Zac Brown Band has sold millions of albums and performed at several of the world’s premier music festivals. They boast an ardent fan base who appreciate their country storytelling songs.
They’re an accomplished group who expertly combine country, rock and reggae into their sound. Their music has garnered critical acclaim as well as multiple awards.
About Zac Brown Band
Zac Brown Band is an award-winning, multi-platinum country music group composed of lead vocalist and guitarist Zac Brown, fiddle player Jimmy De Martini, John Driskell Hopkins (bass guitar, banjo, ukulele, upright bass vocals) John Fryar on drums as well as multi-instrumentalist Coy Bowles and guitarist Clay Cook – each member contributing different instruments and vocals – and drummer Chris Fryar as current members.
Original members hailing from Dahlonega, Georgia formed this band in 2002. After creating their signature sound with “Chicken Fried,” which became an international hit in 2008, they have continued exploring their potential, most recently on 2015’s Jekyll + Hyde album that featured collaborations with famous producers like Skrillex.
Brown spent his youth performing in local bands with his siblings and cousins, singing cover tunes at gigs and working at summer camps with mentally and physically disabled children. This experience caused him to reevaluate his life and dedicate it solely to performing. With his restaurant money invested into purchasing a tour bus – starting his journey across America as part of a band.
Zac Brown’s background
Zac Brown Band has earned multi-platinum Grammy awards with more than 9 Million albums sold and 15 Number One country singles to their name. Furthermore, their foundation Camp Southern Ground provides charitable support.
The band first achieved widespread recognition with the 2008 release of their debut album, The Foundation. This included their number-one hit single, “Chicken Fried”. Since then they have earned 55 award nominations and eight have gone towards wins.
John Driskell Hopkins was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS) in 2021. Since then, he has continued performing with the band as well as working on solo projects.
Zac Brown was born in Cumming, Georgia on July 31st 1978. He attended University of West Georgia before graduating Lumpkin County High School in Dahlonega with honors. This singer-songwriter learned guitar at age 7 before founding Zac Brown Studios later that same year.
Zac Brown’s music
The Zac Brown Band is an American country crossover band known for fusing traditional Nashville songwriting ideals with pop elements and throwbacks to 1970s country rock. Their eclectic sound has garnered them multiple platinum records and a significant fan following, as well as expanding beyond music itself to offer portable speakers and host camps for deserving kids.
ZBB’s 2008 debut single was an ode to Southern culture, featuring dynamic lyrics and an infectious groove-based arrangement. It became an instant classic.
The ZBB’s 2009 follow-up was an uncompromising anthem about following one’s dreams without fearing what other people think, which became the #1 song during winter 2010-2011 and found itself touching many hearts with its lyrics. Most recently, their latest top ten hit was an emotive tribute to both of their fathers penned with Americana singer Sonia Leigh co-writing it and reaching the top 10.
Zac Brown’s career
Zac Brown Band has created an iconic musical identity. Their songs range from tributes to their native South, through tales of love and loss, all the way through traditional Nashville songwriting ideals with epic length jam band freakouts; furthermore their extra-musical pursuits — such as portable speakers for kids’ camp facilities — demonstrate an ambitious streak within this group.
2008 saw Fellowship’s first taste of success when their track, “Chicken Fried,” became a radio hit. Written over several years, “Chicken Fried” paid a moving tribute to those serving in US military since 9/11 attacks. Additionally, Coy Bowles first played with Fellowship before going on to form his own band later on.
UWG honored internationally-acclaimed musician and teacher Jonathan Brown with an honorary degree during its spring commencement ceremonies, honoring their connection and strengthening it further. At his commencement address, Brown shared some of his insights learned through life and career.