Zac Brown Band

The Zac Brown Band is an American country/folk band that has been making waves in the music industry for over a decade. With seven members in the band, each bringing their unique musical talents to the table, the Zac Brown Band has won numerous awards and accolades since their formation. The band has a strong following of fans who appreciate their soulful lyrics and timeless sound.

In this article, we'll take a deep dive into the history of the Zac Brown Band, their discography, and their notable accomplishments.

About Zac Brown Band

The Zac Brown Band was founded in 2002 in Atlanta, Georgia, by lead vocalist and guitarist Zac Brown. The band includes Jimmy De Martini on fiddle and vocals, John Driskell Hopkins on bass guitar and vocals, Coy Bowles on guitar and keyboards, Chris Fryar on drums, Clay Cook on guitar, keyboards, mandolin, steel guitar, and vocals, and Daniel de los Reyes on percussion. They were signed to Southern Ground Artists label and have stayed with them throughout their career.

The band's music is a blend of country, folk, and Southern rock, with influences ranging from James Taylor to the Allman Brothers Band. Their unique sound has gained them a loyal fanbase and has allowed them to collaborate with several music legends. Zac Brown Band's first album, Far From Einstyne, was released in 2004 independently, followed by another self-released album Home Grown (2005).

Zac Brown Band rose to fame with their third studio album, The Foundation in 2008, which featured the hit single "Chicken Fried." Their subsequent albums, You Get What You Give (2010), Uncaged (2012), Jekyll + Hyde (2015), Welcome Home (2017), and their latest album The Owl(2019), have all garnered critical acclaim and commercial success.

The band has recorded several hit songs over the years, including "Toes," "As She's Walking Away," and "Homegrown." Their music is known for its deeply emotional lyrics, strong vocals, and catchy melodies, making them a popular choice for contemporary country music fans.

Band Members

The Zac Brown Band has seven members, each of whom brings a unique talent to the table. Zac Brown is the lead vocalist and guitarist, known for his soulful voice and his ability to capture the hearts of audiences worldwide. Jimmy De Martini is the band's fiddle player and backing vocalist, adding layers of depth and texture to their sound.

John Driskell Hopkins plays bass guitar and sings backup vocals, contributing to the band's rich harmony. Coy Bowles is the band's guitarist and keyboardist, who is known for his powerhouse solos and unique sound. Chris Fryar is the band's drummer, bringing an unparalleled energy to their live performances.

Clay Cook is a multi-instrumentalist, playing guitar, keyboards, mandolin, and steel guitar. He is also a talented singer-songwriter and has written several of the band's most beloved songs. Daniel de los Reyes is the band's percussionist, known for his rhythmic beats and infectious energy.

Each member of the Zac Brown Band brings their unique style to the band's overall sound, resulting in a rich blend of country, folk, and rock that has earned them critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase.

Awards and Honors

The Zac Brown Band has won several major awards and honors throughout their career. In 2010, they won the Best New Artist award at the Grammy Awards, and the following year, they won the Best Country Collaboration with Vocals award for their hit single "As She's Walking Away" with Alan Jackson. In 2013, the band won the Best Country Album Grammy for Uncaged.

The band has also won several Academy of Country Music Awards, including Top Vocal Event of the Year for "As She's Walking Away" and Top New Vocal Duo or Group. They have won multiple CMT Music Awards, including USA Weekend Breakthrough Video of the Year for "Chicken Fried" and Performance of the Year for "Margaritaville" with Jimmy Buffett. In 2010, the band won New Artist of the Year award at the Country Music Association Awards.

Personal Lives of Band Members

Chris A. Fryar, the band's drummer, was born in Birmingham, Alabama, on November 22, 1970. He attended Gardendale High School in Gardendale, Alabama, and went to the Mississippi University for Women in Columbus, MS. He has been married twice and has two step-daughters, Allison and Ashley Travis. Chris has a music degree and lives in Mount Olive, Alabama, with his family.

Douglas Clay Cook, the band's multi-instrumentalist, was born on April 20, 1978, in Snellville, Georgia. He attended Smoke Rise Elementary, Tucker High School in Tucker, GA, and South Gwinnett High School in Snellville, graduating in 1996. He married Brooke Ellen Harding on October 25, 2014. They have a young daughter.

Matthew Dean Mangano, the band's bassist, was born on May 12, 1976, in Visalia, California. He graduated from Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. Matt married Emily, a nurse practitioner, and they have a son named Elliott. He owns his Dad's Martin guitar and grandmother's baby grand piano.

Daniel de los Reyes, the band's percussionist, was born on July 18, 1962, in New York City, and was raised in Puerto Rico and Las Vegas. He is of Cuban and Puerto Rican descent and plays percussion. Daniel makes his home in Fayetteville, Georgia.

Discography

Since the formation of the Zac Brown Band in 2002, they have released several albums, each showcasing their incredible talents and unique sound. Their discography includes:

1. Far From Einstyne (2004)
2. Home Grown (2005)
3. The Foundation (2008)
4. You Get What You Give (2010)
5. Uncaged (2012)
6. Jekyll + Hyde (2015)
7. Welcome Home (2017)
8. The Owl (2019)

Each album showcases the band's evolving sound and features hits that have become instant classics in the world of country and Southern rock. From the soulful melodies of "Chicken Fried" to the upbeat rhythms of "Toes," the Zac Brown Band's discography has something for everyone.

Wrapping Up

The Zac Brown Band has been making music for almost 20 years and shows no signs of slowing down. With a unique blend of country, folk, and Southern rock, the band has captured the hearts of fans worldwide and earned numerous accolades throughout their career. From their humble beginnings in Atlanta to their unprecedented success today, the Zac Brown Band is truly one of a kind.