Zach Bryan Shares Royalties With Navy Mentor

Zach Bryan says he gives former Navy commanding officer Leo Alba a share of the royalties from every song he releases, crediting Alba with encouraging him to record music while he was still serving. Bryan shared the story on Matthew McConaughey’s podcast, describing the payments as a way to recognize the belief that helped launch his career. The two remain close: Alba attends Bryan’s concerts, and their families consider Bryan part of theirs. Bryan served in the Navy from 2013 until his honorable discharge in 2021, when he left to pursue music full time.