Chris Cornell was a rock icon, known not only for his powerful voice but also for his ability to experiment with different music genres. One such genre was country music, and he surprised many when he collaborated with the Zac Brown Band back in 2015. In this post, we’ll explore the fascinating history of this collaboration, how it came about, and the impact it had on the music world.
The backstory
Chris Cornell was already a high-profile musician when he agreed to work with the Zac Brown Band, who had been making waves in the country music scene. The band, formed in Atlanta in 2002, was known for their soulful sound, and their efforts were paying off: they already had three Grammy Awards under their belt when they reached out to Cornell.
According to interviews, the collaboration came about when the Zac Brown Band sent Cornell a song they had been working on, called ‘Heavy is the Head’. The song was reportedly inspired by the riff-heavy sound that was a staple of Soundgarden, Cornell’s former band. Cornell, who was a fan of the band, was initially hesitant about working with them. But then he listened to the song, and he was hooked.
He initially recorded the song in Nashville, and then later performed it live with the Zac Brown Band in California at the Troubadour. The performance received rave reviews, and the rest, as they say, is history.
The song
‘Heavy is the Head’ was written by the Zac Brown Band’s frontman, Zac Brown, along with songwriter Benny Cassette. The song was a departure from the band’s usual sound, thanks to the hard rock influences of Cornell. It features loud guitars, pounding drums, and thrashing basslines, with Cornell’s signature grunge vocals.
Released in early 2015, the song was an immediate hit, with critics praising the seamless melding of the Zac Brown Band’s country roots with Cornell’s rock background. The song marked a significant moment in the history of both Cornell and the Zac Brown Band, who had both proved that they could experiment with different genres and be successful in the process.
The impact
The collaboration between Chris Cornell and the Zac Brown Band was significant for several reasons. First and foremost, it demonstrated the sheer talent of both musicians. Cornell’s ability to adapt to a completely different genre and make it his own is a testament to his skill as a musician. The Zac Brown Band, on the other hand, proved that they were not bound by the conventions of country music but could instead incorporate different sounds into their music.
The collaboration also marked the start of Cornell’s exploration of country music, something he continued until his death in 2017. In fact, he had planned to release a country album, which has since been posthumously released, titled ‘No One Sings Like You Anymore.’ The album, which features covers of classic country songs, including ‘Heavy is the Head’ was widely acclaimed, and it showed that Cornell had a deep appreciation for the genre.
Finally, the collaboration was a significant moment in the history of music, as it broke down barriers between different genres and resulted in a piece of music that was both unique and critically acclaimed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Chris Cornell’s collaboration with the Zac Brown Band was a beautiful moment in the history of music. It was the coming together of two incredible talents that resulted in a song that showcased their respective strengths. The song marked a significant moment, not only for both musicians but also for music as a whole. It was a demonstration of the power of collaboration and proved that when two genres come together, beautiful things can happen.
FAQ
What is Zac Brown’s diagnosis?
Zac Brown, the American singer and songwriter, revealed in an interview in 2020 that he had been diagnosed with ALS, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, which is commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. This is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to loss of muscle function and control.
The disease gets its name from the famous baseball player, Lou Gehrig, who was diagnosed with this condition in the 1930s. ALS affects the motor nerve cells that control muscle movement, which leads to weakness, muscle atrophy, and eventual paralysis. The disease progresses at different rates for each person who is diagnosed, but in general, most people with ALS die from respiratory failure within five years of diagnosis.
For Zac Brown, the diagnosis was particularly devastating as he was only 42 years old, and had been in excellent physical shape due to his active lifestyle and career as a musician. He has said that he initially noticed symptoms such as muscle weakness and twitching in his left hand, and then progressed to his right hand and other parts of his body.
Currently, there is no known cure for ALS, and treatments are focused on managing symptoms and improving quality of life. Some medications can slow down the progression of the disease, while others may provide relief from symptoms such as muscle spasms and cramps. Patients with ALS may also receive physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy to help them maintain their independence for as long as possible.
Despite the challenges of living with ALS, Zac Brown has remained positive and has continued to perform and make music. He has also established the Zac Brown Band’s Camp Southern Ground, a not-for-profit organization that provides support and opportunities for children and veterans. His diagnosis has raised awareness about ALS and the need for more research and funding to find a cure.
How much does Zac Brown Band make per concert?
Zac Brown Band is known as an American country music band. They are a popular band and have a huge fan base around the world. As a result, they are able to make a substantial amount of money with each concert they perform. According to Forbes’ Celebrity 100 Earnings report in 2019, the band played 50 shows during their scoring period and grossed roughly $1 million per stop. This means that their earnings per concert is around $1 million. However, it is important to note that this figure may vary depending on different factors such as ticket prices, venue size, location, and other expenses. Additionally, while this information is accurate at the time of publication, it is possible that the band’s earnings per concert may have increased or decreased since then. Nonetheless, it is clear that the Zac Brown Band is a very successful band that is able to earn a significant amount of money per concert.