Ronald Wayne Van Zant, born on January 15, 1948, in Jacksonville, Florida, was an American singer and songwriter, best known as the founding lead vocalist and primary lyricist of the southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. He was the older brother of Johnny Van Zant, the current lead vocalist of Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Donnie Van Zant, founder and vocalist of the rock band .38 Special.

Van Zant formed his first band, My Backyard, in 1964 with friends and schoolmates Allen Collins, Gary Rossington, Larry Junstrom, and Bob Burns. The band eventually became known as Lynyrd Skynyrd, a name inspired by their high school gym teacher, Leonard Skinner. Lynyrd Skynyrd rose to fame in 1973 with their debut album, which included hits like "Free Bird." Their follow-up album, Second Helping, featured "Sweet Home Alabama," a response to Neil Young's songs "Alabama" and "Southern Man."

Tragically, Ronnie Van Zant's life was cut short on October 20, 1977, when a plane carrying the band crashed in Gillsburg, Mississippi, killing him and several others. Van Zant died from head injuries sustained during the crash. His influence and legacy continue through his music and the ongoing performances of Lynyrd Skynyrd.