The Story Behind The Music
Born and Raised in Mahomet, Illinois, this is the journey that shaped the songs
MEET ZAKK
Born to Bob and Sandy Tompkins, Zakk was raised in Mahomet, IL. Faith, hard work, and strong Midwestern values were a steady part of everyday life and helped shape the person and songwriter he would become.
At 4, Zakk became a big brother to Kaleigh, the first of many highlights of his life. A 90s kid, Zakk was exposed to country music early becoming a fan of Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks, Brooks & Dunn and many more.
YOUTH & FAMILY FOUNDATION
In the early years, Zakk spent evenings and weekends wrestling and competing martial arts tournaments across the country. What started as both a competition team and outreach ministry led by his father became a way of life for the family for many years.
Towards middle school, Zakk began to find interest in tractors and also enjoyed fishing and hunting as well. Much of that foundation came from his grandfather, Frank — affectionately known as “Pap” — who introduced him to the outdoors and stood behind everything he pursued. Whether Zakk was pursuing life as a mountain man or the next Tony Hawk, Pap was always there. Many weekends were spent with his grandmother Joyce, whose strong Christian faith helped shape the values Zakk still carries today. Family, no
matter how messy at times, became the backbone of the life and music he would eventually build.
THE TURNING POINT - NOW
Music entered Zakk’s life in a deeper way in late 2020 following the sudden loss of his father. Influenced by the Red Dirt and Texas country artists he’d long connected with during his rodeo years, songwriting became both an outlet and a purpose.
Since stepping onto the independent music scene, Zakk has shared stages with artists including Jerrod Niemann, Cody Hibbard, Lakeview, and Parmalee — bringing his Midwest roots and varied life experiences into every show and song.
INFLUENCES & EARLY YEARS
Raised by parents who were fans of 80s metal, Zakk was exposed to a different side of music that also shaped his style. A VHS tape of Dokken was a favorite of his.
Time spent with his father playing guitar was a fond memory for Zakk whose name is spelled after one of his father’s favorite players, Zakk Wylde.
HORSES, WORK & LIFE
Later, a passion for horses and the western lifestyle led him into the equine industry, where he spent nearly a decade training horses, teaching lessons, and running a small operation in Mahomet. During those years he also competed in rodeos across the Midwest and met his wife, Danielle. Together they ran the barn for several years before eventually moving into new careers and building a life on their small farm outside Mahomet, where they keep horses and their loyal Catahoula dog, Scout.