!
Cool, my hero has the same principals as I do, I never was or am a follower either, my motto was always "better to be a tiger for a day than be a sheep all your life" God bless R.V.Z.
They dont make many musicians like RVZ anymore. Felt the same about Stevie Ray when his accident happened. Pioneers of music gone to early. In the days where its crap on the radio...i will still search out my old southern rock. Am 35 and writing some good tunes, sadly no matter how good they are it'll never sell in todays age.
Ronnie sounds like a true southern gentleman. I hear what your saying about ''real people'' some people do hide behind different faces they put on. I need to have someone to be real with me also, how can you share with people when they chose to be so fake with you. Steve I will keep you in my prayers. God bless.
NH Yankee here, rvz was a great songwriter and you could tell he believed what he sang....the guy was John Lennon of southern rock....massive loss when that plane went down for skynryds millions of fans, friends and family ....now it is over 40 years and most of original band is gone now...they were right in their prime too.
Kaitlyn LeAnn And Lennon was a prick to his first wife and oldest son. Julian Lennon says he wrote and sang about peace and love, but treated his own flesh and blood (and the mother of his child) like crap. Never have heard a bad word about RVZ as a father to either of his children.
Gotta love RVZ. Gotta love Steve too. I can't believe I'm just now finding this channel as much Skynyrd as I listen to. What's up with your algorithms TH-cam?
From growing up in a religious family, Ronnie sensed that Jesus was the kind of guy to stick up for what's right and not be a pushover. He admired those traits in you know who.
I was a roadie for King James Version for a few months in 1969. Me and Bobby Morris. We stayed at that old radio station that preacher had converted into a crash pad. They had three black singers at the time. All three dyed their hair blonde. Drew Lombar was the guitarist and Thumper was the bassist. I forget who played the traps. We roadied to Live Oak, Fla, Knoxville, Tennesee. And a couple other cities then got burned out. Drew went on to play with "Grinderswitch" Joe Dan Petty's band. Joe Dan was a roadie for the Allmans.
Rex, really nice to meet you. Thanks for sharing some history. The first drummer when I started with KJV was Tom, a tall man with dark hair and he was replaced by Chip Miller. Dru added Larry Strickland on keyboards, a congo player named Renaldo and myself as frontman. Thumper joined Ronnie Van Zant and we got Larry Junstrum. We had no back up vocals. He eventually changed the name to Magi and we played in Georgia a lot. Magi(billed as formerly King James Version) was together until '72. Dru changed our name again to Grinderswitch and then he broke up the band and moved to Macon where he reformed it with Larry Howard and Joe Dan. That was around the time of Berry Oakley's death. It is was in the fall of 72.
Wow thanks for that. Dru is dead? He was 6 months younger than I...I don't like hearing people that close to my age dying! #jussayin. I had taken off from an Art Class in Northern Virginia with my running partner Skinny Bobby Morris. We got to Atlanta and blew a freeze plug on our 62 MGA. Neither one of us knew what a freeze plug was! We abandoned that lovely ride and hitched on to Jax. This was Sept 69. I can't remember that preachers name but that radio station was a crazy crash pad. Thats where Bobby met Dru. He approached me and said "you wanna roadie for this weird Black and White band called the King James Version? I didn't even know that was the name of a Bible. I said sure. didn't pay much but we could eat. I lasted about 6 shows. Bobby bailed after about 3. I thouight Dru was a fine bluesman but his personality was jaded in my estimation. Thumper was a drug addict horndawg! Weird stuff went on on those long rides to gig if I recall correctly.... I was a sideman for an African American Christian Worship Team here in Clinton Iowa for 16 years. I have music for sale @ CD Baby. Vids on You Tube, and stuff on Reverbnation. and of course all the downloadable Venues. I don't sell worship music however. I give that away if asked for it. I retired from that Church gig in May 2014. I have diabetes and its complications have limited my getting around. Well Peace to you and I hope you live long and enjoy life! You really brought back memories.....heh
Dru died in the early 2000s. His last band was Dr Hector and The Groove Injectors. Hope you have a Merry Christmas. Keep in touch. I'll check out your videos as soon as I get chance. Thanks man.
Leon was quiet and shy when I worked with him in the bands when Sidney Drashian was our promoter. He was on his best behavior. You have really seen and done it all, Sonny. I know you have tons of stories. It is a privilege to get a comment from you. Keep in touch.
Thanks Steve for the insight ... yes, I also don't have time for lost sheep.... If it wasnt for Skynyrd... I wouldn't be playing guitar - Cheers and I hope you rid of that depression crap.... I felt better in life after i stopped feeling sorry for myself... not saying you do... but that helped me
Bob Dell Skynyrd played in Buffalo, NY so did Allman Brothers, Buffalo unlucky City, 1977 Blizzard, 4 Superbowl loses, Known as a drinking town probably cause Bars open till 4am. I don't blame people about our snow even today we average 10 feet
Molly Hatchet, 38 Special, and LYNYRD SKYNYRD are from Jacksonville, Florida And as you notice - they are each one of a kind and close to perfectionist with their performances . The best of the best . I know You Ain't the One, but I bet you are Double Trouble - you know when a black cat cuts your trail - LORD they come in pairs of two ... Were you a Simple Man before Tuesday left ? You probably have a lot of Things Goin' On now that you are a Free Bird . Take care of that Mississippi Kid and stay away from the Poison Whiskey . If you can, please Gimme Three Steps for learning how to resist the temptations of going to The Jug and meeting up with Linda Lu . Cause I'm just a Truck Drivin' Man . The Jug was a saloon, not far from the high school . Swamp Music - LYNYRD SKYNYRD . Hey - it's a simple song as far as lyrics but the band churns out the rhythm, bass and side riffs so busy and non-stop that it is very hard to concentrate on any part because there is so much goodness going on from each member . I promise if you listen to this song on headphones you will want to play it over and over at least 100 times . It is my favorite song of all time : ( won't you - play a simple song for them - that's the only thing they want to love and understand ) The reason why I like this song so much is that every member of the band is steadily slamming out the jam during the entire song . I can taste strawberry, peach, apple, raspberry, grape, cinnamon, cherry, banana, pecan, watermelon, avocado, persimmon, and fried bream . ( with salt and black pepper ) I would very much like a ' Second Helping ' ( Their Second Album 1974 ) I just listened to it 5 times after making this comment . Make that 6 times . I went to the same high school they went to - 10 years after them . Robert E. Lee High School They named the band after their gym teacher who kept bugging them about their hair . ( Leonard Skinner ) I have about 8 thousand mp3 files of about 40 rock groups from the 70 ' s . That is the only song I play - over and over and over - sometimes more than 10 times in a row . In 1975 when I was in 12th grade - we skipped school and stayed on the bus . The bus driver - an older black man, Mr. McKenzie ( we thought of him as similar to Curtis Loew ) took us to his house and we installed an old 8 track tape player and speakers on the bus . Of course the first tape to play was Pronounced . ( don't tell anyone - but - he gave us a beer ) Another of my favorites of theirs is ' Railroad Song ' and ' Made In The Shade ' . I worked at the railroad in ' 78 and worked with an engineer named Randy Heron - he was friends will everyone in the band and their families . He introduced me to Gene Odom ( Security and body guard for the band - survived the crash ) one evening at The Jug . I lot touch with Randy years ago . If someone knows him, please have him email me at the address on my channel about page . Gene Odom - on working with Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Rolling Stones and Plane Crash/ HOWGO th-cam.com/video/kFTLK0RP7DE/w-d-xo.html Another time, he introduced me to the singer of the Allen Collins band - ( Jimmy Dougherty ) Which reminds me of another of my favorites of his : Chapter One th-cam.com/video/dayMpivPlCk/w-d-xo.html
Not if they are down to earth and have conviction about what they are doing for the sake of the music itself! I also have to credit Lacy (Ronnie's dad) and Sister (Ronnie's mom) for bringing their kids up so well! Instilling in them values and a sense of what is important in life. Amen.
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I looked up to Ronnie as a young teen in Florida about the time they really took off and man were they great and been that way in my life even to this day now I'm a senior citizen and still Loving Skynyrd.
Did you go to high school with them?
Ronnie was a gift. Simply a true gift to the music the lyrics to the industry, & to the world, his family friends & to us fans. Like Johnny said, " brother do you know what you done, you touched the hearts of everyone, You mighta died young, but your songs still live on" ....thanks Steve keep them swamp chats coming.
there needs to be more famous people like Ronnie Van Zant. a real guy. a man's man. a guy solid in his beliefs.
A Republican...conservative. #RonnieVanZant
@@mog882 nope. He was a hippie. Quite open minded and a free thinker. If he was a Republican he would have been a large supprter of the NRA, which he was not. Saturday Night Special basically summed up his feelings about guns. But i think he was in line with the Constitution and Americans right to bare Military type arms to protect our country. And i go along with that and i am not a Republican, sorry.
lol good luck with that now days! People like that exist, but humble musicians similar to Ronnie are 1 in a million. I know there are several non musicians and average Joes like that. I would consider myself to be like that.
*You're exactly right brother*
@@joleneloveland2942 I meant to add that not all Republicans support the NRA. What do you know about the NRA? They are the oldest civil rights organization in the USA. I'm a conservative who doesn't hate anyone but I do hate the actions of people and believe they will suffer the consequences of their actions one day. I am currently upset with the NRA because of they mismanagement of funds and will probably not renew my membership. The NRA does a lot of good things but always gets a bad rap from the main stream media so I just ask that you look at both sides with an open mind. It's easy to vote your freedoms away but throughout history freedoms are only won back through blood, sweat, and tears. God bless.
I just hope Ronnie gave his heart to the Lord. Heaven will be awesome with him singing. I cant wait to hear him and Mac Powell from Thrid day sing one day in heaven.
He did.
Then, if saved, be changed, live holy
Yes he was a God fearing man.
@@chickasawstarrmountain9747but he still loves alcohol
@@bananka4905 alot of children of Jesus Christ have problems everyone sins and falls short of the glory of God he still loves us and welcomes us it was for the unrighteous that he came for not the righteous.
I'll never forget the day the news broke at my High School that their plane had crashed. Everyone was in total shock. What a great band and they were Florida Boys!
Same here. It was like we lost a family member. Everybody was silent afterwards.
Don’t take no genius to understand what Mr Van Zant was like as a human being. Just listen to his story’s sung with the music. Since I was a kid I’ve known what Skynyrd was about.
This gentleman and his storied facts, are pure folk tale gold.
AMen to my southern brothers ! THis Yankee KNOWS who he is and never shuts up about it and I KNOW that ROnnie Van Zandt was my kind of friend and I believe his band was the GREATEST band ever to come out of this here United States !! I cant get enough of this music ! It LIVES IN ME ! LONG LIVE RONNIE !!MUCH LOVE AND BLESSING !
It's been a long while now however Ronnie van zant .set a standard for us ... amazing vocalist..he did and still does tell the TRUTH ...I our life style.. 🌹⚔️
Much respect Steve. Good to see men of honor speak of each other. RVZ forever!
Best,
Zak and Danan
Mr Steve Vest, you tell the story so heartfelt, it was a pleasure to back you in Gainesville Fl, and for you to play with that special night, I will never forget it, JT
Sounds like the kind of man I thought He was , I always knew from His music He had good moral convictions, but I'm glad to know he found time for man of God and I'm sure He found time for God too. perhaps God like talking to Him so much He just brought Ronnie on up!
i really like what you said there :)
Yeah, Ronnie's father was an amateur preacher and you can see the effect when Ronnie says "Lord" a lot in his lyrics.
Yes Ronnie was very spiritual and believed in God. Very much. Plus if he made a mistake or screwed something up, he was not afraid to admit it, and take care of it.
@@DexterHaventrue, his father also said , “God is a jealous God” , he was so heartbroken.
Yes, that is a sound inference from life experience over the millennia -- how people who have it all may lose it fast, how God appears vengeful and punishing too, hubris angers the gods, for example, how the angry will come to ruin, etc. @@TheTinyAutistsGuideToTheGalaxy
Nice job Steve! I knew Ronnie too and as I listened to you I got that old warm feeling I get when I remember back on our times. So I know you are telling it straight up. Only one thing to add: as a woman I've always had strong opinions and convictions, especially when it came to music, but Ronnie actually helped me to 'find' my true self. Where I came from people saw me as a 'dreamer' or an 'oddball' and I really didn't know where I fit in, if anywhere. Ronnie took an interest in that and was like an older protective brother, God bless him! He told me later that he saw alot of his younger self in me. He was 4 years older than I. He said we both had one great thing in common, and that was that we both "just had to know". The last thing he said to me was, " I think you'll do just fine, sistah". I will love him for that and honor his memory forever! And yes I will always send a prayer out for you too, every Oct. 20th. Also thank you for sharing because alot of people hear alot of things about Ronnie because he was such a legend, but we're here to dispel the bullshit and uphold his honor and integrity. He was and is truly a great man and a true brother!
Jolene, the reason I started telling these stories is because I have heard so many rumors through the years and because we had the privilege of knowing him, we knew the truth about his personality. He was truly the spokesman for the Southern man and woman. I will think of you every Oct. 20th. It was the darkest day of my life. The Ronnie I knew was just like you described him.
Did y'all know Al McDonald at Capricorn?
Greg p. I sure Did! How's he doing?
Steve Vest's Swamp Chat Every birthday I get to think about that crash. My birthday is October 20th. I was 13. They were and are my favorite band. They just resonated with me. I love many different styles of music, but southern music is just in my bones. My grandparents on my fathers side both died in Jacksonville, FL but are buried in Gaffney, SC. My mothers side are mostly from GA, FL and AL. My father was born NC and raised in AL and FL. I, myself, was born in DC, a little removed from deep in Dixie, but close enough with regular visits. Still below the Mason-Dixon line. LOL. My sister knew Larry Junstrom. She was/ is a wild one. Me too. I knew nobody, until I jumped out of planes with Walter McCreary’s kid in the 82d Abn Div. A strange thing to jump out of planes with the son of the pilot who flew the Free Bird into the ground on my birthday just as I was really getting into Skynyrd’s music. Never saw Ronnie, Steve or Cassie live but did see the survivors, Rossington-Collins Band, the night Allen chucked his guitar in the crowd and left the stage. I think it was Derek Trucks who told us sorry. Think that was the band’s last show. Saw a newer version of Skynyrd twice in the Carolina’s. Thanks for the vids about the boys. Nice to know Ronnie was so well respected by those who knew him.
@@mauallen4234 my birthday is Oct. 14th. And every year, i know and remember that the week after, i will always remember the date, Oct 20th as a day that breaks my heart.
Nothing is a coincidence. Now for what reasons, i cant tell you. You and McCreary's son, were in the place that our Creator wanted you, or you would not have been there together then. It is however very ironic, i must agree. And for what reasons, again, who right now could possibly know, we are not finished yet. But i do believe that where ever a person finds themself, is exactly where He wants us to be. No coincidences.
Ronnie was a simple kind of man. Someday you’ll love and understand.
I LOVE your SIMPLE comment, full of love and understanding...
You're in my prayers mr. Vest. Thank you for sharing that with us.
Great video, Steve. I would have guessed Ronnie to be like that, a great frontman and a great man. Thanks for sharing!
Rest in Peace.
Thank you for the videos 🤝🏻
Steve...just listened to this and enjoyed hearing about Ronnie. I have been a Skynyrd fan since my early teens in the late 70s.....I also cannot stand being around people who's opinion shifts like the sand beneath our feet. I would have loved to meet Ronnie Van Zant. Sounds like a straight shooter. Love the videos....keep up the good work.
God bless you Steve.
Steve, love all the stories and your respect for the band as a fan and friend, ill be thinking about you and lost members tomorrow on 10/20. Ima play skynyrd songs all day tomorrow!
You know you got me in tears man."gimme back my bullets is one of my favorite songs, mainly because of that line that says,"I'll keep on workin, like a working man do, I got my act together, gonna walk all over you!"that story you just shared epitomizes what I always got when I listen to skynard.I love you chanel Mr vest.your awesome stories keep that great musical time in America alive! Rhode Island thanks you.RIP Ronnie, Steve,Cassie,dean, and the to pilots!we will never ever forget you!
Great stuff Steve...thank you for keeping Ronnie relevant today!! I will think of you on 10/20.
I really love your swamp chats steve bless you
enjoy the story's.God bless you brother.
I got you in prayers my Brother!if I don't meet u here,I'll see u pon the otherside, my friend,maybe we can all sit back and jamn in heaven with the whole band!!!
The world today could use more like him, but there will never be another Ronnie!
Lakeshore Cedarhills Westside band👍
Thank you Steve! Prayers being sent to lift you out of Depression! Every thing is possible with the Lord!
Hi Steve
Thanks for the stories ....
God bless You Man..
Hugs from POland !
Thanks for the kind words Steve. You always were brutally honest you look good brother & Merry Christmas bud. Love, Joe Henley aka Mr.Breeze
Thank you Steve for sharing this about Ronnie
I think many people have mistaken Ronnie Van Zant as being a rebel but how you choose to describe his true character is anything but
As a fan of Ronnie's songs i have always got the feeling that he was a man of conviction, a man who stood up for what is right and reached out to others with a big heart even if that meant fighting for them
Only a person who's truly in step with God can live like that
I also get that same feeling from Stevie Ray Vaughn
The best jams are not here on earth they are in heaven
To others reading this..."Don't let yourself miss out on your seat!"
Definitely disagree with a lot you say. He was a Rebel. All you have to do is listen to some of Gary and Artemis interviews. When you’re an aspiring boxer and drink a lot, stuff happens. He’s human. He definitely had a big heart and brain (all those unwritten songs in his head). Bottom line is he was an alpha male, something we need more of these days. A true gentleman.
I'll take 1 RVZ over 10 other people on my side any day.
Miss you man! ❤️
You can tell who he was by his music, by the lyrics of his songs, as it was a different time back then ,there was "love" not hate in the air. And a lot of the evil that is here now was not even imagined! May Our God Have Mercy on ALL of Us. Thanks for sharing and yes I will remember you in my Prayers! Yep Chameleon= Hypocrite!!!
Thank you Steve. What you're talking about , helped me understand thats it ok to be a simple man . The poetry in His songs helped understand that im not gonna fake s###! When i meet God i know haven't been perfect but atleast us good ole boys stand for what we believe . No apologies. Thanok you again
Dying breed
Awwwww beautifully designed my friend 😚
There will never be another band as good as l.S,,,,there music still dominates ,I wish I could have told them thank you.
Badass Mr. Vest! You must be proud to share this. Awesome!
I'd love to sit and listen to you over a few beers.Amazing man,thank you.
Thanks Steve, I feel like Ronnie was my brother from another mother, he gave me the inspiration to start a Southern rock band in Md. In the late 70s and early 80's. We even made it as far as opening for KIX one night and that was about it.
prayer for steve vest. thank for he human side or Ronnie
Is he ok ?
Thank you Steve to take tge time and share these pricless memories. If it wasn't for your effort we would never understand a time in the beginings of Rock and Roll.
I was just a little kid in 1970. Now my son is 10 years old, we listen to little martha every night before bed. Could you share any background on this song. I really love how you can hear his breathing as he played.
Im so happy i just wondered upon your channel. Please don't stop making these videos. If i lived in your town, I'd buy you a lunch as a thank you.
It's ok to feel sad at times, we all do. It is normal to have depressing moments, it means you are alive and that you care deaply for people.
It is also ok to allow yourself to feel joy and be joyous. The lord is you saviour and he will protect you.
Speak on my spirit brother.A long distance friend
Just found these, burned thru about ten of them. I believe he could go on a story tour and harmonica? Play a little tell a little. Good story teller, god bless.
R.I.P. TO ALL THAT HAVE PASSED ON, COUSIN FIGEL
Glad to see you back Brother Steve!!! Been wondering where you have been.? Lifting you up in prayer. God bless always! famous
RIP Ronnie Van Zant
Gone, but never to be forgotten!! "Give a life, to those who've died"!! It's the Sign of the Southern Cross!!! Amen.
Love Blessings, prayers for YOU STEVE VEST.❤BLESS RONNIE'S SPIRIT💥
how's it going Steve! just wanted to thank you for keeping the skynyrd family alive I I've been listening to skynyrd for over 40years. if you'll a real lynyrd skynyrd fan they never get old!!...just wanted to let you know you're blessed to know such a great man and band. my brother and I God bless his soul used to trivial from the lower parts of the US to the upper part of the state just to see king of southern music...God! Blass you sir and stay well....l would love to hear from you from time to time keep! rockin!!!
I would just like to say thanks for making this upon my request man!!! Love ya brother, keep on rockin!
Ed King said in an interview Ronnie was great when he was sober, when Ronnie drank he got belligerent and wasn't fun to be around at all, especially on the road. He left the band because it got be too much.
Yeah, I lost some respect for Ronnie when he got in a fight with Gary and broke a lamp light and took it to the back of Gary's hand and said , "You'll never play guitar again and cut the back of his hand badly." You may have seen the shot of Gary playing with bandages on his hand on stage.
Ronnie had alot of pressures on him on the road. I know that is no excuse. Truth is some people just shouldnt drink, ever! It is not properly metabolized by some. Alcohol can make these people mean as a rattlesnake! And Ronnie knew this and was talking about cleaning up his act, to leave as a good example for his year old daughter. Unfortunately we never got to see that happen, as the crash claimed his life. Rest easy, Brother.
"mean as a rattlesnake" -- that's a good way of putting it. It's like in the old western saloons, when the barkeep breaks up a fight with, "That's just the whiskey talking." Jim Morrison and Amy Winehouse both destroyed their bodies & minds with booze, it seems... Best advice for anyone over 25 is to quit booze totally.@@joleneloveland2942
@@DexterHaven yeah i was around them and others. I quit in 1982, because i would always be so sick the next day and then at 7 p.m. start all over again. I think it was Billy Powell that said, "We all got sick and tired of being sick and tired." Yep i gave it up. I can not stand drunk people because they get so obnoxious and some get mean. No one should drink, but it is so available and two friends of mine are committing a slow suicide with their drinking. Neither wants to quit and it's breaking my heart. It's awful to watch them go down and feel so helpless. Alcohol can be a very effective tool for self destruction, as im sure you know.
I agree. You seem like wise woman. I quit in 2005. My method is in the video "Beyond Sober." I met a girl I knew in high school recently and she is rich, living in the best part of town now, but she says her husband is drinking himself to death slowly. That is the secret vice of a lot of upscale neighborhoods, behind closed doors, I think. Booze lies to you. @@joleneloveland2942
Great vid Steve..straight, to the point, the Gods honest truth..Thanks for your memories
If you were making your way through a swamp, not paying attention and got lost, got your foot caught in a gator trap, this guy would probably pop out from some swamp bush, release your foot and play you Gimme Three Steps on his honker.
Im just starting to research lynryd Skynyrd. I've always loved their music and now I'm very interested in Ronnie and how his songwriting reflected him as a human being.
very informative. the old timers need to tell us these stories. thanx, Vest!
Personally I think you're pretty cool Steve!
Thomas Anthony knight Cumberland city tn, saw Lynyrd Skynryd 1988 final tribute show in Tennessee,saw them 1993 in camp lejuene n.c on marine base,i serve Marines 1990 1994 got to meet them greatest band
And this goes out to my boy, Clark Dean. From Greenville, SC. Who still wants to play "Spinelli"!!!
Thank you for sharing that my friend! These types of individuals that you kept describing that Ronnie disliked, well in my form of description, I call them `A Fool for the City' Someone that is selling their sole and true feeling for what is in. I would have loved to have hung out with Ronnie, just one time...Maybe someday in heaven when I meet Jesus , I will ask him...But could you imagine how cool Jesus is! I mean, look at his stories and how he was around the curve on what everyone was saying and doing. You couldn't touch him...Even the Romans and the King...Until his destiny was set for it to be so. Sorry for the change over in my point....I miss Ronnie's presents and his band and those times...Life was sooo simple...and clean and innocent..
If I knew Ronnie I would have liked him according to what Steve is saying. The word is out he was a mean drunk. So are a lot of us. "Don't Be Drinking When Your Mad". Thanks Steve. Your are very articulate......
Steve I met you at the Hoosier in Osprey at sun. service some years back life wasent the best for me then but maybe your handshake and a beer went a ways.Thanks.I didn't know you were harp with ABB with Ace who I used to see around town friends I guess.Since moved to N.Florida. I can say your kinda like how you describe Ronnie. Thanks man
Thank you for this. Ronny was the real deal.
I really enjoy your memoirs
hi from Ireland
Thanks for this video brother! Individualism....sounds like Ronnie liked it....so do I. Stand on your own principles if it make 10,000 around you mad. Yessir...I can relate.
love your stories Steve
Ronnie is still alive,...on the "other side". He is doing fine, waiting for "The Banquet", you dig?!! And the dead shall be risen in Christ!! True story. "The Sign of the Southern Cross".... Give a life, to those who've died!!!!
Cool, my hero has the same principals as I do, I never was or am a follower either, my motto was always "better to be a tiger for a day than be a sheep all your life" God bless R.V.Z.
I would rather be the LORD'S sheep than a DEAD LION.
Ty steve. I understand him better. He was just a man but a good one ty
Now over 40 years ago! Wow!
Where's the time go??
They dont make many musicians like RVZ anymore. Felt the same about Stevie Ray when his accident happened. Pioneers of music gone to early. In the days where its crap on the radio...i will still search out my old southern rock. Am 35 and writing some good tunes, sadly no matter how good they are it'll never sell in todays age.
Ronnie could play rythym guitar but he didnt on stage. Was referring to SRV then
Ronnie sounds like a true southern gentleman. I hear what your saying about ''real people'' some people do hide behind different faces they put on. I need to have someone to be real with me also, how can you share with people when they chose to be so fake with you. Steve I will keep you in my prayers. God bless.
NH Yankee here, rvz was a great songwriter and you could tell he believed what he sang....the guy was John Lennon of southern rock....massive loss when that plane went down for skynryds millions of fans, friends and family ....now it is over 40 years and most of original band is gone now...they were right in their prime too.
Lennon is not even close to Ronnie. No disrespect to him but no comparison. Lennon wrote about fairytale daydreams Ronnie wrote about reality.
Kaitlyn LeAnn And Lennon was a prick to his first wife and oldest son. Julian Lennon says he wrote and sang about peace and love, but treated his own flesh and blood (and the mother of his child) like crap. Never have heard a bad word about RVZ as a father to either of his children.
Gotta love RVZ. Gotta love Steve too. I can't believe I'm just now finding this channel as much Skynyrd as I listen to. What's up with your algorithms TH-cam?
From growing up in a religious family, Ronnie sensed that Jesus was the kind of guy to stick up for what's right and not be a pushover. He admired those traits in you know who.
Who?
In Jesus. Ronnie was a Christian. @@LittleBear88111
Who?
@@mog882 JC
He describes Ronnie exactly how I'd expect. My kinda guy.
I was a roadie for King James Version for a few months in 1969. Me and Bobby Morris. We stayed at that old radio station that preacher had converted into a crash pad. They had three black singers at the time. All three dyed their hair blonde. Drew Lombar was the guitarist and Thumper was the bassist. I forget who played the traps. We roadied to Live Oak, Fla, Knoxville, Tennesee. And a couple other cities then got burned out. Drew went on to play with "Grinderswitch" Joe Dan Petty's band. Joe Dan was a roadie for the Allmans.
Rex, really nice to meet you. Thanks for sharing some history. The first drummer when I started with KJV was Tom, a tall man with dark hair and he was replaced by Chip Miller. Dru added Larry Strickland on keyboards, a congo player named Renaldo and myself as frontman. Thumper joined Ronnie Van Zant and we got Larry Junstrum. We had no back up vocals. He eventually changed the name to Magi and we played in Georgia a lot. Magi(billed as formerly King James Version) was together until '72. Dru changed our name again to Grinderswitch and then he broke up the band and moved to Macon where he reformed it with Larry Howard and Joe Dan. That was around the time of Berry Oakley's death. It is was in the fall of 72.
Wow thanks for that. Dru is dead? He was 6 months younger than I...I don't like hearing people that close to my age dying! #jussayin. I had taken off from an Art Class in Northern Virginia with my running partner Skinny Bobby Morris. We got to Atlanta and blew a freeze plug on our 62 MGA. Neither one of us knew what a freeze plug was! We abandoned that lovely ride and hitched on to Jax. This was Sept 69. I can't remember that preachers name but that radio station was a crazy crash pad. Thats where Bobby met Dru. He approached me and said "you wanna roadie for this weird Black and White band called the King James Version? I didn't even know that was the name of a Bible. I said sure. didn't pay much but we could eat. I lasted about 6 shows. Bobby bailed after about 3. I thouight Dru was a fine bluesman but his personality was jaded in my estimation. Thumper was a drug addict horndawg! Weird stuff went on on those long rides to gig if I recall correctly.... I was a sideman for an African American Christian Worship Team here in Clinton Iowa for 16 years. I have music for sale @ CD Baby. Vids on You Tube, and stuff on Reverbnation. and of course all the downloadable Venues. I don't sell worship music however. I give that away if asked for it. I retired from that Church gig in May 2014. I have diabetes and its complications have limited my getting around. Well Peace to you and I hope you live long and enjoy life! You really brought back memories.....heh
Dru died in the early 2000s. His last band was Dr Hector and The Groove Injectors. Hope you have a Merry Christmas. Keep in touch. I'll check out your videos as soon as I get chance. Thanks man.
Leon was quiet and shy when I worked with him in the bands when Sidney Drashian was our promoter. He was on his best behavior. You have really seen and done it all, Sonny. I know you have tons of stories. It is a privilege to get a comment from you. Keep in touch.
Rex Stratton Drew Lombar! Also rest in peace and not forgotten, brother. What a decent and kind man he was!
Hey Steve........Great webisode........What else ya got growing back there !!!!
mark kropka weed for the deer, man.
Eggplant
Great 👍 Steve
I appreciate you, Mr. Vest.
Thanks Steve for the insight ... yes, I also don't have time for lost sheep.... If it wasnt for Skynyrd... I wouldn't be playing guitar
- Cheers and I hope you rid of that depression crap.... I felt better in life after i stopped feeling sorry for myself... not saying you do... but that helped me
I like your style mate...it seems to me that you and Ronnie were very similar people...Paul from Sydney
We were both outspoken and very opinionated. I still am. When I know I am right, not hell or high water can change my mind. Thanks Paul.
Im the same brother...cheers
God bless it..
Thanks
Every time I come here to watch this vid and I see Steve with that strap in his hand I feel like he’s about to kick some ass if they badmouth Skynyrd
Thats is why he had assembled the best band in history
Thank you Brother
this is awesome❤
Penny Lane love your name😘 were your folks Beatle fans by any chance🤔
Care to shave another coustomer?
Ronnie Van Zant was well like in Pittsburgh PA
Bob Dell Skynyrd played in Buffalo, NY so did Allman Brothers, Buffalo unlucky City, 1977 Blizzard, 4 Superbowl loses, Known as a drinking town probably cause Bars open till 4am. I don't blame people about our snow even today we average 10 feet
Prayers
Love this hope your still doing well
Enjoy the swamp chats!
Kinda thought RVZ would be a strong Southern man. Good to hear.
You the man brother
A true Southerner
So...Ronnie did not suffer fools.
GOD BLESS YOU
Molly Hatchet, 38 Special, and LYNYRD SKYNYRD are from Jacksonville, Florida
And as you notice - they are each one of a kind and close to perfectionist with their performances .
The best of the best .
I know You Ain't the One, but I bet you are Double Trouble - you know when a black cat cuts your trail - LORD they come in pairs of two ...
Were you a Simple Man before Tuesday left ? You probably have a lot of Things Goin' On now that you are a Free Bird .
Take care of that Mississippi Kid and stay away from the Poison Whiskey .
If you can, please Gimme Three Steps for learning how to resist the temptations of going to The Jug and meeting up with Linda Lu . Cause I'm just a Truck Drivin' Man .
The Jug was a saloon, not far from the high school .
Swamp Music - LYNYRD SKYNYRD .
Hey - it's a simple song as far as lyrics but the band churns out the rhythm, bass and side riffs so busy and non-stop that it is very hard to concentrate on any part because there is so much goodness going on from each member . I promise if you listen to this song on headphones you will want to play it over and over at least 100 times .
It is my favorite song of all time : ( won't you - play a simple song for them - that's the only thing they want to love and understand )
The reason why I like this song so much is that every member of the band is steadily slamming out the jam during the entire song . I can taste strawberry, peach, apple, raspberry, grape, cinnamon, cherry, banana, pecan, watermelon, avocado, persimmon, and fried bream . ( with salt and black pepper )
I would very much like a ' Second Helping ' ( Their Second Album 1974 )
I just listened to it 5 times after making this comment .
Make that 6 times .
I went to the same high school they went to - 10 years after them .
Robert E. Lee High School
They named the band after their gym teacher who kept bugging them about their hair . ( Leonard Skinner )
I have about 8 thousand mp3 files of about 40 rock groups from the 70 ' s .
That is the only song I play - over and over and over - sometimes more than 10 times in a row .
In 1975 when I was in 12th grade - we skipped school and stayed on the bus . The bus driver - an older black man, Mr. McKenzie ( we thought of him as similar to Curtis Loew ) took us to his house and we installed an old 8 track tape player and speakers on the bus . Of course the first tape to play was Pronounced . ( don't tell anyone - but - he gave us a beer )
Another of my favorites of theirs is ' Railroad Song ' and ' Made In The Shade ' .
I worked at the railroad in ' 78 and worked with an engineer named Randy Heron - he was friends will everyone in the band and their families . He introduced me to Gene Odom ( Security and body guard for the band - survived the crash ) one evening at The Jug . I lot touch with Randy years ago . If someone knows him, please have him email me at the address on my channel about page .
Gene Odom - on working with Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Rolling Stones and Plane Crash/ HOWGO
th-cam.com/video/kFTLK0RP7DE/w-d-xo.html
Another time, he introduced me to the singer of the Allen Collins band - ( Jimmy Dougherty )
Which reminds me of another of my favorites of his :
Chapter One
th-cam.com/video/dayMpivPlCk/w-d-xo.html
Ronnie don’t like posers.
cheers brother....
Hey Steve West how are you. My uncle met Ronnie van sand
Keep it up man
Believable. But so many people lose themselves on stage.
Not if they are down to earth and have conviction about what they are doing for the sake of the music itself! I also have to credit Lacy (Ronnie's dad) and Sister (Ronnie's mom) for bringing their kids up so well! Instilling in them values and a sense of what is important in life. Amen.
I became friends with Ron Eckerman. Any stories there?