The Hanson Brothers Own a Brewery With a Flagship Beer Called ‘Mmmhops’
The ’90s ushered a new musical era, from the growth of hip-hop to alternative rock to swoon-worthy boy bands. It was a time before on-demand music platforms, such as Spotify or iTunes, so the radio and a Walkman are where millennials used to catch their favorite tunes.
While many hit songs filled the airwaves during the mid to late ’90s, one that guaranteed a jam session in the back of your mom’s minivan was “MMMBop.” The popular Hanson song got everyone’s attention, whether a full-fledged fan or hearing the catchy tune so often. “MMMBop” may have been released 25 years ago, but it still inspires the Hanson Brothers’ recent endeavors.
The Hanson Brothers’ rise to fame
Growing up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Isaac Hanson, Taylor Hanson, and Zac Hanson always had a passion for music, from playing piano and singing a capella of classic hits, including “Rockin’ Robin” and “Johnny B. Goode.” In 1992, when the brothers were eleven, nine, and six years old, they formed the Hanson Brothers for their debut professional performance at the Mayfest Arts Festival in their hometown.
The young group recorded two independent records in Tulsa before signing with Mercury after their impressive performance at the 1996 Wisconsin State Fair. The following year, Hanson became a worldwide sensation after the release of Middle of Nowhere, their first major-label album featuring the top hit “MMMBop.”
The Hanson Brothers quickly took the world by storm in summer 1997, resulting in three Grammy nominations in 1998. The brothers filled arenas throughout the United States during their Albertane Tour and responded to fans with the rerelease of the original version of “MMMBop” on 3 Car Garage, followed by the band’s second studio album, This Time Around.
Unfortunately, Mercury Records merged with Island Def Jam shortly after the release, resulting in little album promotion and low sales of Hanson’s album. The Hanson Brothers used their own funds to complete their summer and fall tours in 2000. Then, by the mid-2000s, left Island Def Jam Records. While many consider this time the end of Hanson’s mainstream success, the brothers continued making music and releasing albums under their own label, 3CG Records.
Making music and beer
The Hanson Brothers continue to follow their passion for music but had a special 21st-anniversary tribute to their careers by launching their own craft beer called no other than Mmmhops. The Hanson Brothers Beer Co. is based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and currently offers six craft brews following the motto, “Music+Beer=Awesome.” The pale ale is a big hit and can make an ideal drink for fans to celebrate Hanson Day.
Oklahoma’s 1997 governor, Frank Keating, declared May 6 Hanson Day in Tulsa in honor of the successful release of Hanson’s debut record. While it was supposed to be a one-time, special occasion, many fans still recognize and celebrate Hanson Day each year. Just as Isaac, Taylor, and Zac put in the hard work to be successful in the music industry, they are doing it again with their Mmmhops. The brothers are very active in Hanson Brothers Beer Co. with a similar shared passion for craft brews.
What the Hanson Brothers are doing now
While “MMMBop” was one of the most well-known Hanson Brothers songs, the group never slowed down after their rise to fame and after 25 years are still following their musical passion and touring. Isaac, Taylor, and Zac are now in their thirties and forties with families of their own, with the happily married brothers sharing 13 kids among the three of them. If their families aren’t keeping the Hanson Brothers busy enough, they recently released a new album Red, Green, Blue and will kick off their world tour in June 2022.
