No More Dirty Deals

The song "No More Dirty Deals" by Johnny Van Zant from his debut album of the same name is a gritty Southern rock anthem that captures the raw energy of the genre. Released in 1980, the track was co-written by Johnny Van Zant, his brother Donnie Van Zant of .38 Special, and guitarist Erik Lundgren. In a rare interview excerpt shared on Artistcamp, Johnny reflected on the song’s creation, noting that the tragic loss of his older brother Ronnie Van Zant in the 1977 Lynyrd Skynyrd plane crash brought him closer to Donnie, whose input was “invaluable” for the album. The song’s driving rhythm and bold lyrics about rejecting shady dealings resonated with fans, and its production by music legend Al Kooper added a polished yet fiery edge. Reviews on Discogs highlight the track as a standout, with fans praising its “fuel-injected riffing” and Johnny’s intense vocal delivery, which some say rivals the soulful grit of his late brother Ronnie.

Another piece of trivia about "No More Dirty Deals" comes from fan discussions on platforms like Rate Your Music, where users note the song’s dedication to Ronnie Van Zant, as indicated in the vinyl release’s liner notes: “This one’s for you, Ronnie!!” The track’s blend of hard rock and Southern soul, backed by dual lead guitars from Robbie Gay and Erik Lundgren, made it a favorite among “Zoo Freaks” who love its rebellious spirit. While specific social media posts about the song are scarce, fans on Lynyrd Skynyrd’s official Facebook page often share nostalgia for Johnny’s early solo work, with one user in a 2023 thread calling the song “a hidden gem that deserves more airplay.” The album’s reissue on CD in 2006, as noted on Amazon, included a booklet with a 3,000-word essay and an interview where Johnny discussed the challenges of carving his own path in the shadow of his brothers’ legacies.

Johnny Van Zant, born February 27, 1960, in Jacksonville, Florida, grew up immersed in music as the youngest brother of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Ronnie Van Zant and .38 Special’s Donnie Van Zant. According to his bio on AllMusic, Johnny began performing at age 15 with his first group, the Austin Nickels Band, initially aspiring to be a drummer before choosing singing after encouragement from Ronnie, who claimed Johnny had the best voice in the family. Mentored by Ronnie, the band evolved into The Johnny Van Zant Band, featuring Robbie Gay on guitar, Danny Clausman on bass, Erik Lundgren on lead guitar, Robbie Morris on drums, and background vocalists Joan Hecht and Nancy Henderson. They released their debut album, No More Dirty Deals, in 1980 under Polydor and A&M, with Donnie’s guidance shaping their sound. Despite the Southern rock scene’s dominance by bands like .38 Special and Molly Hatchet, Johnny’s harder-edged style stood out, as noted on Last.fm. After releasing two more albums, Round Two (1981) and Last of the Wild Ones (1982), and a fourth album, Van Zant, in 1985 on Geffen, Johnny briefly left music to drive a truck when Southern rock’s popularity waned. He returned in 1987 as the lead vocalist for the reunited Lynyrd Skynyrd, a role he continues today, while also collaborating with Donnie in the country-rock duo Van Zant.

Johnny Van Zant’s official presence is tied to Lynyrd Skynyrd’s platforms, as he does not maintain separate solo accounts. Fans can follow him through Lynyrd Skynyrd’s official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. For fan communities, the Lynyrd Skynyrd Nation Facebook group is a vibrant space where “Zoo Freaks” and Southern rock enthusiasts discuss Johnny’s solo work and Skynyrd’s legacy, often sharing rare photos and concert memories. Another fan hub, Skynyrd Frynds, offers a fan-driven site with forums and updates on Johnny’s performances. While Johnny’s early solo career is less documented online, these communities keep the spirit of songs like "No More Dirty Deals" alive, celebrating his contribution to Southern rock’s enduring sound.