Lynyrd Skynyrd Shorts Episode 44 Ronnie Van Zant solo record (unreleased)

Join us as we discuss the album that was ALMOST and the effect it would have had on the music world, as well as the Ronnie Van Zant band, the songs that were going to be on that record. Is that record still out there somewhere?
I dunno.

[@lyndajolacava4891]

I absolutely love Ronnie Van Zandt and especially original Skynyrd. Yeah I could see Ronnie in the Highwaymen, but not letting Kris go. Also let's not forget Ronnie kept telling some close friends that he didn't think he'd live past 30. God I miss Ronnie Van Zandt but who doesn't. Thank God he left us an amazing legacy!

[@googleusergp]

I wouldn't say he was too big for Lynyrd Skynyrd, but he was looking at broader things beyond just singing. I suspect he would have done something with Mr. Haggard or Mr. Daniels as an example. Another dream of his was to perform at Madison Square Garden which I believe was on the calendar, but alas, never happened. For a time, the band I believe produced records under the distribution label of "Double T Productions". I think Mr. Hess might have been a choice for that solo band, or yes, Mr. Nix, I would agree with that. Not correct, ARS was in pretty good shape in 1978 or so, as "Champagne Jam" came out that year which was a hit for them. I think he could have picked a bunch of folks from "Super Jam 1978" and that would have given him a plethora of talent to choose from. I think he would have had to branch out in the 1980s and maybe get more into "Stadium Rock" as that was where things went by the 1980s. BTW: I've been Nashville, but years back in 1997. I went there on a business trip at my old job and it was a conference in the Opry Land Hotel. It was quite fun. I just remember the food was good and the homemade ice cream was so good. It was a conference that Autozone (who is based there) held for a bunch of vendors. The company I worked for at the time was a supplier to them. I left that company in 2005, and I only remember going to that conference once. I still have the "swag" from back then.

[@gtrfletch]

You are right about ARS but there have been many times where folks left success for a bigger success. My belief is that many folks would abandon their gig for a shot a Ronnie. And you are right, he would have had his pick of the litter for sure! My first hear of Double T Productions. Would like to learn more. For once, I get to correct YOU! Autozone is founded and based in Memphis. It was originally founded by Pitt Hyde who was the owner of major food supplier Malone and Hyde. I almost went to work for them in 1994 in their construction engineering dept but had just given someone else my word that I would come to work for them. Might not have been a great choice!

[@googleusergp]

@@gtrfletch Not so much of a correction, more of a clarification. Yes, they started a division of Malone and Hyde in July 1979. Doc Crain was the first store manager and developed the phrase WITTDTJR which meant, "What it takes to the do the job right". This would eventually become the name of their first computerized system. The company I worked for was one of their suppliers and we'd have to do yearly line reviews of what we sold them. What coverage was missing, what was being sold, pricing, quality, supplier issues/inventory and the like. That year in 1997, the vendor conference was in the Opryland Hotel. I had never been to Memphis before that time and that was among my first business trips. Prior to that, I hadn't flown since 1976 on a family vacation. Back then, flying was an experience unlike today where we take it for granted in so many ways. Actually, AutoZone was originally called Auto Shack and didn't change their name to AutoZone until 1987. Regarding Double T Productions, I read that somewhere in a book years back.

[@gtrfletch]

truly Auto Shack but it was my understanding that Radio Shack sued them and forced them to change the name. Autozone much better anyway. And you are right, to this day, Opryland Hotel is an amazing place. I do wish Memphis had something like that....Nashville always seems to get just a bit more than we do here in Mempho!

[@googleusergp]

@@gtrfletch I was actually there just an hour ago. I had to get light bulbs for my uncle's Honda after we got it inspected as one of the lights was out. I'm not really a fan of them (prices are high), but for quick things, they do the job. You can find things like light bulbs cheaper at Walmart, however, we don't have one in my area, so I order off their website and have it shipped.

[@googleusergp]

@@gtrfletch It was the only time (thus far) that I was there for work. Prior to that trip, I don't think I had flown since 1976 when we went to FL on a family vacation. Since that trip in 1997, I travel fairly frequently, especially with my current job.

[@Modad1jimr]

All the know is the stoned roadie would have been leading up his own band for sure

[@gtrfletch]

Leader of the band....

[@Charlee_Murphee]

He knew he only had 30 tests on this earth. I think he was leaving Skynyrd as a way to try and get out of the deal he made with the devil.

[@gtrfletch]

As we have learned again and again, he had some supernatural connection and realized it. We should probably explore the mysticism or spiritual beliefs of ronnie...

[@googleusergp]

@@gtrfletch There you go, the next episode, "Ronnie Van Zant. Rebel, Redneck, or Rhodes Scholar?" He was all three and that's worth exploring on an episode.

[@Charlee_Murphee]

@@gtrfletchi agree! That would be interesting. 👍

[@googleusergp]

@@gtrfletch Add that one to my suggestions for future episodes.

[@angelaleonard2226]

Where are ya'll from for you to be drinking sundrop? I'm from NC and I have drank sundrop all my life

[@NoahHammond-v5w]

We got them here in virginia And you might be able to find some online

[@angelaleonard2226]

@NoahHammond-v5w we got plenty here but I will be going to Virginia Beach Sunday to see my grandson. He's in the Marines.

[@NoahHammond-v5w]

@angelaleonard2226 hope you have a good time

[@josephbrown7416]

Memphis area

[@gtrfletch]

I have been drinking Sundrop since the 80's. Originally got it in Virginia, my family is originally from DelMarVa. Today, I have to leave Memphis to get it. Lately, it has been coming from St. Louis area but trust me, whenever I am in NC, I bring plenty home. I had a company that did a ton of construction work in Tennessee and in the late 90's, I stumbled upon a plant that made SunDrop in Pulaski TN. It is great when it is freshest. I do not think that plant is still in that business. There used to one in Warrenton, MO but I think it is gone as well. It is my favorite drink and we have all of the Dale Earnhardt commemorative bottles, posters, etc. Pretty cool, eh?