There are five kids in my family and I'm the only one who didn't get a diploma. He was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, to Lacy Austin (1915-2004) and Marion Virginia (ne Hicks) Van Zant (1929-2000).Ronnie aspired to be many things before finding his love for music. Profile: Best known as the original lead singer, songwriter and founding member of Lynyrd Skynyrd. 1970s. Van Zant was married twice. Wrong username or password. The fame, the pressure to perform, and their own creative demons create a perfect storm ripe for tragedy. 'target="_blank">