It’s hard to believe that it’s been a year since the viral sensation of a song, “Rich Men North of Richmond,” took over the country.
Then a no-name singer, Oliver Anthony became an internet celebrity seemingly overnight. The song takes shots at the shot-callers in America, and it resonates with many blue collar folks.
It was chaos for awhile when success first hit — a tour was booked, but as an independent artist without representation, things were rough going at first. Ticket sales skyrocketed while Anthony was driving to venues in a rented white van.
His dedication to bringing his musical platform to people paid off: A year later, Anthony says he never has to work again.
In a post to Facebook this week, he updated fans on what he’s been up to.
“I’m almost through with the tour this year. I’ve done it without a label. I’ve done it without sponsors. I never have to work again for the rest of my life.”
Anthony played at some of country music’s largest venues in 2023: Shows like the massive RodeoHouston, and iconic stages like the Ryman and the Grand Ole Opry too.
Later in the video, Anthony gets even more candid:
“Just the interest I’ve made off the money already would at least buy my groceries and keep my family comfortable. That is the only financial goal I had, was just to be financially free. To not owe anything to a bank or another man.”
From day one, Oliver Anthony has been clear of his motives: He isn’t a fan of corporate America or government meddling. He is a simple man, with simple wants in life.
Wants like, “To just have my land and my house and a roof that doesn’t leak. And a place that I can grow a garden and raise a few cows and sheep and be alive.”
Seems as if his dream has quickly become his reality.
Evan Paul is the host of Taste of Country Nights, a syndicated radio show heard on more than 130 country radio stations nationwide, every night from 7PM to midnight. He plays the best new country music and interviews today’s top stars, like Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, Dan + Shay, Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Chris Stapleton, Lady A, + more!
See Photos of Oliver Anthony’s Ryman Auditorium Debut
On Wednesday (Feb. 21), Oliver Anthony played the first of two back-to-back nights at the Mother Church, aka the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tenn. Flip through the gallery below to see the “Rich Men North of Richmond” star step onto the hallowed stage for the very first time.
Gallery Credit: Carena Liptak
The Best Oliver Anthony Songs — His Entire Catalog, Ranked
Taste of Country ranked all 16 songs Anthony has released so far. Most are cell phone recordings, but we didn’t hold a lack of production quality against him. Instead, each song is rated based on strength of message, originality and overall appeal. “Rich Men …” ranks third, which is not a criticism of his debut hit as much as it is praise of two other mostly unheard-of songs.
Country Star Wives With the Biggest Social Media Followings
Some of country music’s most prominent wives have become stars in their own right, due to their huge social media followings. Fans just love to know what they’re up to, even if it has nothing to do with their country star hubbies!
Gallery Credit: Nicole Taylor