Zachary Walker Hanson, better known as Zac Hanson, was born on October 22, 1985, in Arlington, Virginia, and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He is the youngest son of Walker and Diana Hanson. Home-schooled by his mother, Zac developed an early interest in music along with his older brothers, Isaac and Taylor, after being introduced to their father's collection of classic rock albums. The three boys frequently sang around the house, and Zac soon gravitated toward playing the drums.
Zac, Isaac, and Taylor formed the pop-rock band Hanson in 1992. They began performing at local venues, including café parking lots, state fairs, and private events. Their mother played an integral role, selling copies of their self-produced debut album, Boomerang, which showcased the brothers' tight three-part harmonies. Their second independent release included an early version of what would become their breakthrough hit, “MMMBop.”
In 1994, the brothers attended the South by Southwest (SXSW) music festival in Austin, Texas, where they caught the attention of music attorney Christopher Sabec with an a cappella performance. Sabec became their manager and helped connect them with producer Steven Greenberg. This led to a six-album deal with Mercury Records.
Hanson's major-label debut, Middle of Nowhere, was released in the U.S. on May 6, 1997. It became a global hit, selling over 10 million copies worldwide. The album featured the chart-topping, Grammy-nominated single “MMMBop,” along with Top 10 tracks “Where’s the Love” and “I Will Come to You.” The band was nominated for three Grammy Awards in 1998: Best New Artist, Record of the Year, and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
Later that year, Hanson released the holiday album Snowed In, which also earned platinum status and positive reviews. Their 2000 follow-up album, This Time Around, received critical praise and achieved gold certification. However, due to limited promotional support from the label, album sales underperformed. The band self-financed a tour that year and eventually chose to leave their label and create their independent record company, 3CG Records.
Under their newly formed label, Hanson continued to produce music, including the 2007 album The Walk, which reflected a more mature sound and included philanthropic initiatives, such as raising awareness for AIDS and poverty in Africa. Over the years, Hanson has retained a dedicated fan base and continued releasing albums, including 2013’s Anthem, which featured the single “Get the Girl Back.”
In 2013, the band marked their 21st anniversary by launching Mmmhops, their own signature beer, as part of their broader branding efforts.
| Description: | American pop-rock band |
| Twitter Id: | Hansonmusic |
| Net Worth 2021: | 20 million |
