As multiplatinum Grammy Award-winner Zac Brown Band sells millions of albums, wins numerous Grammys and embarks on sold-out stadium tours, it can be easy to forget their humble beginnings. But not so.
Frontman, singer/songwriter, and guitarist for this group boasts an elegant vocal range with soulful tones that enthrall. Additionally, his passion for musical diversity makes for an impressive combination.
Lead Vocalist
Brown has become known for his powerful, soulful voice which brings the energy of any stage performance to new heights. From smooth crooning to powerful belting techniques, his signature sound has won fans and critics alike over time.
“Chicken Fried,” the band‘s debut single, was written over several years. At first it began as an innocent tune about hanging out with friends during weekends; after 9/11, however, more meaning was injected by adding an additional verse.
Hopkins was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease–commonly known as ALS–in late 2018 via YouTube video and addressed it with hope and optimism in an online video message posted to YouTube. He continued touring with ZBB as well as writing a book detailing his journey.
Bassist
Hopkins also plays acoustic guitar, banjo, ukulele and upright bass – in addition to bass guitar he has collaborated with Oteil Burbridge of Allman Brothers Band fame as well as Amos Lee and Charles Neville of Amos Lee and Charles Neville fame and recorded six studio albums with Zac Brown Band.
Zac Brown Band is an award-winning American country music group featuring Hopkins as its founding member. Since their commercial breakthrough with “Chicken Fried” in 2008, he has been with them.
Bassist and songwriter Brian Lanz is currently fighting amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Lanz announced his diagnosis via video posted to his band‘s website; according to The ALS Foundation, this progressive neurodegenerative condition affects nerve cells in both the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and function loss in its victims.
Drummer
Zac Brown is the founding member, front man and vocalist for multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning musical group The Zac Brown Band. Additionally he is an acclaimed songwriter, producer, record label owner, businessperson and philanthropist.
Brown was raised in Dahlonega, Georgia where both of his parents played classical guitar; his stepfather was a dentist who encouraged him to participate in musical events on weekends and Saturday mornings. Later he attended summer camp where he worked with mentally and physically disabled children.
In 2002, The band formed and quickly began touring over 200 dates annually. Soon thereafter they created their own label called Home Grown (now Southern Ground for legal reasons), recording their debut studio album The Foundation which went five times platinum; since then they have released six additional studio albums, two live CDs, and a greatest hits collection.
Keyboardist
The multi-talented Clay Cook is a cornerstone of the Atlanta-based band that has produced 14 No. 1 singles since 2005. The keyboardist, vocalist and guitarist has been with the band for nearly two decades, and is a major contributor to their Grammy award-winning music.
Whether they are singing about the joy of spending time with family or the heartbreak of missing your love, Zac Brown Band has a knack for capturing life’s nuances in their songs. Their lyrical depth is matched only by their musical versatility.
The interdisciplinary Tool Kit introduces students to the band and its members through activities that highlight philanthropy, musical interpretation and cultural influences. The resource is free to use for classrooms and teachers, and can be accessed here. All American Speakers Bureau represents Zac Brown Band for speaking engagements, personal appearances and corporate events.
Guitarist
Brown is a multifaceted entertainer, contributing to his craft as a musician, songwriter, producer, restaurateur, businessman, philanthropist and philanthropist. Additionally he founded and leads his Grammy Award-winning Zac Brown Band which spans genres to reach a diverse audience.
Brown used his proceeds from selling his restaurant to purchase a bus and begin touring full time, creating his unique musical style by drawing upon country, rock, bluegrass and jam band influences.
Coy’s pedalboard on tour consists of a Keeley Compressor, two Port City Sahana boosts set for rhythm and lead overdrive purposes, two Strymon El Capistans for rhythm and lead overdrive purposes respectively, Lovepedal Pickle Vibes and an ABY switcher to switch between electric and acoustic guitar. His amps include both Fender 65 Super Reverb and Gibson Firebird V amplifiers.