Meet Zac Brown Band’s Bassist Matt Mangano And His Inspiring Musical Journey

In 2014, the country-rocking Zac Brown Band announced its schedule for The Great American Road Trip Tour, which included Grammy-winning country artist Kacey Musgraves as an opening act. But what surprised fans the most was the new addition of Zac Brown Band members – Matt Mangano, who took over the role of a bass guitarist. 

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Fans were quick to recognize Mangano from his on-stage guest performances throughout the years. He has made an early contribution to Zac Brown Band songs, previously performing for the group’s first live album, Pass The Jar, which was released in 2010.

Matt Mangano’s Strong Connection To Music 

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Born on May 12, 1976, in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley – Visalia, California – Matt Mangano excelled at music from an early age. His first exposure to music was through his father’s Martin guitar and his grandmother’s baby grand piano, both of which he now has in his home. By the time he hit high school, Mangano had learned to play the bass so he could join the school’s Jazz band – where he was able to explore more of his musical abilities. 

“I feel that music education is very important and should be promoted in schools,” Mangano realized. This experience landed him at the world-renowned Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, where he would meet some of the most important people in his musical life – like his future bandmate Clay Cook and the once unknown John Mayer. In fact, Mayer’s trademark song “Comfortable” was one of the songs he recorded in his dorm-room “recording studio.” 

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After graduating college, Mangano ventured down to Atlanta, Georgia, where he started playing in the local bar scene. He toured with Mayer as his guitarist on the pop superstar’s Room For Squares tour and eventually met Zac Brown Band‘s lead singer – then, the rest was history.

Whenever Mangano isn’t rocking out on stage, he’s at home with his wife Emily, son Elliott and daughter Maia. Truly, Matt Mangano’s musical journey is an inspiration for many.