Zach Bryan is a prominent American country music singer-songwriter, celebrated for his heartfelt storytelling and distinctive sound that blends elements of folk and outlaw country. Born on April 2, 1996, in Okinawa, Japan, he was raised in Oologah, Oklahoma, where his family’s military background deeply influenced his life and art. Bryan’s musical journey began at the age of 14 when he started writing songs. His upbringing in a small town deeply influences his songwriting, which often reflects themes of love, loss, and resilience.
Table of Contents
Who is Zach Bryan?
- Songs: Something in the Orange, Heading South, I Remember Everything, Revival, Oklahoma Smokeshow
- Wife/ Ex-Wife: Rose Madden
- Ex-Girlfriend: Brianna ‘Chickenfry’ LaPaglia, Deb Peifer
- Age: 28 years
- New Album: The Great American Bar Scene
- Net Worth: $10 million to $15 million
- Height: 6 feet (1.83 meters)
- Parents/ Family: Dewayne Bryan (dad) and Annette DeAnn Bryan (mom)
- Sister: MacKenzie Taylor
- Tattoos: Barbed Wire Butterfly, Cowboy with a Bucking Bronco, Timshel, Tusla Ok, and Book
Zach Bryan Mom, Family, and Military Service
His father, Dewayne Bryan, and mother, Annette DeAnn Bryan, instilled in him values of resilience and authenticity, which resonate throughout his music. Bryan’s early life was marked by a strong sense of duty and commitment. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy at just 17 years old, where he served for seven years as an Aviation Ordnanceman. During his time in the Navy, Bryan utilized his spare moments to write music, recording songs that would later resonate with a wide audience.
During his time in the Navy, Bryan used his spare moments to write music, often recording songs on his phone with friends. His military service not only shaped his character but also provided him with unique experiences that would inform his songwriting. His early work gained traction on YouTube, where he uploaded performances recorded in informal settings. The song “Heading South,” filmed outside his Navy barracks, became a viral sensation, showcasing his raw talent and emotional depth25. These initial successes laid the groundwork for his later achievements.
Songs and Music Career
Zach Bryan’s music career took off with the release of his debut album DeAnn in 2019, dedicated to his late mother. This self-produced album showcased his raw talent and garnered significant attention online. This debut was recorded quickly with friends and received critical acclaim for its authenticity and emotional resonance. Following this, he released Elisabeth (2020), further solidifying his presence in the music scene.
Elisabeth included the breakout single “Heading South,” a poignant reflection on life and struggle that captured the hearts of many listeners. In 2022, Bryan signed with Warner Records and released American Heartbreak, which debuted at number five on the Billboard 200 chart. The album featured the hit single “Something in the Orange,” which peaked at number ten on the Billboard Hot 100. His self-titled album released in August 2023 debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, featuring collaborations with artists like Kacey Musgraves on “I Remember Everything,” which also topped multiple charts.
Bryan’s music is characterized by its emotional honesty and relatability, often addressing themes of love, loss, and personal reflection. His raspy voice and poignant lyrics have earned him a dedicated fan base and critical recognition within the country music genre.
Zach Bryan New Album and Recent Achievements
Bryan’s recent work includes collaborations with notable artists such as Kacey Musgraves on “I Remember Everything,” which topped multiple charts including the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot Country Songs. His fifth (new) studio album, The Great American Bar Scene, released in 2024, continued his streak of commercial success by reaching number two on the Billboard 200.
Grammy, Awards, and Recognition
Zach Bryan has garnered numerous accolades throughout his career. In 2023, he was awarded the Academy of Country Music Award for New Male Artist of the Year. His innovative approach to music has also led to multiple nominations for prestigious awards like the Grammy Awards. His ability to connect with audiences through storytelling has positioned him as a significant figure in contemporary country music.
Zach Bryan Wife, Girlfriend, and Past Relationships
Zach Bryan’s romantic journey has seen him navigate a marriage that ended quickly and two significant relationships thereafter. His most recent partnership with Brianna Chickenfry captured public attention but ultimately concluded as he faced personal challenges. As of now, he is not married and appears to be focusing on his music career amidst these changes in his personal life.
Zach Bryan was married to Rose Madden, a fellow Navy veteran, in July 2020. Their wedding took place in Colchuck Lake, Washington. However, their marriage was short-lived; they divorced by July 2021. The couple has remained private about the details surrounding their split, and both have removed references to each other from their social media accounts, leaving little public insight into their relationship or its dissolution.
After his marriage to Madden, Bryan began dating Deb Peifer in 2022. Their relationship lasted about 18 months, concluding in May 2023. Bryan publicly announced their breakup on social media, emphasizing mutual respect and the desire for privacy during a difficult time.
Following his split from Peifer, Zach Bryan started dating Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia, a social media personality and co-host of the Barstool podcast BFFs. They met at the Academy of Country Music Awards on May 11, 2023, where they initially exchanged pleasantries over a photo. Their relationship blossomed after both ended their previous partnerships, with LaPaglia confirming their romance in July 2023 during an episode of her podcast.
The couple quickly became popular on social media, often sharing glimpses of their life together. They made their red carpet debut at the Grammy Awards in February 2024, where Bryan won a Grammy for Best Country Duo/Group Performance alongside Kacey Musgraves. In July 2024, they celebrated their one-year anniversary with heartfelt tributes on social media.
Despite a seemingly strong bond, Bryan and LaPaglia’s relationship ended in October 2024. He announced their breakup via Instagram, expressing gratitude for her love and support while acknowledging personal struggles that contributed to the decision to part ways. He emphasized the importance of respecting both of their privacy during this time.
Zach Bryan Net Worth
Bryan’s financial trajectory reflects both his artistic achievements and strategic career choices. With an estimated net worth ranging from $10 million to $15 million, driven by diverse income streams including music sales, touring, and merchandise, he stands out as a significant figure in contemporary country music.
His primary sources of income include:
Music Sales and Streaming: Bryan’s breakout album, American Heartbreak, has achieved significant commercial success, contributing to his overall earnings. His streaming presence is robust, with over 32 million monthly listeners on Spotify, generating approximately $2 million annually from royalties alone.
Concert Tours: Touring is a major source of income for Bryan. His Burn Burn Burn Tour grossed around $43.9 million from 32 shows in 2023, while the Quittin’ Time Tour reportedly generated a staggering $184 million by mid-2023. Estimates suggest that he earns between $500,000 and $1 million per show, depending on various factors such as venue size and ticket prices.
Merchandise Sales: Merchandise sold at concerts and through online platforms adds another layer to his income. Fans frequently purchase apparel and memorabilia during tours, contributing to his financial success.
In April 2024, Zach Bryan made headlines with his purchase of a historic colonial home located in Duxbury, Massachusetts. The property was acquired for $7.5 million and features: Five bedrooms and six-and-a-half bathrooms.
Zach Bryan Tattoos
Bryan, the rising country music star, is known not only for his poignant lyrics and heartfelt melodies but also for his collection of tattoos, each carrying personal significance. Here’s an insightful look into some of his tattoos and their meanings:
Barbed Wire Butterfly: Located on his lower back, this tattoo symbolizes transformation and resilience. The butterfly often represents change and beauty, while the barbed wire can signify struggle or protection.
Cowboy with a Bucking Bronco: This tattoo on his arm reflects Bryan’s connection to cowboy culture and the spirit of freedom associated with it. It embodies the themes of adventure and the rugged lifestyle prevalent in many of his songs.
“Timshel” on His Collar Bone: This word, which translates to “thou mayest,” is a significant philosophical concept derived from John Steinbeck’s East of Eden. It represents the idea of free will and the ability to choose one’s path, resonating deeply with Bryan’s artistic themes of choice and destiny.
“Tulsa, OK” on His Wrist: This tattoo likely signifies Bryan’s roots and connection to Oklahoma, a recurring theme in his music that often reflects his upbringing and experiences in that region.
Book Tattoo: This tattoo symbolizes knowledge and storytelling, aligning with Bryan’s narrative style in songwriting. It emphasizes the importance of stories in shaping identity and culture.
when is Zach Bryan releasing a new album?
July 2024. He recently hinted at the release of new songs on November 7, 2024, stating, “World’s been heavy, new music tonight,” which generated excitement among his followers.
how did Zach Bryan get famous?
Bryan’s rise to fame can be attributed to a combination of his unique musical style, authentic storytelling, and savvy use of social media, particularly YouTube.
are Zach Bryan and Luke Bryan related?
Zach Bryan and Luke Bryan are not related. Despite sharing the same last name and both being prominent figures in the country music scene, they come from different families and have distinct musical styles and careers.
how many albums does Zach Bryan have?
Bryan has released five studio albums to date including his new album The Great American Bar Scene.