Some people know. Some don’t. Who is Zach Bryan? Wait, you don’t know about Zach Bryan? Those questions may come up a lot lately. The hugely popular “underground” artist is headlining his 2nd sold-out Gillette Stadium show this summer, on July 17. This would be a good time to get to know him better, don’t you think? Below you will find 9 things to know about Zach Bryan and why he’s so popular.

For many the name Zach Bryan seems to have come out of nowhere. Wait, are they talking about Zac Brown, or Luke Bryan? For others, eyes roll… and of yes, of course, they know about the singer. I mean he’s been an internet sensation, like…forever. Bryan has been wildly popular on college campuses for for those who embrace a more “y’allternative” brand of country. His music is straight from the heart and not overly produced. He doesn’t mince words and doesn’t play games in an industry known for such things.

The Humble Beginnings of Zach Bryan

It all started for Zach when he started putting his music on YouTube. His friends would record him performing, using his iPhone. That was 2017, and now he is projected to sell out Gillette Stadium, among many other large arenas.

The military vet has plenty of stories to tell. For instance, one of the most interesting stories being how he accidentally got into the music business. He never intended to be here, but is certainly enjoying the ride. So let’s get into the meat of what makes this artist tick, how it all happened, and how he got here. With help from CMT and Country Thang Daily, here are 9 things to know about Zach Bryan and why he’s so popular.

• 1. The accidental Artist

  Zach wasn’t shooting for a music career. It just happened. He was serving in the United States Navy just making videos for his friends when it happened. People connected. And the world went crazy for Zach Bryan music. He was just 24 years old, stationed in Washington state when he broke through. He released his original song, “Heading South,” to the internet and bam!  With no help at all from the music industry, millions of people watched and loved his video. It’s all about the song and the connection. It’s the stripped down honesty that sparked the viral reaction.

• 2. It's A Family Tradition

  The military, not music is a family tradition for the Bryans. Zach enlisted in the U.S. Navy at age 17. It’s just what he knew he was supposed to do. His late mother, Annette, dad Dewayn and his grandfather all served in the Navy. It was a way of life, and a family tradition. Music came out of just wanting to keep himself entertained, and his buddies too.

  View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Zach Bryan (@zachlanebryan)

• 3. He's big on Social

  Zach Bryan (@ZachLaneBryan) has a big social media presence. He has over 2.6 million Instagram followers, over 26,000 X (formerly Twitter) followers, and 781,000 YouTube followers.

  Zach Bryan

  Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

• 4. He Wasn't Born in the USA

  Zach was born in Japan, where his family was deployed at the time. But he is an Okie through and through. He spent quite a few years growing up in Oologah, Oklahoma. His parents moved there was Bryan was in the 8th grade. Zach has a sister named Mackenzie.

  View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Zach Bryan (@zachlanebryan)

• 5. There's Money in his Music

  According to Country Thang, Mr. Bryan’s net worth is projected to be more than $8 million. Reportedly that number is based on sponsorship, his original songs and downloads, performances and YouTube . That’s a lot of money, especially for newer artist who really only has one radio hit, so far.

  

  Zach Bryan performs onstage during the 2022 Stagecoach Festival  in Indio, California. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images for Stagecoach)

• 6. His Unique Brand Of Country

  At it’s core, Zach’s music is country. That’s the umbrella title. It’s really a mix of folk, outlaw country and Americana. It’s a raw, real, stripped down and honest.

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3iORE_4eao&t=14s

• 7. He Was Married And Now Is Dating A Boston Girl

  According to Holler Country,  Zach Bryan was married, briefly, to Elisabeth Rose Madden. He supposedly met her while serving in the Navy. They got married in 2020 and later that year he even named his album after her, Elisabeth. They broke up shortly after it’s release. Zach was dating Deb Peifer, but then have since parted ways and he is said to be dating an internet star by the stage name of Brianna Chickenfry. Her real name is Brianna LaPaglia. Brianna grew up in Rockland, MA! She’s known for her podcast, as a TikTok star, social media influencer and content creator. Here’s more on how Zach and Brianna came together:

  Influencer Brianna Chickenfry Responds to Criticism of Zach Bryan Romance - E! Online

  TikToker Brianna Chickenfry got candid on bringing her relationship with Zach Bryan into the public eye, two months after the country star slid into her DMs.

• 8. Once Popular, Always Popular

  Zach must just be a people person. Even in high school he was popular. He was a wrestler and student council president. He’s still popular in school. Did you know Bryan and his dad recently gave an entire sixth-grade class from his old middle school tickets to his show. And they were box seats that came with meet & greet passes! You can see the pix HERE, and read more about it.

  

  Zach Bryan on stage with an enthusiastic audience ready to sing along. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images for Stagecoach)

• 9. He Wrote an Entire Album For His Mom

  In August of 2019, Zach released his debut album, DeAnn. Named for his late mother, Annette DeAnn, who passed away in 2016 at the age of 49. He reportedly wrote and recorded the entire album in just 2 months, and did so at a friend’s Airbnb. The cause of his mom’s death was never made public. Zach said the lyrics in his song, “God Speed,” from the album are “amongst the most meaningful” (from stonyjammer.com)

   

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