John Rich Had to Find His Way in Country Music

Nashville Singer Songwriter One Half of Big & Rich, Coming to Charleston with Palmetto Freedom Fest

Jeff Walker, Entertainment Writer

Noted singer songwriter and guitarist John Rich has enjoyed an up and down career at best in the world of country music. Still in his late teens he became of member of Lonestar which would have a string of Top 40 hits on country radio during the mid 1990’s including their first chart topper ‘No News’, and ‘Heartbroke Every Day’ with Rich on lead vocal reaching as high at #18 from the band’s self-titled debut album.

Not long after the success of their second number one ‘Come Cryin’ to Me’, Rich was asked to leave the band in early 1998. “They fired me, but for good reason. I was a lot younger than the other band members and quite frankly a good bit cantankerous. Like many bands we had a few differences in opinions. Looking back, they made the right decision and there has never been any bad blood between us.”

Just 24 at the time, Rich assumed he would bounce right back with a blossoming solo career, signing with BNA Records the same label as Lonestar. “I failed miserably.” Despite have two singles crack the country charts, Rich’s debut album didn’t get released until 2006. “I felt as though I was a two-time loser. I went from being in a multi-platinum band to flying under the radar.” Meanwhile Lonestar would go on to have their biggest hit ever, riding atop the charts for eight weeks in 1999 with ‘Amazed’.

With little support from the label Rich kept busy writing songs releasing ‘Rescue Me’ (2001), a self-produced album he was inspired to record after meeting cancer patient Katie Darnell. While it was met with various industry acclaim, without support it failed to chart. “I enjoyed making the record. Everything I write or record ends up being personal to me. ‘Rescue Me’ lit a fire in me.”

Channeling that newfound excitement Rich would go on to partner with William Kenneth Alphin aka Big Kenny to form Big & Rich in 2002. The duo would release three studio albums over a six-year period garnering 10 Top 40 singles along the way, with 2007’s ‘Lost in This Moment’ becoming their sole number one.

Although Alphin and Rich hung out together in the newly formed Muzik Mafia in the early 2000’s, they hadn’t yet considered themselves a duo, with both still wanting solo careers. “We were both songwriters but came from different backgrounds. Kenny was a rock n’ roller, and I was more the mainstream country artist. We certainly appreciated each other’s talent and songwriting ability but joining forces hadn’t crossed our minds. Thank God it was a couple of industry types like Paul Worley and Mark Oswald who thought we would be viable as a duo.”

He goes on to say. “When our record came out radio stations didn’t know what to make of us. We were mixing our own version of country, rock, and rap which was unheard at the time. Country radio is often slow to accept change. They weren’t sure what to do with Johnny Cash, with his slick backed hair coming from rock n’ roll, and even Conway Twitty who they considered was an Elvis clone.”

Establishing a wild west theme, Big & Rich eventually found an audience. The duo would go on to have over 10 singles chart on various country music formats, topping the charts with ‘Lost in This Moment’ in 2007, with their signature song ‘Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)’ from their 2004 debut album ‘Horse of a Different Color’ quickly becoming their anthem. “Ultimately it’s the fans that make a difference. They are the ones who buy your records and come see you in concert. We were just being ourselves and having fun and the fans embraced it.”

Aside from a three-year hiatus (2008-11) to pursue solo works, the duo remains together. “We write and produces songs for other artists. We each have our side projects. Kenny and I have outside interests, but we made our mark as Big & Rich so we’ll keep at it as long as we can.”

A walking talking, red-blooded, flag waving, God fearing conservative who actively campaigns for the republican party, Rich is not afraid to speak his mind. “If you don’t like my music, I’m fine with that. There are plenty of other artists people can listen to.” He goes on to say, “I’m kind and respectful of people views, but I’m far from woke. What you see is what you get. I can’t be one thing on stage and another when I’m off. I have two sons and I have to give them something to follow.”

Outside of music Rich has been able to keep his name out there. He was a celebrity judge on ‘Nashville Star’ in 2008 and the overall ‘Celebrity Apprentice’ winner in 2011. In 2014 he began branding John Rich’s Redneck Riviera apparel, opening a honky-tonk grill and bar under the same name in downtown Nashville in 2018.

The club honors active and retired military as well as first responders. The backdrop at the Heroes bars is an American flag made of beer cans. “I get involved in things I’m passionate about.” For more on Redneck Riviera visit https://redneckrivieranashville.com/

In 2020 Rich began hosting ‘The Pursuit! with John Rich’ on Fox Nation. Filmed primarily at Rich’s home in Nashville, it features star guests and personal friends of the multiple Grammy nominee, exploring their journeys to achieve the American dream.

“I had been on Fox News several times commenting on current events, issues revolving politics and social awareness. One day they came to me and said, ‘you should have your own show’. I replied right away, as long as I can be the host and conduct interviews. They helped me create a format that has been well received.”

Rich is living proof ‘The Pursuit’ is attainable. “I might be the poster boy for the show. I have a high school diploma, grew up in a double wide trailer, and look at where I’m at now. Thank God the American Dream works if you apply yourself.”

It is the American spirit and his sense giving back of that brings Rich and Big Kenny to Charleston on Saturday November 5th for the Palmetto Freedom Fest at Credit One Stadium on Daniel Island. The fundraising concert featuring SC native Lee Brice and Big & Rich benefits Folds of Honor, a non-profit organization that awards scholarships to the spouses and children of America’s fallen, disabled service members, and first responders.

“Our men and women in uniform, whether in the military or first responders put their lives on the line every day. We owe them so much. It’s an incredible way to say thanks and to help put kids through college without burdening the families.” According to Rich, he and his band mate have been paying tribute to our military for some time now. “They defend our freedom and help keep us safe. Anything we can do to pay them back for their service amounts to a small token of gratitude.”

Big & Rich go a step further when performing in concert. “We bring active-duty members on stage and salute them for their service and recognize those in the audience as well. Nearly everything we have in this life, especially our freedom is due to their sacrifices. It’s the least we can do.”

What’s John Rich’s overall message to Big & Rich fans. “We can agree to disagree, but when it comes to our military and our first responders, courage needs to be rewarded. There are a lot of God-fearing patriots out there and many are country music fans, we hope to make courage contagious.”

Lee Brice and Big & Rich perform for as part of the Palmetto Freedom Fest this coming Saturday beginning at 7:30pm at Credit One Stadium on Daniel Island. For details visit https://palmettostate.foldsofhonor.org/event/palmetto-freedom-fest-featuring-lee-brice-and-big-rich/

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