Celebrity Jobber Podcast with Jeff Zito

Guest: Don Barnes (38 Special)
Date: September 27, 2025
Episode: Celebrity Jobber with Jeff Zito – Don Barnes

Overview

In this engaging episode, host Jeff Zito sits down with Don Barnes, the longtime lead vocalist and guitarist of legendary Southern rock band 38 Special. Together, they explore the concept of the "jobber"—the everyday person behind the scenes or the alternate reality where a superstar might never have gotten their break. Don reminisces about his early jobs before fame, the persistence it takes to make it in the music industry, and the long-awaited return of 38 Special to the studio. This episode provides a heartfelt, funny, and insightful look at chasing dreams, facing setbacks, and witnessing the pivotal moments that truly change a life.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

38 Special’s New Album: “Milestone” (03:05)

• Don Barnes announces “Milestone,” the band’s first studio release in over 20 years, created to mark their 50th anniversary.
• The album features diverse tracks, including guitar-driven rockers and introspective mid-tempo songs.
• Notable collaborations include Randy Bachman, Jim Peterik from Survivor, and a duet with Pat Monahan of Train.

Quote:
“We finished. I started writing back in last year, finishing some of these ideas and, and so it's... come out where it's been out about three days now been released. So we're really excited about it. A lot of different diverse songs. Some big guitar bangers in your face songs and, you know, mid tempo introspective songs” — Don Barnes (03:29)

The Story Behind Their Hit Songs (04:36 – 08:46)

• “Rockin’ Into The Night”: Originally written by members of Survivor, the song was passed to 38 Special after not making Survivor’s album.
• “Hold On Loosely”: Born from a conversation about relationship struggles. The title and the now-famous refrain, “but don’t let go,” emerged spontaneously.
• “Caught Up In You”: Inspired by a phrase Don said to his girlfriend; written in secrecy with Jim Peterik to avoid conflict with Survivor’s Frankie Sullivan.

Quote:
“I said, what do you think about this song? Hold on... this title, hold on loosely. And he said, oh yeah, but don’t let go. And that was the first thing out of his mouth. It was a perfect couplet, you know, perfect bookend. And we were off to the races...” — Don Barnes (06:04)

Early Life, Family Background, and Work Ethic (09:22 – 13:27)

• Don grew up in Jacksonville, Florida. His father was a Baptist church music director and lifelong train engineer.
• Despite his dad’s steady career on the railroads, Don pursued music, supported by his father's encouragement but also his concern for financial stability.

Quote:
"He wanted me to get started on the railroad, and I didn’t want to do it. I’m gonna be... I mean, I was working jobs because I had to support a family, but I was dead set on not making a career in the railroad. You know, I wanted to do this..." — Don Barnes (11:29)

Advice to young musicians:
“I’ve told these young guys, if you absolutely have to, do it. But if there’s anything else with some stability to fall back on... do that, because there’s no guarantees. You can give 110% and still not make it.” — Don Barnes (12:10)

Early Jobs and the Struggle Before Success (13:41 – 16:57)

• First job: making donuts.
• Other jobs included making house trusses, truck driving (where he composed songs in his head), pest control, and landscaping (digging palm tree holes in Florida).
• Each job contributed to his work ethic and determination.

Notable Moment:
While digging a hole and hearing “Taking Care of Business” by Bachman–Turner Overdrive on the radio, Don was inspired to pursue music even harder.
“I can play that right there. That guy’s on the radio. I gotta get myself literally up out of this hole and get to work. I want to get on the radio.” — Don Barnes (16:25)

“The Big Break”: Pivotal Moments in 38 Special’s Career (17:08 – 21:23)

• Success came slowly for 38 Special; it was a “slow burn.”
• Turning Point: Selling out the 24,000-seat Meadowlands Arena in 1984. That roar of the crowd marked the realization they’d truly “made it.”
• Earlier highlights included being one of the first bands featured on MTV ("the 13th video on the first day"), still not fully realizing its impact at the time.

Quote:
“We were scheduled to play the Meadowlands arena... our handlers said ‘it’s your funeral,’ but 24,000 people showed up... that was a turning point. After all the starvation, all the struggles... you’ve actually got 24,000 people roaring... that was a big, big moment.” — Don Barnes (18:15)

The Van Zant Connection and 38 Special’s Ongoing Legacy (21:53 – 24:00)

• Donnie Van Zant (co-founder, and brother of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Ronnie) had to step back due to inner ear nerve damage after years of touring.
• Don Barnes remains close to Donnie: “He’s still my partner, he still owns the trademark, he gets a licensing fee every year... he’ll come out and do like one or two songs... there’s never been any jealousy.”
• Don recalls Donnie encouraging him to take up more lead vocals, which became pivotal for 38 Special’s radio success.
• Donnie still joins the band occasionally for special events and charity shows, now aided by high-end hearing aids.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On songwriting serendipity:
  “You hardly ever use them, but you have something there… I looked down the notebook, I said, what do you think about this song? Hold on... loosely. And he said, oh yeah, but don't let go. And that was the first thing out of his mouth.” — Don Barnes (06:04)

• On the sacrifices behind success:
  “You got to accept a lot of failure. Nobody knows who you are. They don't care whether you live or die. You're out there trying to make it... sacrificing everything, anniversaries, holidays, but you’ve got to rehearse.” — Don Barnes (12:30)

• On advice to aspiring artists:
  “If you do it for the wrong reason... for the pretty girls or the partying... you got to be an artist. You got to have your material together. You got to be... five steps ahead of yourself.” — Don Barnes (12:55)

• On his father’s pride after all the hard work:
  “He ended up lining his den with platinum and gold albums all the way around. He would bring the neighbors in and show them also.” — Don Barnes (10:58)

• On the family spirit of 38 Special:
  “It didn't matter who carries the ball as long as we're still a team. We win as a team... he's always been supportive, never any jealousy there.” — Don Barnes (23:32)

Timestamps of Key Segments

• 38 Special’s new album “Milestone” — 03:05
• Origin stories of “Rockin’ Into the Night,” “Hold on Loosely,” and “Caught Up In You” — 04:36–08:46
• Don’s family background and early musical influences — 09:22–13:27
• Early jobs before fame — 13:41–16:57
• Pivotal moment at Meadowlands Arena (the big break) — 17:08–19:56
• MTV debut and the band's rise — 19:56–21:23
• Donnie Van Zant’s health and continued involvement — 21:53–24:00

Tone and Atmosphere

The conversation is candid, warm-hearted, and often humorous, with Don Barnes reflecting honestly on hardship, perseverance, and moments of inspiration. Jeff Zito keeps the tone informal and inviting, encouraging Don to share candid stories both poignant and funny.

Wrap-Up

Don Barnes’ journey from donut shops and digging palm tree holes to platinum records and sold-out arenas exemplifies the spirit of never giving up on your dreams. Through hard work, resilience, and the help of some key collaborators—and with a little luck—Don’s path confirms that sometimes, the “jobber” finds his way to the big stage after all.

Closing Note:
“This album is called Milestone. It was just released—the first studio album for the band 38 Special in over 20 years... digging the palm tree hole and, and thinking about Randy Bachman and, and the couple of the other stories that I've never heard before. Really cool, man. Really appreciate your time this afternoon and good luck with the album.” — Jeff Zito (24:32)