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Johnny Colt

Johnny Colt (born Charles Brandt; May 1, 1966) is an bassist and renowned for his contributions to and , particularly as the founding bassist of from 1989 to 1997. Born at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in and raised in , , Colt began his professional music career in the late after playing in local Atlanta bands. He joined at their inception, contributing bass to their breakthrough debut album Shake Your Money Maker (1990), which featured hits like "" and a cover of "Hard to Handle," helping the band achieve multi-platinum success and tour with acts such as and . During his tenure, Colt also participated in the recording of subsequent albums including The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion (1992) and (1994), solidifying his role in the band's raw, blues-infused sound amid internal challenges and lineup shifts. After leaving in 1997, Colt formed the band Brand New Immortals, releasing the album Tragic Show in 2001 before its disbandment, and briefly joined the supergroup in 2006 following a reality TV competition. He then served as bassist for the pop-rock band from 2003 to 2006, contributing to their album (2006) and touring during a period of commercial resurgence for the group. In 2012, Colt joined as their bassist following the death of longtime member , performing on their album (2012) until departing in 2017; he has cited the band as childhood idols from his Southern roots. In addition to his recording and touring career, Colt has pursued entrepreneurial ventures, co-founding the recording studio NoDa Studios in , in 2007 with Thomas O'Keefe, and establishing Avatar Events Group, a music equipment rental company, in the mid-1990s with partners Kenny Creswell and Chris Conner. These efforts reflect his transition into music industry business, including real estate development and media hosting, while maintaining occasional DJ performances with collaborators like . Since 2017, Colt has focused on business ventures, instruction, and media projects including podcasting.

Early life

Birth and upbringing

Johnny Colt was born Charles Brandt on May 1, 1966, at the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in North Carolina. His family relocated soon after, and he spent his early childhood in Georgia, with his primary upbringing occurring in Atlanta during the 1970s. Growing up in Atlanta immersed Colt in the vibrant Southern rock music scene, a cultural cornerstone of the region that profoundly shaped his early musical interests. The city's thriving rock environment, influenced by bands like , provided constant exposure to the genre's raw energy and storytelling, fostering his passion for bass playing amid the South's rich musical heritage. These formative years in the American South laid the groundwork for Colt's transition to more structured musical pursuits in his late teens.

Education

Johnny Colt attended in New Orleans, , for in the mid-1980s. Following this, from 1986 to 1987, he enrolled at the in , , where he focused on and , honing technical skills essential for his budding career as a . His Southern upbringing further shaped his pursuit of music-focused education, drawing from regional rock influences to build a strong foundation for professional opportunities. These formative academic pursuits equipped Colt with the theoretical knowledge needed to enter the music industry.

Music career

Early bands

Johnny Colt began his professional music career in the Atlanta rock scene during the late 1980s. Raised in the city, he performed in local bands, helping him navigate the vibrant Southern rock environment. During this period, specific group names from his pre-1989 endeavors remain sparsely documented in public records. His initial forays focused on high-energy performances in venues, building a foundation for his later success. As these short-lived projects concluded without major label breakthroughs, Colt shifted his emphasis to the , recognizing its fit for his style and the demands of the local scene. This transition occurred amid the dissolution of his early groups, often due to typical challenges like lineup changes and limited opportunities.

The Black Crowes

Johnny Colt joined in 1989 as the band's bassist, shortly after the group rebranded from its earlier incarnation, Mr. Crowe's Garden, and just before recording their debut album. His addition solidified the rhythm section alongside drummer , contributing to the band's shift toward a roots-rock sound influenced by Southern traditions. Colt's bass work was integral to the band's breakthrough debut, Shake Your Money Maker (1990), where he provided the driving low-end foundation for tracks like the Otis Redding cover "Hard to Handle" and the original "Jealous Again." The album, produced by , achieved platinum status and propelled to mainstream success, with Colt's steady grooves supporting the Robinson brothers' guitar interplay during extensive touring. On the follow-up The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion (1992), Colt continued as ist, enhancing the album's psychedelic and gospel-tinged rock elements on songs such as "Remedy" and "Sting Me." This double-platinum release marked the band's creative peak, with Colt's contributions evident in the record's layered rhythms and live energy, as captured in promotional videos for "Sting Me" where his lines anchored the performance. Colt's tenure extended to Amorica (1994), where his bass playing added texture to the album's raw, experimental edge, including tracks like "Wiser Time" and "Cursed Diamond." Throughout the mid-1990s, he was a key figure in the band's live shows, including high-profile tours and music videos such as the energetic rendition of "Hard to Handle" that highlighted the group's onstage chemistry. In 1997, Colt departed amid personal struggles, primarily to prioritize his sobriety after years of substance abuse within the rock lifestyle. He later reflected that leaving was necessary to safeguard his recovery, marking the end of his original run with the band.

Post-Black Crowes projects

After departing in 1997, Johnny Colt formed the hard rock trio Brand New Immortals with guitarist/vocalist and drummer Kenny Cresswell, releasing a six-track EP in 2000 and the album Tragic Show in 2001 before the band disbanded in early 2002. Colt leveraged his established reputation as a rock bassist to join several prominent bands, beginning with Train from 2003 to 2006. He served as the band's bassist, contributing to their album For Me, It's You (2006) and participating in extensive touring during that period. In 2006, Colt replaced Jason Newsted in the supergroup Rock Star: Supernova due to Newsted's shoulder injury, becoming the permanent bassist for the band, which also featured Tommy Lee on drums and Gilby Clarke on guitar. The group made its national television debut with Colt on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on November 21, 2006, performing alongside vocalist Lukas Rossi, and embarked on an initial tour starting December 31, 2006, in Las Vegas. Rock Star: Supernova remained active until 2008, releasing one self-titled album in 2006. Colt joined in 2012 as their , filling the role following the death of previous Ean Evans in 2009. During his tenure, which lasted until , he performed on the band's album (2012), their first studio release in a decade, and contributed to numerous live tours showcasing staples. Colt's experience with lent him immediate credibility among Lynyrd Skynyrd's lineup of veteran musicians. Since leaving in 2017, Colt has not pursued notable solo music projects or band affiliations.

Business ventures

Music industry businesses

In 1994, Johnny Colt co-founded Avatar Events Group—initially known as Moonshine Backline—with partners Kenny Creswell and Chris Conner as a backline rental company based in , , specializing in providing musical instruments, amplifiers, and related equipment to touring artists and events. The company experienced significant growth over the following years, expanding its operations to include offices in , and , to better support national tours and festivals. became a key provider of production logistics for major music events, handling equipment needs for high-profile performances and enabling seamless support for artists on the road. Colt played an active role in the company's operations as vice president and co-owner, balancing management responsibilities with his touring schedule as a , including stints with and as a contestant on . This dual commitment allowed Avatar to maintain stability and expand during periods of intense personal and professional transition, such as Colt's sobriety journey beginning around 1996, which provided greater focus on business sustainability.

Real estate development

In the 2000s, Johnny Colt founded two companies, Benevolent LLC and The E Group, where he serves as creator and principal partner. These firms focus on and principles, emphasizing the redevelopment of existing structures in urban to promote sustainability and mixed-use spaces. By 2008, Colt's companies controlled over 650,000 square feet of commercial . Key projects include the conversion of historic warehouses on Grant Street and Kessler Avenue into loft office and flex spaces, initiated in the mid- and ongoing as of the latest available information, to preserve architectural heritage while adding modern amenities. Another notable development, the 5-acre NSI site, underwent mixed-use rezoning (MRC) before being sold to Wood Partners in the late , enabling further residential expansion in the area. Colt's endeavors have intersected with his career, particularly through properties like 471 Glen Iris Drive, home to Avatar Event Group, which hosts live music events and performances. Similarly, Avatar Studios at the same location provides recording facilities that have supported his post-Black Crowes projects, blending commercial development with entertainment infrastructure. Ongoing initiatives, such as The 4th project under construction, continue to prioritize green in Atlanta's evolving landscape.

Yoga and wellness

Johnny Colt began practicing around 1996, an experience that profoundly transformed his life and led him to pursue it as a central focus. In the late , following his departure from , Colt traveled to for intensive training, where his teacher encouraged him to begin instructing. This marked the start of his dedicated teaching career, during which he led up to 18 classes per week, including therapeutics, while continuing to study with various masters. After years of teaching primarily in Atlanta, Colt established his yoga instruction in Florida's 30A region following his relocation there in 2017. He affiliates with Studio Thirty A in Santa Rosa Beach, where he offers a variety of classes as a certified instructor, emphasizing , , and mindful movement. His centers on in-studio group sessions, private instruction, and community events, with programs such as Vinyasa flow for dynamic practice, restorative sessions for relaxation and , and workshops focused on breath control to enhance overall well-being. The stability from his developments has enabled him to expand these offerings without financial constraints.

Media appearances

Television and film

Johnny Colt's early television exposure primarily stemmed from his role as bassist for , where he appeared in several music videos that showcased the band's performances. In the 1992 video for "Sometimes Salvation," Colt is featured performing alongside bandmates Chris and Rich , emphasizing the group's raw rock energy during their The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion era. Similarly, he contributed to the 1990 video for "Hard to Handle," a cover of the classic that propelled the band's debut album Shake Your Money Maker to mainstream success, with Colt visible on bass in the high-energy footage. These appearances, along with brief features in other promotional clips, marked Colt's initial foray into visual media tied to his music career. Colt expanded into reality television with his participation in the 2008 TLC series Battleground Earth: Ludacris vs. Tommy Lee, where he joined Tommy Lee's rock team, competing against Ludacris's hip-hop squad in challenges blending music and survival elements. The show highlighted Colt's competitive spirit and musical background, including segments where team members performed and strategized. In 2009, Colt starred in the Travel Channel special Johnny Colt: At Full Volume, a pilot episode documenting his adventures in Thailand, including cliff climbing, cobra boxing, and Muay Thai training, which offered viewers an unfiltered look at his post-band explorations. The special, directed by Robert Tate, premiered on September 7, 2009, and captured Colt's transition from rock musician to adventure seeker. Colt also made notable contributions as a CNN iReporter, leveraging his platform for on-the-ground reporting. In 2010, he covered the in the , producing segments that interviewed affected residents and highlighted environmental devastation along the coast. The following year, in 2011, Colt reported from following the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, discussing the and long-term recovery challenges in affected areas. These iReport contributions positioned Colt as a bridging his background with stories. Additionally, Colt featured in local Atlanta morning shows, including appearances on Peachtree Morning on the affiliate and Good Day Atlanta on on May 1, 2000, where he discussed his music career and personal projects. These segments provided lighthearted insights into his life beyond touring, often tying back to Black Crowes promotions.

Podcasting and journalism

Colt expanded his media presence into audio formats through podcasting and radio, co-hosting Politely Disruptive on AM 1690 in starting in 2009 with Michael Ouweleen, an executive at and known for animated series like Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law. The program focused on entertainment, culture, and industry insights, drawing from Colt's background in to discuss topics such as creative production and media trends. In parallel, Colt transitioned into during a career away from full-time touring, adopting a conflict-reporting style inspired by embedded correspondents like . From 2009 to 2011, he contributed as a CNN iReporter, producing on-the-ground video dispatches from international hotspots, including the in the , where he documented environmental and economic fallout; a feature on the struggling Pacific island nation of , highlighting its shift from wealth to poverty; and coverage of the in , emphasizing human resilience amid devastation. His approach emphasized firsthand observation, often involving personal risk. Colt's journalistic output also intersected with his music expertise, including written contributions on the business side of the industry. In a 2007 Pollstar News feature, he shared practical lessons from his experiences as a touring bassist with and , advising on , artist management, and the realities of the concert circuit to guide emerging professionals. Additionally, his since 1991 captured backstage life in , culminating in exhibitions like "Lessons Never Learned," which reflected on the highs and lows of a performer's , including themes of personal growth and . Complementing his audio and print work, Colt has maintained a as a DJ since 2008, positioning himself as a national headliner in hybrid performances that fuse live music, visuals, and narrative elements. Notable appearances include a set at the U.S. premiere of the "King Tut and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs" exhibit in and a fashion show activation at , where he blended rock influences with thematic . These gigs often incorporated insights from his music and journey, creating immersive experiences that echoed his broader explorations.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Johnny Colt married Rosie Colt in October 1996, in a ceremony that marked the beginning of a partnership enduring nearly three decades. That same year, Rosie introduced Colt to , a practice that profoundly influenced his and later career pursuits. Colt and Rosie have fostered a family dynamic centered on stability and presence.

Sobriety and relocation

In 1997, Johnny Colt left The Black Crowes amid struggles with substance abuse and the intense rock lifestyle. He subsequently pursued sobriety, a decision that marked a pivotal shift in his personal life. By 2016, he had maintained sobriety for two decades, crediting the process with restoring clarity and stability. Central to Colt's recovery was the adoption of as a transformative practice, which he began during his time with . Following his departure from the band, he traveled to in 1997 to immerse himself in yoga studies, deepening his understanding of its physical and mental benefits. This journey not only aided his healing but also inspired him to become a certified yoga teacher, integrating the discipline into his daily routine for sustained emotional balance. After departing Lynyrd Skynyrd in 2017, Colt relocated from to the with his wife and , seeking a quieter lifestyle conducive to family life and personal . The move to this coastal region allowed him to prioritize health and reflection away from the demands of the music industry. His wife's support played a key role in this transition, reinforcing his commitment to . Colt's ongoing spiritual practices, rooted in and , have profoundly shaped his post-music existence, fostering a sense of and purpose beyond performance. These routines continue to influence his daily life, emphasizing growth and resilience in the years following his professional shifts.

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