Let’s talk about one of country music’s biggest stars who has recently risen to the heights of fame: Zach Bryan. Bryan is a wildly successful country singer and songwriter. Victor and Annette DeAnn Bryan raised him and his sister, MacKenzie Bryan in the small town of Oologah, Oklahoma. Bryan’s parents divorced when he was about 12 years old, and though he lived with just his father, he still remained close to his mother. It was during this time, after their divorce, that he began to play the guitar and write songs, and when he was 17, he enlisted in the Navy.Both of Bryan’s parents, his grandfather, his uncles, and his great-grandfather all served in the U.S. Navy, and he was inspired to continue the family legacy. This was the start of Bryan’s prosperous career.
Throughout his time in the Navy, Bryan began developing his craft for songwriting. He started uploading his music to YouTube in 2017, with his friends recording him performing outside his Navy barracks. Here, songs like “God Speed” and the most well-known: “Heading South,” were released to the public. Bryan’s debut album, DeAnn, was named after his late mother. It was released in August of 2019 and consisted of 12 tracks, many of which had been previously uploaded to his YouTube. The album eventually achieved double platinum sales status, and his career took off, all while he was serving his country. Bryan’s second album, Elisabeth, was released in May 2020 and named after his military ex-wife, Rose’ Elisabeth’ Madden. The album contains 19 tracks, including “Heading South” and “Revival”.
Bryan served as a Petty Officer Second Class for eight years in the Navy before he was honorably discharged in 2021 to continue his passion for music. He then made his Grand Ole Opry debut and signed a deal with Warner Records, the record label he is still a part of today, to release his music. In 2022, Bryan released the hit single “Something In The Orange,” which became a breakthrough hit as it debuted at position 55 on the Billboard Hot 100 and peaked at 10. During this time, he also released a triple album, American Heartbreak, regarded as one of his best works.
Despite his recent fame, Bryan maintains a humble demeanor and also refuses to conform his musical style to industry norms, which is certainly unique for the country genre. His next tour, “Quitting Time,” has sold out 19 dates at major stadiums and arenas throughout the U.S. and Canada, including our very own Mile High Stadium on June 14th and 15th 2024. He has also been teasing his fifth studio album, which will hopefully be coming out in 2024, and is rumored to have worked with big-time American artist John Mayer. Many believe Bryan will continue to rise in popularity and that this is just the beginning of a new genre of country music.
