Zachary Dirk Top, born September 26, 1997, didn’t always aim for a music career. Raised on a dairy farm in Sunnyside, Washington, he dreamed of being the next George Strait, but practicality tugged harder. As a kid, he strummed a guitar backward, mimicking cowboy idols, yet by his teens, he eyed a stable future in construction. Music was a passion, not a plan. Then, at 19, playing bluegrass gigs with local bands, he felt a pull. The roar of crowds, the twang of strings—it was undeniable. Dropping out of engineering school, he bet on music, moving to Nashville in 2021 to chase honky-tonk dreams, reviving ‘90s country for a new generation.

A Ranch-Born Life

Zach’s roots run deep in Sunnyside, a small town in Washington’s Yakima Valley. Growing up on a family ranch, he fed livestock to Marty Robbins’ Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs. His parents, not musicians themselves, filled the house with George Strait, Keith Whitley, and George Jones. Zach’s older sister sparked his musical start, organizing a sibling band when he was seven. He picked up guitar at three, taking lessons by five, demanding to learn Strait’s “Amarillo by Morning.” His childhood was chores and chords, roping calves by day, strumming by night.

School took a backseat to music. Zach attended Sunnyside High, but his heart was elsewhere. At 15, he joined Seattle’s North Country band, touring the Northwest. By 17, he was with Modern Tradition, winning the 2017 SPBGMA International Band Competition. In 2015, he enrolled at the University of Colorado Boulder for mechanical engineering, but the classroom felt like a cage. After a year, he dropped out, working construction to fund his Nashville move. In 2021, he arrived in Music City, guitar in hand, ready to carve his path.

Zach’s personal life stays private, though headlines followed his relationships. He married Kenzie in 2020, but they separated in early 2024. That year, he went public with Amelia Taylor, making a splash at the 2024 CMA Awards. Amelia, who runs an online clothing business, shares glimpses of their adventures, like a 2025 Australia trip, on social media. They share a dog, Otis, despite Zach’s initial reluctance. His love for cowboy hats, Wranglers, and mustaches—evident in Instagram posts—ties him to his rancher roots.

A Career Reviving ‘90s Country

Zach’s musical journey began with Top String, his sibling bluegrass band, playing Northwest festivals. By his teens, he joined North Country, co-writing their 2017 album Lonely Tonight. With Modern Tradition, he notched a #1 bluegrass hit, “Like It Ain’t No Thing,” in 2022. His solo career kicked off in 2019 with RBR Entertainment, releasing singles like “In a World Gone Wrong,” which hit #4 on Bluegrass Today charts. In 2021, a publishing deal with Major Bob Music, founded by Bob Doyle, opened doors in Nashville.

In 2023, Zach signed with Leo33, a new label launched by former Universal Music executives, as their flagship artist. His debut country album, Cold Beer & Country Music, dropped April 5, 2024, produced by Carson Chamberlain, a Keith Whitley bandleader and Alan Jackson collaborator. The album, hailed by Rolling Stone and The New York Times, blends fiddles, steel guitars, and Telecaster twang, evoking ‘90s giants. Zach’s band includes steel guitarist Brett Resnick, a veteran of Kacey Musgraves’ tours, and A-list players like Brent Mason and Andy Leftwich.

Zach’s collaborations shine. He wrote five songs for Joshua Hedley’s 2022 album Neon Blue and recorded a three-song EP with Billy Strings for Apple Music in 2024. He’s toured with Lainey Wilson, Dwight Yoakam, and Brothers Osborne, earning praise for his “thrilling” live shows. His Grand Ole Opry debut on July 27, 2022, marked a milestone, where he performed “Cold Beer & Country Music.” In 2025, he launched his headline tour, selling out Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium in hours.

Media appearances are sparse but impactful. Zach’s TikTok, boasting 1.3 million followers, showcases acoustic covers and his catchphrase, “Old Country’s Comin’ To Town!” He performed the National Anthem at a Titans game, redeeming a shaky first pitch. No film or TV roles yet, but his 2024 CMA Awards red-carpet debut with Amelia Taylor turned heads. His second album, Ain’t in It for My Health, set for August 29, 2025, promises more ‘90s-inspired hits, led by “Good Times & Tan Lines.”

Awards are stacking up. Zach was nominated for New Artist of the Year at the 2024 CMA Awards, a nod to his meteoric rise. While no Grammys or ACM wins yet, his album’s critical acclaim and chart success—peaking at #16 on Billboard’s Country Airplay—signal a bright future.

Biggest Songs and Their Creators

• Sounds Like the Radio: Co-written by Zach Top, Carson Chamberlain, and Wyatt McCubbin, this 2024 hit, inspired by ‘90s country, topped country radio charts.
• Cold Beer & Country Music: Written by Zach Top and Carson Chamberlain, this 2024 title track captures honky-tonk nostalgia with a modern edge.
• Like It Ain’t No Thing: Penned by Zach Top, this 2022 bluegrass single hit #1 on Bluegrass Today, showcasing his early roots.
• Good Times & Tan Lines: Co-written by Zach Top and Carson Chamberlain, this 2025 single previews his upcoming album with upbeat swagger.

Controversies and Whispers

Zach’s career is largely scandal-free, but comparisons to ‘90s stars like Keith Whitley and Joe Diffie sparked debate. Some fans on Reddit argue he’s “playing dress-up” in retro style, while others praise his authenticity. His 2024 divorce from Kenzie drew mild tabloid buzz, especially after his quick pivot to Amelia Taylor. Social media sleuths speculated on the timeline, but Zach stayed mum. His National Anthem performance earned praise, though a botched ceremonial first pitch at a Titans game became a lighthearted meme on X, with fans joking about his “nerves of steel.”

A Night That Lit Up Joe’s

In 2024, Zach Top played Chicago’s Joe’s on Weed Street, a show fans still rave about. The packed honky-tonk buzzed as Zach, in a cowboy hat and boots, ripped into “Sounds Like the Radio.” His band, led by Brett Resnick’s pedal steel, had the crowd two-stepping. One X user called it “pure ‘90s magic,” noting Zach’s grin never faded. Midway, he slowed for “Use Me,” a waltz that hushed the room, his voice channeling Keith Whitley’s ache. Fans sang every word, beers raised high. Backstage, Zach admitted to nerves—his first headline gig in Chicago—but onstage, he was electric, trading licks with Brent Mason’s Telecaster.

That night wasn’t just a concert; it was a revival. Zach’s set, stretching past midnight, felt like a Texas dance hall teleported to Illinois. A fan on Reddit shared how Zach lingered post-show, signing hats and swapping stories, cementing his down-to-earth charm. The performance, ranked a top-three show by one attendee, proved Zach’s knack for blending nostalgia with fresh fire, leaving fans hungry for more.

Zach Top’s rise is no fluke. From a ranch kid strumming Strait to a CMA-nominated star, he’s breathing life into traditional country. His twang, grit, and cowboy heart resonate with fans craving ‘90s vibes. With a new album looming and sold-out tours, Zach’s proving old country’s not just back—it’s here to stay.