Zach Bryan has been all over the headlines across the past couple of weeks.
There is the ongoing beef with one-time collaborating artist John Moreland, and that came to light after the news that Bryan inked a pair of deals — re-upping with Warner Music and selling his publishing — to bring in a reported $350 million.
Add one more headline to the mix because the 29-year-old country music star has reportedly purchased the former Saint Jean Baptiste Church building in Lowell, Massachusetts.
Bryan’s interest in the church is due to his love for one of its former altar boys — Jack Kerouac. Kerouac became known as one of the fathers of the 1950s “Beat Generation” and was famous for his novel, “On the Road."
Bryan’s 2022 single “Burn, Burn, Burn,” was reportedly inspired by the book.
Bryan intends to transform the building, which at one time was headed toward becoming condos, into the Jack Kerouac Center.
The Kerouac Society announced Bryan’s purchase of the church and said it “marks a turning point, bringing vital funding and renewed energy to the years-old project.” The Kerouac Society also said the collaboration “marks a significant step toward honoring the legacy of one of America’s most iconic writers while fostering creativity in the heart of Kerouac’s hometown.”
It said the center will feature exhibits, live music, public readings, and community events.
“we’ve been working on this deal with Zach and his team for several months,” said Slyvia Cunha, leader of Marking and Business Development for the Jack Kerouac Estate said.
“Zach reached out in October, and right from the start, it was clear he shared our passion for honoring Jack’s legacy while also creating a dynamic, creative space,” she continued. “He stepped up and delivered in a big way, showing incredible generosity. Our immediate focus is to bring the building up to code so we can start using the space for music and other events while forming new partnerships to help us bring this vision to life and ensure its lasting success.”