This past weekend, the world of country music buzzed with the name of Oliver Anthony, the viral singer-songwriter who’s been making waves with his evocative anthem, “Rich Men North of Richmond.” The song, which pays tribute to the working class who trudge through daily struggles, has struck a chord with millions. A performance of this song, shared by the radiowv YouTube channel, has astonishingly garnered over nine million views in just five days.
“Singing I’ve been sellin’ my soul, workin’ all day / Overtime hours for bullshit pay,” Oliver’s powerful lyrics resonate with many, encapsulating the essence of life’s grind. As a testament to its explosive popularity, this track not only reached No. 1 on the iTunes Country chart but also made waves on the iTunes General charts, swiftly displacing Jason Aldean’s “Try That In A Small Town.”
But that’s not all. Oliver’s Instagram followers have skyrocketed to over half a million, and several of his other songs are also occupying top spots on the iTunes Country chart. His earlier hits include blue-collar anthems like “Ain’t Gotta Dollar” and “I’ve Got To Get Sober”, songs that he’s been consistently releasing on Spotify as Oliver Anthony Music since 2022.
On Sunday, August 13, Oliver delivered an electrifying performance at the Morris Farm Market in Barco, North Carolina. This free show attracted such a vast audience that the venue’s 25 acres were filled with cars. Moved by the outpouring of love, Anthony took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to express his gratitude, “Thanks to everyone who stayed after for photos and to tell me your story. It means more than words can describe.”
No words… Thank you. pic.twitter.com/UUFVfJQdab
— Oliver Anthony (@AintGottaDollar) August 13, 2023
And as if the event couldn’t get any more memorable, country legend Jamey Johnson took the audience by surprise by joining Anthony on stage. The duo rendered a captivating rendition of Johnson’s 2008 classic hit, “In Color.” Overwhelmed, Anthony later remarked, “I’m not sure I’ll ever top this moment where Jamey Johnson surprised me to sing his all-time classic with me on stage. What a legend.”
Jamey Johnson’s appearance wasn’t mere coincidence. Known for his unwavering support for budding artists, Johnson has shown his endorsement for the likes of Megan Moroney, even inviting her for a Grand Ole Opry debut, and produced albums for talents like Erin Enderlin.
Hailing from Farmville, Virginia, and a farmer by profession, Oliver Anthony’s journey to stardom wasn’t without its challenges. His battle with mental health issues and alcoholism has shaped his music, providing depth to his lyrics. Oliver’s music continues to give voice to the unheard, connecting hearts and sharing stories from all walks of life.
