“Chicken Fried,” by Zac Brown Band, became a classic when rerecorded and released again in 2008. Since its original recording date of 2003, its success was swiftly restored with each performance since.
The ZBB have always pushed boundaries, recording an EP with Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters drummer fame in 2014 and venturing further into pop music on 2019’s The Owl album – yet have never forgotten their Southern roots.
Zac Brown
Zac Brown Band (ZBB) is a Grammy Award-winning Southern rock group comprised of frontman Zac Brown, fiddler Jimmy De Martini, bassist John Driskell Hopkins and guitarists Coy Bowles and Clay Cook based out of Atlanta Georgia and represented by CAA as well as public relations firm JONESWORKS. ZBB’s diverse musical style defies genre boundaries, garnering them critical acclaim and multiple platinum certifications.
The band formed in 2002 and released their independent debut album Home Grown that year. Soon thereafter, they sold their restaurant in Lake Oconee, GA to a developer before purchasing a tour bus so they could travel full-time throughout Georgia playing country and rock venues, jam band festivals and beyond.
“Chicken Fried,” their debut single on major label debut The Foundation, reached number one on Country Airplay before other hits such as “Toes” and “Free” followed. Atlanta native Clay Cook joined as multi-instrumentalist and high tenor vocalist of the band in 2009.
In 2010, they released the double album You Get What You Give, which became an instant chart-topper both on Country radio and on Billboard 200 charts. From it came two more top ten Country Airplay singles such as “Knee Deep”.
ZBB hit another platinum record with their album JEKYLL + HYDE, which debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 and garnered five Grammy nominations, including Best New Artist.
After their previous releases (The Owl and 2020’s The Controversy) failed to resonate at radio, ZBB made the bold move of joining Warner Music Nashville for their follow up, The Comeback. Preceded by “Same Boat”, which pays homage to previous songs like “Chicken Fried” and “Toes”, The Comeback sought to return them to their roots – they have since been regular presences on Billboard charts!
Bob Dylan
Zac Brown Band often acknowledges Bob Dylan as one of their major musical influences, with many of his songs drawing inspiration from folk-rock to bluegrass genres. Dylan is well-known for writing complex yet accessible lyrics; many of his songs can easily be learned by beginners.
Dylan is known for creating songs that are accessible and easy for beginners to learn, as well as those which tell a tale and explore various themes. Some have become anthems for specific movements or causes – this was especially evident with The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll, released as part of The Times They Are A-Changin’ in 1964 as it sent out powerful messages regarding racism at that time.
Love Minus Zero was released by Dylan in 1965. This song tells the tale of one man’s feelings for someone who does not reciprocate them – both sad and inspirational in equal measures. Playable on guitar using only three chords, Love Minus Zero can bring relief and inspiration.
One More Cup Of Coffee was published as part of his album Desire in 1976 and features as a blues-rock and talking blues tune that was inspired by Dylan’s experiences working as a nightclub DJ. This simple yet effective song uses just two chords as foundation; adding capo on 3rd fret produces recording version-esque sound; making this ideal for guitarists of any level–beginner or experienced alike! The strumming pattern can easily be picked up too.