The Zoo Crew is spinning "(Who's) Right or Wrong" by Johnny Van Zant from the album Round Two, and the Zoo Freaks are loving this Southern rock gem. This track, the opener for the 1981 album by the Johnny Van Zant Band, is a hard-hitting anthem that blends AOR and Southern rock with a punchy melody. According to a review on Amazon, the song was part of an album that showcased a star-studded collaboration, with contributions from Journey's Jonathan Cain and Steve Perry, .38 Special's Jeff Carlisi, and even Neil Schon's father. The review highlights the track as a standout, setting the tone for an album that aimed to break the band across the USA, with its infectious energy and Van Zant's commanding vocals. A fan on Amazon called it a "5 star belter," praising its ability to straddle genres effortlessly, making it a perfect fit for the Zoo Crew's eclectic vibe.
While specific stories about "(Who's) Right or Wrong" are scarce in interviews, Johnny Van Zant has shared insights into his early career that give context to the song's creation. In a 2012 interview with MediaMikes, he reflected on his commitment to creating music that resonates with "common people," a theme that runs through his work, including Round Two. He mentioned keeping his music grounded in real-life experiences, which likely influenced the raw, relatable energy of "(Who's) Right or Wrong." Fans on Facebook often praise Van Zant's ability to channel his brother Ronnie's legacy while carving his own path, and this track is a prime example of his harder-edged, heartfelt style. The song's lyrical depth, paired with its driving rhythm, makes it a favorite among Zoo Freaks who dig its authentic Southern rock roots.
Johnny Van Zant's journey to becoming a Southern rock icon began in Jacksonville, Florida, where he was born on February 27, 1960. The younger brother of Lynyrd Skynyrd founder Ronnie Van Zant and .38 Special's Donnie Van Zant, Johnny grew up surrounded by music. According to his Wikipedia page, he initially wanted to be a drummer but was encouraged by Ronnie, who believed Johnny had the best voice in the family, to pursue singing. In the 1970s, Johnny formed his first band, the Austin Nickels Band, which later became The Johnny Van Zant Band. With Ronnie as a mentor, the band played local bars and honed their craft. After Ronnie's tragic death in a 1977 plane crash, Johnny stepped into the spotlight, releasing his debut album, No More Dirty Deals, in 1980, which included a tribute to his brother, "Standing in the Darkness." This marked the start of his solo career, leading to albums like Round Two before he joined Lynyrd Skynyrd as lead vocalist in 1987.
Johnny Van Zant's official online presence includes the Lynyrd Skynyrd website, where fans can find tour dates, merchandise, and band updates. His social media accounts keep Zoo Freaks connected to his latest projects: follow him on Facebook for band news and fan interactions, Instagram for behind-the-scenes photos, and X for real-time updates and thoughts from the road. Fans can also join the vibrant Lynyrd Skynyrd Nation Facebook group, a community where Zoo Freaks and others share their love for the band, post about songs like "(Who's) Right or Wrong," and discuss Johnny's contributions to Southern rock. Another fan hub is the Lynyrd Skynyrd Fan Club, which offers a space for dedicated supporters to connect and celebrate the band's legacy.
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