CELEBRITY
Country Singer Zach Bryan Gives His Former U.S. Navy Commanding Officer Royalties From His Music
Zach Bryan went above and beyond to show his appreciation for someone who played an important role in his life.
In October, the 30-year-old country singer sat down with Matthew McConaughey for an interview on On The Porch. During the chat, the actor, 57 — who starred in Bryan’s “Nine Ball” music video in 2024 — asked if it was true that he gives his former commanding officer, Leo Alba, a cut of his song royalties.
“He’s the reason, man. He’s the reason I recorded any songs ever at all. I thought it was justified, man,” Bryan explained. “He’s the reason I have any music at all.”
The “Oklahoma Smokeshow” singer continued, “He’s the reason we’re all here at this house pretty much. I wouldn’t be who I was without him [expletive] looking at me and saying I can record those songs.”
Bryan also shared that his bond with his former commanding officer extends to his children, whom he has grown close to over the years.
“His kids call me their uncle, he comes to shows all the time, and I give him a percentage of every song that I release,” he continued. “Because that’s how much that meant to me. Him believing in me enough to do that for me.”
As a result of these royalties, Bryan said Alba is now living a better life.
“He’s living well now,” the singer shared. “He got out of the Navy. He lives out in Texas, and we see each other when we can.”
Bryan served in the U.S. Navy from 2013 to 2021 before receiving an honorable discharge to focus on his music career full-time following the viral success of his song “Heading South.”
During his conversation with McConaughey, Bryan revealed that joining the Navy was always part of his plan, as he intended to follow in his family’s footsteps.
“I was really proud to be in the Navy because I was in the boots of my grandfather and in the boots of my father,” he said. “The Navy made a man out of me.”
Bryan, who released his latest album Young Manhood and Other Donatable Organs in October, is set to go on tour in April 2027.
