Zac Brown Band

The Zac Brown Band was formed in 2002 by Zac Brown, who served as the lead vocalist and acoustic guitarist. The initial lineup included drummer Marcus Petruska and bass guitarist Jacob Lawson. In 2003, Brown established his own record label, Home Grown, later rebranded as Southern Ground. By 2004, the band began a rigorous touring schedule, playing approximately 200 dates annually in various clubs and festivals. During this period, violinist/fiddler Jimmy De Martini joined the band, adding a lead instrument and harmony vocals. The release of their independent album, “Home Grown,” also occurred in 2004. In 2005, John Driskell Hopkins became the bass guitarist, contributing to the recording of their future number-one single “Toes.” Coy Bowles, who had previously formed his own band, joined the Zac Brown Band as a permanent member two years later after reconnecting with Brown and sitting in on several performances.

The band’s commercial breakthrough came in 2008 with their debut single, “Chicken Fried,” which was re-recorded and released to country radio. This single reached number one on the country charts. Following this success, Atlantic Records partnered with Brown’s Southern Ground and Bigger Picture labels for distribution. In January 2009, Clay Cook joined the band as a multi-instrumentalist and high tenor vocalist, further expanding the group’s harmony capabilities and musical range. The band released several more successful singles, including “Whatever It Is,” “Toes,” “Highway 20 Ride,” and “Free,” all of which achieved high chart positions, with “Toes,” “Highway 20 Ride,” and “Free” reaching number one. Daniel de los Reyes joined as a permanent percussionist in 2012, prior to the release of their album “Uncaged,” which Billboard recognized as the best country album of 2012. Matt Mangano was added as an eighth member in 2014, taking on the role of bass guitarist while John Driskell Hopkins expanded his instrumental contributions.

The Zac Brown Band has released seven studio albums, three live albums, a greatest hits album, and three extended plays. Notable albums include “The Foundation” (2008), certified triple-platinum, and “You Get What You Give” and “Uncaged,” both certified platinum. They have achieved 16 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs or Country Airplay chart, with 13 reaching number one. The band has sustained a consistent touring presence, including headlining and co-headlining tours, and an upcoming residency in 2025. Their ongoing success is marked by significant collaborations with diverse artists, showcasing their versatility across genres beyond traditional country music.