John Rich

Last updated

John Rich
John Rich 190503-F-LU725-0114 (cropped).jpg
Rich performing in 2019
Background information
Born (1974-01-07) January 7, 1974 (age 50)
Amarillo, Texas, U.S.
Origin Dickson, Tennessee, U.S.
Genres Country
Occupation(s)Singer-songwriter, record producer
Instrument(s)Vocals, bass guitar, guitar
Years active1992–present
Labels BNA, Warner Bros. Nashville, Reprise
Member of Big & Rich
Formerly of Lonestar
Website johnrich.com

John Rich (born January 7, 1974) is an American country music singer-songwriter. From 1992 to 1998, he was a member of the country band Lonestar, in which he played bass guitar and alternated with Richie McDonald as lead vocalist. After departing from the band in 1998, he embarked on a solo career on BNA Records in the late 1990s, releasing two singles for the label and recording Underneath the Same Moon , which was not released until 2006. In 2001, he self-released Rescue Me, an album he was inspired to record by a cancer patient named Katie Darnell. By 2003, he joined Big Kenny to form the duo Big & Rich, who released three albums on Warner Bros. Records as well as ten singles, including the Number One "Lost in This Moment". After Big & Rich went on hiatus in 2007, Rich began work on a third solo album, Son of a Preacher Man , which has produced two more chart singles. In 2011, Rich released two extended plays, Rich Rocks and For the Kids , before re-establishing Big & Rich in 2012.

Contents

Music career

Lonestar

John Rich was born on January 7, 1974, in Amarillo, Texas, [1] the son of Jim, a Baptist preacher, and Judy Overton Rich. John graduated from Dickson County Senior High in Dickson, Tennessee and after graduation moved to Nashville where he worked as a singer at Opryland USA. He wanted to be a professional team roper. Not long after, he met up with the group Texasee, which eventually changed its name to Lonestar. While in Lonestar, Rich was the bass guitarist and co-lead vocalist with Richie McDonald. Their 1996 single "Heartbroke Every Day" was the only one to feature Rich on lead vocals. Rich also co-wrote two of the band's singles: "Come Cryin' to Me" and "Say When", the former being a number-one single for the group. In January 1998, Rich departed from Lonestar, but was never officially replaced, causing Lonestar to continue as a four-piece band. [2] Afterward, Rich became a solo artist with BNA Records, the same label to which Lonestar was signed. He charted two singles for the label and recorded an album which did not see release until 2006. In 2001, he recorded and self-released Rescue Me, an album he was inspired to record after meeting cancer patient Katie Darnell. [3]

Big & Rich

Rich in 2010 JohnRichApr10.jpg
Rich in 2010

Rich joined Big Kenny in 2002 to form the duo Big & Rich. [4] The duo recorded three studio albums for Warner Bros. Records: Horse of a Different Color , Comin' to Your City and Between Raising Hell and Amazing Grace , in 2004, 2005 and 2007 respectively. These albums accounted for ten singles on the country charts, including the Number One "Lost in This Moment". Rich also co-wrote all of the duo's singles, primarily with Big Kenny. In the wake of Big & Rich's success, his 1999 solo album Underneath the Same Moon was issued via BNA, coinciding with the release of Big Kenny's previously unreleased solo album Live a Little . A fourth Big & Rich studio album was released in the summer of 2012, with the inspiring "That's Why I Pray" reaching No. 15 on the country charts.

Work for other artists

During Big & Rich's success, Rich also worked as a songwriter and producer for other artists. His work included production for Gretchen Wilson, Keith Anderson, Jewel and John Anderson. In the same time span, he co-wrote multiple singles for other artists, including the Number One hits "Redneck Woman" for Wilson, "Mississippi Girl" for Faith Hill and "Why" for Jason Aldean.

He also has a co-write on Taylor Swift's 2008 album Fearless , titled "The Way I Loved You".

In 2011, Rich recorded a song with heavy metal band Black Label Society, entitled "Darkest Days", featured on their compilation album, The Song Remains Not the Same .

In 2016, Rich added his voice to a duet with Marie Osmond on her album Music Is Medicine with the song titled "Love This Tough".

Son of a Preacher Man

In January 2009, Rich released his third solo single on Warner Bros. Records. The song, "Another You", is the lead-off single to Rich's second studio album, Son of a Preacher Man , which was released on March 24, 2009. He followed this song up with another single, "Shuttin' Detroit Down", recorded only one week before its release in January 2009. Rich promoted the song, which addresses the Chrysler and General Motors bailouts, at Michigan radio stations. [5] The song debuted at No. 34 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for the chart week of February 14, 2009, becoming his first solo Top 40 hit and peaking at No. 10 in April. A third single, "The Good Lord and the Man", debuted at No. 59 on the country chart and peaked at No. 56 in July 2009.

Rich Rocks and For the Kids

Both Rich Rocks and For the Kids have only produced one single between them. Country Done Come to Town was released as a single from Rich Rocks in mid-2010 and was a minor chart success.

Television work

Rich performing "Raisin' McCain" at a John McCain campaign rally in O'Fallon, Missouri John Rich McCain Rally.JPG
Rich performing "Raisin' McCain" at a John McCain campaign rally in O'Fallon, Missouri

In 2007, Rich hosted the first season of a reality show on Country Music Television called Gone Country , which featured celebrities such as Brady Bunch actress Maureen McCormick, singers Bobby Brown, Sisqo, Julio Iglesias Jr., Dee Snider, Carnie Wilson and American Idol runner-up Diana DeGarmo as they try to become songwriters with the help of Nashville songwriters as the celebrities are paired together with the songwriters. The show was filmed at the former home of Barbara Mandrell. He has hosted two more seasons since then.

Rich also served as a judge on the 2008 version of Nashville Star on NBC along with Jewel, singer-songwriter Jeffrey Steele, and host Billy Ray Cyrus.

Rich was a candidate in the 2011 season of The Celebrity Apprentice , which premiered on March 6. In episode 5, he lost as Project Manager for the men's team, Backbone. Despite the first loss, he later won 2 more tasks as Project Manager, raising $1,266,908 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Rich competed with Marlee Matlin in the live season finale, where he was declared the season winner, and received an additional $250,000 for his charity.

Rich served as a mentor in the 2012 reality/competition series The Next: Fame Is at Your Doorstep . [6]

Personal life

John Rich and his wife, Joan, married on December 6, 2008. [7] He has two sons, Cash and Colt.

Political views

Rich is a strong supporter of the Republican Party.

In the 2008 U.S. presidential race, Rich originally supported Fred Thompson. [8] He later released a campaign song on his website in support of presidential candidate John McCain in August 2008 called "Raisin' McCain". [9] He performed in the closing ceremony of the Republican National Convention on September 3, 2008. He endorsed the Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman in the special congressional election in Northern New York in 2009. [10] In 2010 he endorsed Zach Wamp for Governor of Tennessee and hosted parties at his Nashville home in support of Wamp's campaign. [11]

On April 7, 2015, Rich's song "Shuttin' Detroit Down" was featured in Senator Rand Paul's 2016 presidential campaign announcement. [12] He later declared his support for presumptive nominee Donald Trump following Paul's exit from the race. [13] Big & Rich would later perform at a pre-inaugural ceremony on January 19, 2017, after Trump's victory in the general election. [14] On May 30, 2019, he released "Shut Up About Politics" featuring presenters of the Fox News Channel programme The Five .

In July 2022, Rich released the politically charged "Progress", [15] a song harshly condemning various "progressive" political ideologies. "Progress" reached No. 14 on the country charts. The following year, he released the similarly political song "I'm Offended", [16] which did not chart.

In April 2023, Rich was one of many musicians to express support for the Bud Light boycott, announcing that he would no longer sell Anheuser-Busch products at his bar. [17]

Discography

Studio albums

TitleDetailsPeak chart
positions
US Country
[18] 		US
[19]
Rescue Me
  • Release date: December 3, 2001 [20]
  • Label: self-released
  • Formats: CD
——
Underneath the Same Moon 64—
Son of a Preacher Man 316
"—" denotes releases that did not chart

Extended plays

TitleDetailsPeak chart
positions
US Country
[21] 		US
Kids
[22]
Rich Rocks 35—
For the Kids
  • Release date: May 17, 2011
  • Label: Reprise Nashville
  • Formats: CD, music download
407
"—" denotes releases that did not chart

Singles

YearTitlePeak chart positionsAlbum
US Country
[23] 		US
[24] 		CAN
[25] 		WW
[26]
2000"I Pray for You"A53———Underneath the Same Moon
2001"Forever Loving You"46————
2009"Another You"45———Son of a Preacher Man
"Shuttin' Detroit Down"127595—
"The Good Lord and the Man"56———
2010"Country Done Come to Town"34———Rich Rocks
2019"Shut Up About Politics"
(featuring The Five)		1791———
2020"Earth to God" [27] 38———
2022"Progress" [28] 1465—153
2023"I'm Offended" [29] ————The Country Truth
2024"Revelation" (featuring Sonya Isaacs) [30] ————TBA
"—" denotes releases that did not chart
YearSingleArtistPeak positionsAlbum
US Country
2007"Come to Bed" Gretchen Wilson 32 One of the Boys
2023"End of the World" [32] Tom MacDonald TBA

Videography

Music videos

YearTitleDirector
1999"I Pray for You" Shaun Silva
2009"Another You" Deaton-Flanigen Productions
"Shuttin' Detroit Down"
2010"Country Done Come to Town"

Guest appearances

YearTitleDirector
2007"Come to Bed" (with Gretchen Wilson)Deaton-Flanigen Productions, Marc Oswald
2023"End of the World" (Tom MacDonald Ft. John Rich) Nova Rockafeler

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lonestar</span> American country music band

Lonestar is an American country music band from Nashville, Tennessee. The band consists of Drew Womack, Michael Britt, Dean Sams, and Keech Rainwater (drums). Britt, Sams, and Rainwater co-founded the band in 1992 with original lead vocalist Richie McDonald and bass guitarist John Rich. Rich exited the band in 1998 and went on to join Big Kenny as one-half of the duo Big & Rich. Since his departure, Lonestar has relied alternatingly on session and touring musicians for bass guitar accompaniment. McDonald exited the band in 2007 to record as a solo artist, and was replaced by former McAlyster vocalist Cody Collins before returning in 2011. After McDonald left a second time in 2021 to join the Frontmen, he was replaced by former Sons of the Desert lead vocalist Drew Womack.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Anderson (singer)</span> American country musician (born 1954)

John David Anderson is an American country singer with a successful career that has lasted more than 40 years. Starting in 1977 with the release of his first single, "I've Got a Feelin' ", Anderson has charted more than 40 singles on the Billboard country music charts, including five number ones: "Wild and Blue", "Swingin'", "Black Sheep", "Straight Tequila Night", and "Money in the Bank". He has also recorded 22 studio albums on several labels. His latest album, Years, was released on April 10, 2020, on the Easy Eye Sound label and was produced by Nashville veteran producer David Ferguson and Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shannon Brown (singer)</span> Musical artist

Shannon Leigh Brown is an American country music singer from Spirit Lake, Iowa. Although she has recorded three albums on various labels, only one of these – 2006's Corn Fed — was released. In her career, she has charted four singles on the Billboard country charts, with her highest-charting single being a 2002 cover of Deborah Allen's "Baby I Lied," at number 40. She also contributed the song "Half a Man" to the soundtrack for the 1998 film Happy, Texas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Big Kenny</span> American country music singer

William Kenneth Alphin, best known by his stage name Big Kenny, is an American country music singer. He and John Rich comprise the duo Big & Rich, who recorded four studio albums and charted fifteen singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jamey Johnson</span> American country musician

Jamey Johnson is an American country music singer and songwriter.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Amazed</span> 1999 single by Lonestar

"Amazed" is a song by American country music group Lonestar, released on March 22, 1999, to country radio as the second single from their third studio album Lonely Grill (1999). The power ballad is the band's longest-lasting number one single and biggest hit, spending eight weeks at the top of the Billboard country chart. The song was written by Marv Green, Aimee Mayo, and Chris Lindsey. A pop remix of the song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and number two on the Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks charts in 2000. The song has sold over 1,650,000 digital copies in the US as of February 2016.

<i>Lonestar</i> (album) 1995 studio album by Lonestar

Lonestar is the debut studio album by American country music band Lonestar. Released in 1995 on BNA Records, it features five singles: "Tequila Talkin'", "No News", "Runnin' Away With My Heart", "Heartbroke Every Day", and "When Cowboys Didn't Dance", of which "No News" was a Number One hit on the Billboard country charts. The album has been certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America for shipping 500,000 copies in the United States.

<i>Lonely Grill</i> 1999 studio album by Lonestar

Lonely Grill is the third studio album by American country music group Lonestar, released in the United States on June 1, 1999, by BNA Records. It reached number 28 on the Billboard 200 chart, and number three on the Top Country Albums chart. With sales of three million copies in the United States, it has been certified 3× Platinum by the RIAA. This was Lonestar's first studio album to have a crossover-friendly country-pop sound, which was a departure from their earlier neotraditional country sound. It is also their first studio album to be recorded as a four-piece as bassist and second lead vocalist John Rich left the band the previous year in 1998. Instead of replacing him with a new member, the band hired several session bassists to play the album's bass parts.

Jason Dale Sellers is an American country music artist. After several years of touring the United States in his family's band, Sellers joined the road band of Ricky Skaggs. By 1997, he was signed to a recording contract with BNA Records, for whom he recorded two studio albums: 1997's I'm Your Man and 1999's A Matter of Time. These two albums produced five singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks charts; each album's title track reached Top 40 on that chart. Although he has not recorded any albums since A Matter of Time, Jason has had continued success as a songwriter, with acts such as Lonestar, Kenny Chesney, and Montgomery Gentry having recorded his songs. In addition, he holds several credits as a session background vocalist.

<i>Crazy Nights</i> (Lonestar album) 1997 studio album by Lonestar

Crazy Nights is the second studio album by American country music band Lonestar. Four singles were released from this album: "Come Cryin' to Me", "You Walked In", "Say When", and "Everything's Changed". "Come Cryin' to Me" reached number one on the Hot Country Songs charts. Also included is a cover of country rock band Pure Prairie League's single "Amie".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">James Otto</span> American country music artist (born 1973)

James Allen Otto is an American country music singer and songwriter. Otto began his career on Mercury Nashville Records in 2002, charting three minor singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts and recording his debut album Days of Our Lives for the label before being dropped in 2004.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Richie McDonald</span> American singer-songwriter

Richard Vance McDonald is an American country music singer and songwriter. From 1994 until his departure in 2007, he was the lead singer of the group Lonestar, which recorded seven studio albums on BNA Records during his tenure as lead vocalist. For the first seven years of the band's existence, he alternated with then-bassist John Rich as vocalist. McDonald became the sole lead vocalist of Lonestar following Rich's departure. McDonald co-wrote several of the band's singles, and sang lead on all but one of them; he would rejoin the band in 2011 before exiting again in 2021 to perform with The Frontmen. Outside Lonestar, he has charted twice as a guest vocalist on others' songs, in addition to releasing two independent albums and four solo singles.

<i>Mountains</i> (Lonestar album) 2006 studio album by Lonestar

Mountains is the seventh studio album by American country music group Lonestar. It was the band's last album for BNA Records, it produced two singles on the Hot Country Songs charts: "Mountains" at No. 10 and "Nothing to Prove" at No. 51. After the single released, the band was dropped from BNA. This was also the last studio to feature Richie McDonald before leaving for a solo career, until he rejoined in 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Come Cryin' to Me</span> 1997 single by Lonestar

"Come Cryin' to Me" is a song recorded by American country music group Lonestar and it was released in April 1997 as the first single from their second studio album Crazy Nights. The song reached the top of the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. The song was the band's second Number One hit, as well as the first single of their career to be co-written by then-member John Rich, who later left the band in 1998 to pursue a solo career. It was written by Rich with Wally Wilson and Mark D. Sanders.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Everything's Changed</span> 1998 single by Lonestar

"Everything's Changed" is a song written by Richie McDonald, Larry Boone and Paul Nelson, and recorded by American country music band Lonestar. It was released in June 1998 as the fourth and final single from their 1997 album Crazy Nights. Their ninth chart single overall, it was also the last single to feature bass guitarist John Rich, who left the band to pursue a solo career. The song peaked at number 2 on the Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, and number 95 on the Billboard Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">When I Think About Cheatin'</span> 2004 single by Gretchen Wilson

"When I Think About Cheatin'" is a song co-written and recorded by American country music singer Gretchen Wilson. It was the third single from her debut album, Here for the Party, and was released to radio in October 2004. The song was her third consecutive Top Ten hit, reaching No. 4 on the country singles charts. Wilson wrote this song with John Rich and Vicky McGehee.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chris Janson</span> American singer-songwriter

Christopher Pierre Janson is an American country music singer and songwriter. Janson has recorded three full-length albums, Buy Me a Boat, Everybody, and Real Friends, through Warner Records Nashville, along with one extended play each for Bigger Picture Music Group, Columbia Records, and Warner Nashville. He has charted multiple singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay charts, including "Good Vibes" and "Done", both of which went to number one on the latter. In addition to his material, Janson has performed on albums by Holly Williams and Lee Brice and has co-written singles for Tim McGraw, LoCash, Randy Houser and Hank Williams Jr.

the JaneDear girls American country music duo

the JaneDear girls was an American country music duo, consisting of Susie Brown from Alpine, Utah, and Danelle Leverett from Amarillo, Texas. The duo was with Warner Music Group Nashville's Reprise from 2010 to 2012. Their debut single, "Wildflower," was a Top 20 hit on the Hot Country Songs chart. After releasing only one album, the duo parted ways in mid-2012.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Big & Rich</span> American country music duo

Big & Rich is an American country music duo composed of Big Kenny and John Rich, both of whom are songwriters, vocalists, and guitarists. Before the duo's foundation, Rich was bass guitarist in the country band Lonestar, while Kenny was a solo artist for Hollywood Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tyler Farr</span> American country singer

Tyler Lynn Farr is an American country music singer and songwriter. Originally signed to BNA Records Farr released two singles for the label before it closed. He transferred to Columbia Records Nashville, releasing two albums: Redneck Crazy in 2013 and Suffer in Peace in 2015. Overall he has charted eight singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay charts. His highest ranking on the latter chart is "A Guy Walks Into a Bar" which placed at No. 1 in 2015.

References

  1. ↑ "John Rich Biography, Songs, & Albums". AllMusic. Retrieved August 22, 2023.
  2. ↑ "Character profile: John Rich". USA Networks. Archived from the original on February 15, 2011. Retrieved January 30, 2008.
  3. ↑ "Reporter". Archived from the original on September 21, 2017. Retrieved September 21, 2017.
  4. ↑ Pruett, David B. (2010). MuzikMafia: From the Nashville Scene to the National Mainstream. Jackson, MS: University Press of Mississippi.
  5. ↑ McGraw, Bill. "John Rich's "Shuttin' Detroit Down" sizzling on country radio, Web". Motor City Journal. Detroit Free Press. Archived from the original on February 1, 2009. Retrieved February 3, 2009.
  6. ↑ "The Winner of The CW's "The Next" to Earn Recording Contract With Atlantic Records". The Futon Critic . July 3, 2012. Retrieved August 13, 2012.
  7. ↑ "Big & Rich's John Rich Marries Longtime Girlfriend". Access. December 7, 2008. Retrieved January 28, 2020.
  8. ↑ "Celebrity Political Donations: John Rich". Newsmeat.com. Archived from the original on July 16, 2011. Retrieved July 21, 2011.
  9. ↑ "Official site". Johnrich.com. Retrieved July 21, 2011.
  10. ↑ "Country Music Star to Stump For Hoffman? Not Likely". Wwnytv.com. October 2, 2009. Archived from the original on February 23, 2012. Retrieved July 21, 2011.
  11. ↑ "John Rich Endorses Zach Wamp for Governor". Archived from the original on June 12, 2012. Retrieved May 16, 2011.
  12. ↑ Larson, Leslie. "Rand Paul's campaign announcement began with this anti-Wall Street country song". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved August 7, 2017.
  13. ↑ "John Rich: I'm glad Trump is running for president". Fox News. June 23, 2015. Retrieved August 7, 2017.
  14. ↑ Betts, Stephen L. "Big & Rich to Perform at Trump Inauguration Gala". Rolling Stone. Retrieved August 7, 2017.
  15. ↑ O'Connell, Madeleine (July 28, 2022). "Listen: John Rich Slams President Joe Biden And More In Anti-Woke New Single 'Progress'". Music Mayhem Magazine. Retrieved August 1, 2022.
  16. ↑ Lorge, Melinda (August 23, 2023). "John Rich Releases New Song "I'm Offended" From Politically-Charged New Album, 'The Country Truth". Music Mayhem Magazine. Retrieved August 24, 2023.
  17. ↑ Wethington, Caleb (April 7, 2023). "Travis Tritt, John Rich drop Anheuser-Busch due to company's campaign with trans influencer". WSMV-TV . Archived from the original on April 12, 2023. Retrieved April 12, 2023.
  18. ↑ "John Rich Album & Song Chart History – Country Albums". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media . Retrieved December 1, 2010.
  19. ↑ "John Rich Album & Song Chart History – Billboard 200". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media . Retrieved December 1, 2010.
  20. ↑ "John Rich – Rescue Me". Discogs.com. Retrieved January 22, 2020.
  21. ↑ "Top Country Albums – Biggest Jump". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media . Retrieved May 26, 2011.
  22. ↑ "Top Kids Albums – Biggest Jump". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media . Retrieved May 26, 2011.
  23. ↑ "John Rich Chart History – Country Songs". Billboard . Retrieved August 2, 2022.
  24. ↑ "John Rich Chart History – Hot 100". Billboard . Retrieved August 2, 2022.
  25. ↑ "John Rich Chart History – Canadian Hot 100". Billboard . Retrieved August 2, 2022.
  26. ↑ "John Rich Chart History – Billboard Global 200". Billboard . Retrieved August 2, 2022.
  27. ↑ https://bulletins.billboard.com/country/country_update_1005.pdf Archived July 15, 2021, at the Wayback Machine [ bare URL PDF ]
  28. ↑ O'Connell, Madeleine (July 28, 2022). "Listen: John Rich Slams President Joe Biden And More In Anti-Woke New Single 'Progress'". Music Mayhem Magazine. Retrieved August 1, 2022.
  29. ↑ Lorge, Melinda (August 23, 2023). "John Rich Releases New Song "I'm Offended" From Politically-Charged New Album, 'The Country Truth". Music Mayhem Magazine. Retrieved August 24, 2023.
  30. ↑ "John Rich Calls Out Eminem in Tucker Carlson Chat—'How Crazy Is That?'". Newsweek. July 18, 2024. Retrieved July 26, 2024.
  31. ↑ "Results – RPM – Library and Archives Canada – Country Singles". RPM . Archived from the original on October 20, 2012. Retrieved December 1, 2010.
  32. ↑ "John Rich teams with Tom MacDonald for 'End of the World'". March 17, 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.