Zac Brown Band: Did You Know?
Fun Facts & Untold Stories About Zac Brown Band
If you're a fan of country music, chances are you've heard of Zac Brown Band. With their distinctive blend of country, Southern rock, bluegrass, and a touch of reggae, this band has captivated millions of listeners around the world. But beyond their chart-topping hits like “Chicken Fried” and “Colder Weather,” there are plenty of lesser-known facts and fun stories that make Zac Brown Band even more interesting. Let’s dive into a few of those!
1. Zac Brown’s Restaurant Background
Before Zac Brown became a full-time musician, he was a restaurant owner! In his early days, Zac ran a restaurant called Zac's Place in Georgia. There, he would serve up southern dishes and even perform live for diners. His passion for food never left him; in fact, Zac has opened his own restaurant group called Southern Ground Social Club and has hosted food festivals with celebrity chefs.
2. The Band’s DIY Beginnings
Zac Brown Band didn’t rise to fame the traditional way. Instead of waiting for a big record label deal, Zac took matters into his own hands. He sold his own CDs at gigs, built a loyal fanbase one performance at a time, and used the money earned from touring to finance the band’s first full-length album, The Foundation. This hands-on, entrepreneurial spirit played a significant role in the band’s rise to stardom.
3. A Southern Ground Empire
What started as a band has grown into a multimedia empire. Zac Brown owns Southern Ground, a record label, and even a custom woodworking business called Southern Ground Woodworks. His label provides opportunities for other musicians to succeed without compromising their artistic vision, and his woodworking business creates handcrafted items like guitars and furniture. Talk about multi-talented!
4. Zac Brown’s Secret to Touring: A Traveling Village
When Zac Brown Band goes on tour, it’s not just a group of musicians on the road—it’s a traveling village. They bring along a custom-designed compound complete with RVs, a kitchen, and a smoker for barbecue! Zac is a big fan of having family and friends close, so it’s not uncommon for band members and crew to gather for nightly meals together. It’s like a mobile Southern feast!
5. Philanthropy is in Their DNA
Zac Brown isn’t just about making music and money; he's deeply committed to giving back. The band supports Camp Southern Ground, a nonprofit summer camp that Zac founded for children of different backgrounds, including kids from military families and those with special needs. The camp focuses on building leadership, teamwork, and social skills. It’s heartwarming to know that the band’s success is helping improve the lives of children across the country.
6. Collaborations You Might Not Expect
While Zac Brown Band is rooted in country, they've branched out to collaborate with artists from different genres. They've worked with everyone from pop star Jason Mraz to heavy metal legend Chris Cornell. The song "Heavy Is the Head" featuring Cornell is a great example of the band pushing the boundaries of their sound and exploring uncharted territory.
7. A Grammy-Worthy Legacy
Not many people know that Zac Brown Band holds an impressive three Grammy Awards! They took home Best New Artist in 2010, a rare feat for a country band. With a total of eight nominations throughout their career, it's clear the industry respects their talent and versatility.
8. Zac’s Signature Beanie Has a Backstory
You’ve probably noticed that Zac Brown often wears a beanie during performances. It’s not just a fashion statement! Zac began wearing it early on in his career because it helped him feel more comfortable on stage. The look stuck, and it’s now one of his signature features. Fans even toss their own beanies onto the stage at some shows as a playful tribute.
9. Love for the Outdoors
When Zac isn’t making music or building furniture, he’s all about the outdoors. He’s a huge fan of fishing, camping, and hunting. His love for nature has influenced many of his songs, which often reference outdoor themes and the beauty of Southern landscapes.
10. The Band's Surprising Road to "Chicken Fried"
"Chicken Fried," the band's breakout hit, actually had a bumpy road to success. Initially, Zac Brown Band offered the song to fellow country artist Alan Jackson, but Jackson ultimately passed on recording it. Lucky for Zac, he decided to release it himself. The song went on to become a No. 1 hit, catapulting the band to national fame.
Bonus Fact: Zac Brown’s Love for Tattoos
If you’ve ever caught a glimpse of Zac’s arms, you’ll see he’s a huge fan of ink. Each of his tattoos tells a story, and Zac has mentioned in interviews that his body art is a reflection of his personal journey and beliefs. One of his most notable tattoos is the massive owl on his chest, symbolizing wisdom and his pursuit of enlightenment.
Whether it's cooking up a storm on the road, hosting philanthropic camps, or pushing genre boundaries, Zac Brown Band is much more than just a group of country musicians. Their story is filled with surprises, DIY grit, and heart. Next time you’re jamming out to one of their hits, you’ll know there’s a lot more to this band than meets the eye!
Zac Brown Band has many heartfelt songs with lyrics that resonate deeply with listeners, but one of the most meaningful and iconic lines comes from their song "Colder Weather":
"And I wonder if I'll ever change my ways, I put your picture away, sat down and cried today."
This line encapsulates the struggle of longing, regret, and emotional distance, reflecting themes of love, sacrifice, and the difficulty of change. It resonates with fans because it taps into the universal experience of wanting to be with someone, yet feeling unable to break free from the circumstances holding you back. The raw vulnerability and emotional weight make it one of the band's most powerful lyrical moments.