Zach John King is navigating the bittersweet terrain of burgeoning fame while grappling with the recent loss of his father. The Georgia native’s journey has taken a poignant turn with the release of his debut album, *I’m What You Get*, completed during a time of mourning after his father’s unexpected death in July.
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King, now 29, reflects on the memories shared with his father, John King, with deep appreciation. The last moments they spent together were particularly meaningful. “The last time I saw him was his birthday week, which we spent at the beach together,” King recalled, emphasising how this rare occasion allowed them to bond over golf and time spent with family. “We got a lot of beautiful time at that,” he added, expressing both gratitude and grief.
The sudden loss has not deterred King; instead, it fuels his motivation. Speaking to PEOPLE from his record label’s office in Nashville, he shared his father’s encouragement would resonate with him often. “He would be the first person to say, ‘Please go back out there and do this,’” King said, revealing that this sentiment pushes him to keep moving forward.
Currently, King is preparing for his headlining *Get to Drinkin’ Tour*, which is set to kick off in Indianapolis this October. In addition to his solo efforts, he recently collaborated with the iconic country duo Brooks & Dunn on a track titled “Way to Go”, further underscoring his rising prominence in the country music scene.
As his career begins to gather momentum, King is acutely aware of the balance between success and personal loss. “You can only control the momentum; you can’t create it,” he explained, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of the music industry. He emphasised the importance of steering that momentum in a productive direction rather than getting lost in the chaos of rising fame.
One of the standout tracks from his new album is “How to Not,” which King wrote with co-writers Kyle Fishman, Randy Montana, and Sasha Alex Sloan. Originally intended for a different phase of promotion, its significance grew after his father’s passing. “It felt less genuine to promote a breakup song right after Dad had gone,” he said. Instead, he chose to release this track, as it encapsulated his father’s influence.
The song has resonated strongly with audiences, amassing an impressive 4.6 million streams to date. The music video for “How to Not” features personal touches, such as his grandfather Bill Butler’s Coleman cooler and a cherished Chevy C10 pickup. These elements add layers of emotion, connecting King’s heritage to his current artistic expression.
King’s focus remains on the craft of songwriting and performance. This summer, he toured alongside major acts such as Luke Bryan, Riley Green, Thomas Rhett, and Morgan Wallen, allowing him to hone his skills and prepare for the demands of a headlining tour. “Our focus was to write the best music and put on the best shows we could,” he affirmed, highlighting his commitment to authenticity in his work.
As his career blossoms, King admits he faces the challenge of success without the physical presence of his father. Yet, he finds solace in the support of other artists who have walked similar paths. Cole Swindell, another country musician who experienced the loss of his father, has been particularly helpful. “Getting to share my success specifically with Dad is what made it really cool,” King revealed, expressing the deep longing to make his father proud.
Looking ahead, King ponders the complexities of continuing his journey amid loss. “I think it’s going to be an interesting road, hopefully filled with continued success, but without that person you want there,” he reflected. However, he remains hopeful and determined, embracing the prospect of making his father’s memory a central part of his ongoing story in country music.
With his debut album, upcoming tour, and newly found connections in the industry, Zach John King is poised to carve out his legacy while honouring the invaluable lessons imparted to him by his father.