BROTHER CANE Recruits LYNYRD SKYNYRD's JOHNNY VAN ZANT And RICKEY MEDLOCKE For 'Prince Charming' Single

Southern rock takes on a heartfelt tone as BROTHER CANE teams up with LYNYRD SKYNYRD's Johnny Van Zant and Rickey Medlocke for their new single, "Prince Charming". The collaboration delivers a track that feels both nostalgic and deeply meaningful.

"Prince Charming" stands as a powerful tribute to late LYNYRD SKYNYRD guitarist Gary Rossington, pairing timeless rock influences with a deeply personal message. The song reflects on legacy, loss, and the enduring impact of those who shape both music and life.

BROTHER CANE guitarist Damon Johnson, who has been filling in for Rossington in LYNYRD SKYNYRD since 2021, commented: "Gary Rossington was a hero for me that later became a friend and a mentor. Something magical happened the day after his funeral in March of 2023 when this song arrived to me fully formed and literally perfect. And the magic continued with the band's performance and the participation from Johnny, Rickey, Carol Chase and Stacy Michelle from my LYNYRD SKYNYRD family."

In addition to the single, BROTHER CANE has released its first new album in 27 years, "Magnolia Medicine", on Double Dragon Records, distributed by Virgin Music Group.

The album opens with "If This Means War", a fierce, no-apologies anthem that makes it clear this is no tentative reunion. BROTHER CANE's return is bold, soulful, and fully committed. This record isn't easing back into rock and roll; it's kicking the door wide open.

BROTHER CANE is an American rock band originally from Birmingham, Alabama. Formed by Johnson and bassist Glenn Maxey in 1991, the group released three studio albums, charting several singles, including three No. 1s and five top 10 hits.

"Magnolia Medicine" reunites Johnson with Marti Frederiksen, a songwriter-for-hire who has previously collaborated with AEROSMITH, DEF LEPPARD, Jonny Lang and Sheryl Crow, among many others, rekindling the creative spark that powered BROTHER CANE's legacy and redefining it for a new era.

Damon says: "We all need a little help from time to time. Writing these songs has helped me work through some challenges, both personal and professional. And to reconnect creatively with Marti Frederiksen was a gift to the band and certainly to this moment in BROTHER CANE's history."

During his career, Johnson has also played guitar with Alice Cooper and THIN LIZZY and co-written songs recorded by such artists as Stevie Nicks, Sammy Hagar and SANTANA. He is currently playing guitar for LYNYRD SKYNYRD, having been handpicked by Rossington as his replacement prior to Gary's passing in March 2023 at the age of 71. It was while touring with SKYNYRD that Johnson was pleasantly surprised at how many fans not only remembered BROTHER CANE, but shared their stories on how much the band and those songs meant to them.

BROTHER CANE returned to performing in 2022, released two brand new songs in October 2023, and continues to schedule shows around Johnson's now full-time commitment to SKYNYRD.

BROTHER CANE's current lineup also includes AEROSMITH keyboardist/backing vocalist Buck Johnson, plus guitarist Tony Higbee and drummer Jarred Pope, both from CINDERELLA frontman Tom Keifer's solo band.

"I'm just over the moon about this," Johnson previously said. "BROTHER CANE fans are some of the most passionate that I've encountered in all of my travels."

He added: "I'm certainly proud of all these songs, and the guys and I are energized to be bringing them to the people once again."

BROTHER CANE found immediate success with the July 1993 release of its self-titled debut album, which delivered three singles: "Got No Shame", "That Don't Satisfy Me" and "Hard Act To Follow". "Got No Shame" reached No. 1 on the Mainstream Rock charts and garnered the band U.S. tours with AEROSMITH, Robert Plant and LYNYRD SKYNYRD. The band's next album, "Seeds" (1995),yielded another No. 1 rock track, the haunting and swampy "And Fools Shine On". This hit led to a lengthy and successful tour in support of the mighty VAN HALEN. Three years later saw the release of "Wishpool" (1998) and BROTHER CANE's third No. 1 song at rock radio, "I Lie In The Bed I Make". After major personnel changes at Virgin Records (the band's label),as well as a major shift in style at rock and alternative radio formats, the band laid down their instruments and called it a day in 2000.

Photo credit: Stephen Jensen