EPISODE · May 22, 2026 · 1H 9M
Don Barnes- 38 Special
from Sonic Impact · host Eliot Goldberg and Olivia Goldberg
38 Special front man, Don Barnes, takes us on a journey through his remarkable life and career, from the roots of Southern rock to the height of arena-rock fame. Don opens up about the deep family connection between 38 Special and Lynyrd Skynyrd, through his bandmate Donnie Van Zant, younger brother of legendary Skynyrd frontman Ronnie Van Zant. Don reflects on the heartbreaking impact of Skynyrd's devastating plane crash that took the life of Ronnie and other members of the band, and how that tragedy ultimately inspired 38 Special to push forward and carry on the torch of Southern rock. Don also looks back on the legendary Jacksonville music scene that launched icons like Tom Petty, The Allman Brothers Band, and Lynyrd Skynyrd, sharing stories from an era that shaped rock history. Finally, he revisits 38 Special’s explosive rise in the 1980s, from arena-rock mainstays to dominating MTV with classic hits like 'Hold On Loosely' and 'Caught Up in You.' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What this episode covers
38 Special front man, Don Barnes, takes us on a journey through his remarkable life and career, from the roots of Southern rock to the height of arena-rock fame. Don opens up about the deep family connection between 38 Special and Lynyrd Skynyrd, through his bandmate Donnie Van Zant, younger brother of legendary Skynyrd frontman Ronnie Van Zant. Don reflects on the heartbreaking impact of Skynyrd's devastating plane crash that took the life of Ronnie and other members of the band, and how that tragedy ultimately inspired 38 Special to push forward and carry on the torch of Southern rock. Don also looks back on the legendary Jacksonville music scene that launched icons like Tom Petty, The Allman Brothers Band, and Lynyrd Skynyrd, sharing stories from an era that shaped rock history. Finally, he revisits 38 Special’s explosive rise in the 1980s, from arena-rock mainstays to dominating MTV with classic hits like 'Hold On Loosely' and 'Caught Up in You.' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Don Barnes- 38 Special
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