Jacksonville, Florida. 2010. The city that has brought you numerous, highly successful rock bands since the 1970's. Now a new era has begun with the emergence of the band SHANYTOWN.
Jacksonville's Van Zant family legacy continues with this band, comprised in part by two members of the Van Zant family; the nephews of the late Ronnie Van Zant (co-founder Lynyrd Skynyrd), Johnny Van Zant (Johnny Van Zant Band & Lynyrd Skynyrd), and Donnie Van Zant (founder 38 special).
Brothers Robbie and Ronnie Morris were raised in the iconic Van Zant family and their musical roots are deep.
Robbie, ShanyTown's drummer, began his professional career at the tender age of fourteen along with his Uncle Johnny, and cut his first of six albums at age 17. Their band, the "Johnny Van Zant Band", toured for approximately sixteen years before Johnny joined Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Robbie played with numerous bands after Johnny's departure, before finding establishing ShanyTown with Charles Moody and Kevin Williams.
Ronnie is commonly referred to as "Lil Ronnie" as he was named after his uncle. Ronnie was given his first guitar by his Uncle Ronnie and has been playing since he was a child. Ronnie is an acclaimed guitarist and has also played in numerous bands, including "Single Handed" out of Jacksonville. He brings his uncle Ronnie's voice to the stage, as well as his late Uncle's riveting charisma.
Charles Moody (bass), has played with numerous notable bands from Florida to Nashville for over 25 years, and is slam in the pocket with Robbie, together creating driving beats that are enthralling by themselves.
Kevin Williams (Guitar) has been a staple in the Florida music industry for years, and is known throughout the state for his exceptional leads-- his fingers a mere blur on the guitar neck--making the guitar sing.
Duane Johnson, (guitar) has been playing and singing all his life and came to ShanyTown from the band "Confederate Outlaw". He is a premier songwriter and guitarist and ShanyTown is fortunate to have him. He is also a life long family friend of the Van Zants. The members of ShanyTown bring their own unmistakable sound that rivets audiences, just as Lynyrd Skynyrd and 38 Special have done for years.