Complete List Of Zac Brown Band Members

Feature Photo: Debby Wong / Shutterstock.com

Complete List Of Zac Brown Band Members looks at the lineup changes of the musicians that have played in a band that emerged on the American country music scene in the mid-2000s and has since then become a force to be reckoned with. The band was formed in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2002 by Zac Brown, who serves as the lead vocalist and guitarist. Brown had been a solo artist for several years before deciding to form a group to realize his musical vision better. The early formation of the band saw a number of musicians coming and going, but the core members slowly fell into place.

The band’s debut album, Far From Einstyne, was released independently in 2004 and laid the groundwork for their future success. However, it was their second independent album, Home Grown, that caught the attention of the music industry. The record showcased the band’s unique blend of country, bluegrass, and southern rock, and it featured some of the original compositions that would later become fan favorites.

In 2008, the Zac Brown Band signed with Atlantic Records and released their major-label debut, The Foundation. The album was an instant hit, led by the single “Chicken Fried,” which reached the top of the country charts. The Foundation was later certified multi-platinum and won the band a Grammy for Best New Artist in 2010.

Subsequent albums, like You Get What You Give (2010), Uncaged (2012), and Jekyll + Hyde (2015), further solidified the band’s status as one of the most innovative acts in modern country music. Each of these albums brought a new layer of musical complexity, drawing from a wider range of genres including R&B, pop, and even metal. This has made the Zac Brown Band one of the few acts in the country genre that enjoys a broad crossover appeal.

The band’s lineup has also evolved over the years. Long-standing members include John Driskell Hopkins (bass guitar, guitar, baritone vocals), Coy Bowles (guitar, keyboards), and Chris Fryar (drums). They were later joined by Clay Cook (guitar, keyboards, mandolin, steel guitar, vocals), Matt Mangano (bass guitar), and Daniel de los Reyes (percussion).

Apart from their albums, the Zac Brown Band is also renowned for their electrifying live performances, often incorporating elaborate visual effects and a diverse setlist that spans multiple genres. Zac Brown himself has been involved in various philanthropic activities, including his Camp Southern Ground for children with special needs.

ZAC BROWN BAND MEMBERS

Zac Brown

Zac Brown is the founding member and the face of the Zac Brown Band, a group he started in 2002. Initially performing as a solo artist, he decided to form the band to have a fuller sound and range in his performances. Brown is the lead vocalist and also plays guitar for the group. The band’s debut album, The Foundation, released in 2008, was a major hit, going multi-platinum and earning the band a Grammy for Best New Artist. Zac Brown’s songwriting and vocal abilities are often cited as significant contributors to the band’s unique blend of country, bluegrass, and Southern rock.

Apart from his work with the band, Zac Brown also founded Southern Ground, a combination of a record label, studio, and a variety of brands, in an effort to have more creative control over his projects. He is also known for his philanthropy, particularly for his work with Camp Southern Ground, a program for children to learn life skills.

John Driskell Hopkins

John Driskell Hopkins joined the Zac Brown Band in 2005. He plays bass guitar and also contributes vocals. Hopkins has been a core part of the band’s sound and has participated in every studio album the band has released, starting with The Foundation and followed by albums such as You Get What You Give, Uncaged, and Welcome Home. His contributions extend beyond his bass guitar and vocal abilities; he has been credited with co-writing some of the band’s songs.

Outside of the band, Hopkins has also pursued solo projects and collaborations with other artists. He released a solo holiday album, In The Spirit: A Celebration of the Holidays, in 2015, showcasing a different side of his musical talents.

Coy Bowles

Coy Bowles became a member of the Zac Brown Band in 2006. He primarily plays guitar and keyboards. Bowles’ versatility has allowed the band to explore a wider range of musical styles, which can be heard on albums like You Get What You Give and Jekyll + Hyde. His distinctive playing style contributes to the band’s diverse musical palette, which includes elements of country, rock, and even electronic music.

In addition to his work with the Zac Brown Band, Coy Bowles is also an author of children’s books. He has published titles like Will Powers: Where There’s a Will There’s a Way and Amy Giggles: Laugh Out Loud, showcasing his talents in storytelling and influencing younger generations in a different way.

Chris Fryar

Chris Fryar joined the Zac Brown Band in 2008 as the drummer. He has been part of major studio albums like Uncaged, Jekyll + Hyde, and Welcome Home. Fryar’s diverse drumming style, which incorporates various elements from jazz, country, and rock, has been crucial in establishing the band’s dynamic sound. His rhythmic sensibilities provide the necessary backbone to the band’s wide-ranging musical explorations.

Besides his work with the Zac Brown Band, Fryar is also active in the Birmingham, Alabama music scene and has performed with other musicians and ensembles, highlighting his versatile drumming skills.

Clay Cook

Clay Cook became a member of the Zac Brown Band in 2009. Cook is a multi-instrumentalist, contributing on the guitar, keyboards, mandolin, and steel guitar. He has been a significant part of albums like You Get What You Give and Uncaged. His multi-instrumental abilities have added layers of complexity to the band’s sound, making it richer and more nuanced.

Outside of the band, Cook has a background in songwriting and production, and he has collaborated with a variety of artists in different genres, which reflects his own eclectic musical tastes.

Daniel de los Reyes

Daniel de los Reyes joined the Zac Brown Band in 2012 as a percussionist. He is featured in albums like Jekyll + Hyde and Welcome Home. De los Reyes’ expertise in Latin percussion has brought a unique flavor to the band’s overall sound, enriching its stylistic palette.

In addition to his work with Zac Brown Band, de los Reyes has had an extensive career as a session musician, playing with artists like Earth, Wind & Fire, Sting, and Jennifer Lopez.

Matt Mangano

Matt Mangano joined the Zac Brown Band in 2014 as a bassist. He had previously worked with the band as a session musician and engineer but became an official member to expand the group’s sonic capabilities. Mangano has contributed to the albums Jekyll + Hyde and Welcome Home, where his precise bass lines have provided both groove and depth.

Outside of his role in the Zac Brown Band, Mangano has a background in audio engineering, and he has worked on several projects as a recording engineer.

Caroline Jones

Caroline Jones collaborated with the Zac Brown Band as a special guest, though she is not an official band member. She has opened for the band during tours and has also performed duets with Zac Brown. Jones is an accomplished singer-songwriter in her own right, with albums like Bare Feet showcasing her skills. She brings a unique voice and perspective when collaborating with the band, often contributing vocals and guitar.

ZAC BROWN BAND FORMER MEMBERS

Marcus Petruska

Marcus Petruska was involved with the Zac Brown Band as a drummer during the band’s earlier years before they gained nationwide recognition. While not a part of any major label releases, his drumming was part of the foundational sound as the band was working its way up through the ranks of the local music scene.

Jacob Lawson

Jacob Lawson contributed as a violinist for the Zac Brown Band in their early stages, helping to create the unique blend of country, bluegrass, and rock that the band is known for. His strings brought a different dimension to the band’s sound, enriching their early works and live performances.

Tim Ussery

Tim Ussery was a part of the Zac Brown Band’s early lineup, playing the pedal steel guitar. His contributions helped shape the country and southern rock elements of the band’s style, especially during their initial years.

Joel Williams

Joel Williams served as a drummer during the Zac Brown Band’s formative period. His drumming added a rhythmic foundation to the band’s early style, contributing to the diverse musical influences that the band would later build upon. Williams was instrumental in the band’s local performances and initial recordings.

Classicrockhistory.com claims ownership of all its original content and Intellectual property under United States Copyright laws and those of all other foreign countries. No one person, business, or organization is allowed to re-publish any of our original content anywhere on the web or in print without our permission. All photos used are either public domain Creative Commons photos or licensed officially from Shutterstock under license with ClassicRockHistory.com. All photo credits have been placed at the end of the article. Album Cover Photos are affiliate links and the property of Amazon and are stored on the Amazon server. Any theft of our content will be met with swift legal action against the infringing websites.