Performing three songs on an episode of Yellowstone would be a notable feat for any music star. However, itโs just one of the many feats countryโs newest star has achieved recently. Zach Bryanโs self-titled album charted at number one on Billboard. Heโs signed to Warner Records, is up for nomination at the 2023 CMA Awards, and is beginning โThe Quittin Time Tourโ on March 6, 2024. But in his previous job, Bryan was used to a different type of tour. Rather than enjoying the roar of thousands of fans, he was fighting for their freedom. The Zach Bryan military career gave way so that he could pursue a different passion.
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What Did Zach Bryan Do in the Navy?
For Zach Bryan, military service spanned eight years before he hit it big. Well, technically, thatโs not entirely true. You see, while serving as an Aviation Ordnanceman Second Class (AO2) in the Navy, a role responsible for storing and handling munitions and weapons on the Navyโs aircraft, he found fame through his songwriting online.
During his downtime, Zach Bryan’s stardom would rise while he sharpened his songwriting skills. A viral YouTube video made within the Naval barracks for โHeading Southโ would propel him further.
Joining the military was simply the family tradition for Bryan. Although his roots may be in Oklahoma, his birthplace was in Okinawa, Japan. This is where his parents were serving at the time. Bryanโs uncles, grandfather, and great-grandfather were also all Sailors.
On October 16, 2021, Bryan posted the following alongside pictures connected to his service on his official Instagram account detailing his military career:
โI joined the Navy as a 17 year old kid. Itโs all I lived, slept and ate for eight years, itโs been all I knew since I was basically a snot-nosed child. It made a man out of me, truly. I ran with some big dogs, saw a few fights, out drank the best of them, but more importantly, got to serve along side some of the best men and women I was ever blessed enough to meet. If it was my decision, I would never get out of the worlds greatest Navy, but here I am and they kindly honorably discharged me to go play some music. Canโt tell if Iโm a coward or if Iโm chasing a dream but regardless, the best eight years of my life were spent serving the best country in the whole damn world. Thank you guys and Iโll see you on tour. -Zโ
Staying In Touch With His Military Roots
Today, heโs creating new albums, being nominated for awards, and playing the Grand Ole Opry. Despite this, he’s not losing touch with his military roots. Even though he was still a Sailor when he signed to Warner Records, itโs evident of his ties to service.
Zach Bryanโs Navy career isnโt the only one he highlights, showing support for those who serve. This includes appearing on stage at the Auburn Rodeo to celebrate his friend Cameron Tyssenโs re-enlistment as he donned his Sailor uniform.
When Are the CMA Awards?
Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning are hosting the CMA Awards from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN, on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at 8 p.m. EST. You can stream it the same day on ABC or the next day on Hulu.
While Zach Bryan was snubbed in 2022, and has been critical of the award show in the past, the Veteran is nominated for New Artist of the Year. He is competing against additional rising stars in the country music scene. This includes: Jelly Roll, Parker McCollum, Megan Moroney, and Hailey Whitters.
Millions of eyes will be upon the Navy Vet and military while the Country Music Association is bestowing these honors. After all, itโs countryโs biggest night of the year. There is sure to be plenty of performances and entertainment!
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Was Zach Bryan a Navy SEAL?
Although never a Navy SEAL, Bryan still served as a Sailor, touring abroad in Bahrain and Djibouti. His honorable discharge to pursue his musical venture is why you can now find him playing for thousands of fans. If youโd like to see the Zach Bryan military side project turned full-time gig, you can find tickets to his tour online.
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