The $350 Million Feud: Why Zach Bryan Kicked John Moreland Off His Album
The country music world was rocked by an unexpected and highly public feud this year, a drama that pitted one of Americana's most acclaimed songwriters against its biggest rising star. As of late December 2025, the controversy surrounding Zach Bryan and fellow Oklahoman John Moreland remains a hot topic, centering on a massive record deal, a scathing social media comment, and the immediate removal of a highly anticipated musical collaboration. This deep dive uncovers the full timeline of the beef, the financial stakes, and the dramatic replacement of a key track on Bryan's latest album.
The conflict is especially notable because Zach Bryan has consistently cited John Moreland as a major musical influence, making the public spat a surprising clash between a mentor figure and a former disciple. The core issue boiled down to the purity of art versus the reality of commerce in the modern music industry, all playing out on social media platforms for fans to witness.
Zach Bryan: A Biographical Profile and The Great American Bar Scene Context
Zachary Lane Bryan, born on April 2, 1996, in Okinawa, Japan, is an American country singer-songwriter who quickly ascended from viral internet sensation to stadium headliner. His raw, emotionally charged songwriting style, often drawing comparisons to artists like Jason Isbell and Tyler Childers, has cemented his place in the Americana and folk-rock genres.
- Full Name: Zachary Lane Bryan
- Born: April 2, 1996 (Okinawa, Japan)
- Origin/Hometown: Oologah and Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Occupation: Singer-songwriter
- Genre: Country, Americana, Folk Rock, Alternative Country
- Notable Albums: DeAnn (2019), Elisabeth (2020), American Heartbreak (2022), Zach Bryan (2023), The Great American Bar Scene (2024)
- Key Collaborations: Kacey Musgraves ("I Remember Everything"), John Moreland (Original "Memphis; The Blues"), J.R. Carroll (Replacement "Memphis; The Blues")
- Military Service: Served in the U.S. Navy before his music career took off.
Bryan's 2024 album, The Great American Bar Scene, was a highly anticipated release that featured a tracklist of deeply personal and evocative songs. One track, "Memphis; The Blues," originally included a feature from John Moreland, a respected figure in the Oklahoma music scene known for his introspective, folk-rock sound.
The Feud Explodes: $350 Million and the 'Off-Brand' Comment
The simmering tension between the two Oklahoma-based songwriters boiled over dramatically in May 2025. The catalyst was a massive financial milestone for Zach Bryan: the sale of his songwriting catalog for an estimated $350 million. While a huge win for Bryan, it drew sharp criticism from John Moreland, a musician who has built his career on a fiercely independent, anti-mainstream ethos.
Moreland took to his social media to mock the deal, suggesting that Bryan's success and commercial decisions had compromised his artistic integrity. The most stinging remark, which was widely circulated, involved Moreland referring to Zach Bryan as the "off-brand version of me" in a now-deleted post. This comment was a direct challenge to Bryan's authenticity and an implied dismissal of his massive commercial success, particularly his deal with Warner Records.
The public nature of the jab, especially from a long-time idol, provoked an immediate and decisive response from Bryan. Bryan, who has previously mentioned Moreland alongside other influences like Evan Felker of the Turnpike Troubadours, did not mince words.
Bryan's reaction was swift and unequivocal, demonstrating a clear boundary regarding his personal and professional relationships. He stated he would "refuse to have anyone with a problem with me on my records."
The Immediate Removal of "Memphis; The Blues" and the J.R. Carroll Replacement
The most concrete consequence of the feud was the immediate removal of the collaborative track, "Memphis; The Blues," from all streaming versions of The Great American Bar Scene. This move sent shockwaves through the country music community, as few artists—especially those with major label backing—take such drastic action over a social media spat.
Zach Bryan quickly followed through on his promise to replace the song. The track was re-released on streaming platforms with the same title, but with a significant change: John Moreland's vocals and co-writing contributions were replaced. The new version of "Memphis; The Blues" features J.R. Carroll, the keyboard player in Bryan's touring band, providing a new vocal part and revised lyrics.
The swift change highlighted not only Bryan's ability to act quickly but also the technical ease with which digital music platforms allow for track revisions and replacements. It was a powerful statement that the personal slight outweighed the artistic value of the original collaboration.
Moreland's Response and the Aftermath
Following the removal, John Moreland responded again, claiming he was "happy to be 'kicked off' his album," further cementing the rift. He framed the situation as a badge of honor, aligning himself with the independent spirit he champions and contrasting it with the perceived commercialism of Bryan's $350 million deal. The drama also brought to light earlier, less publicized social media shots Moreland had allegedly taken at Bryan.
The incident serves as a cultural flashpoint in the Americana genre, raising questions about the line between artistic integrity and commercial success. For fans of both artists, it was a painful moment: a clash of songwriting titans from the same Oklahoma roots—Tulsa and Oologah—whose shared musical foundation of raw, honest storytelling ultimately could not bridge the gap created by massive financial disparity and public criticism. The replacement of the track ensures that the feud is now permanently etched into the digital history of The Great American Bar Scene, a constant reminder of the high-stakes drama that unfolded in May 2025.
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