Oliver Anthony went viral in the summer of 2023 with his “Rich Men North of Richmond” song. He allegedly turned down million-dollar record deals. Now he says he’s quitting the music industry. Keep reading to find out why.

Viral Flash In The Pan

You couldn’t go anywhere online in the summer of 2023 without hearing the anti-government hit song “Rich Men North of Richmond.” Surprisingly, it wasn’t released by an established country singer. The song went viral after Oliver Anthony released it on YouTube.

The up-and-coming singer refused to get swept up in overnight fame. He said that he turned down offers from Nashville record companies hoping to sign him to a label. He refused million-dollar contracts to forge his own way in the music industry. But now he says the industry is a ‘big joke.” Why?
Oliver Anthony/Credit: YouTube

Oliver Anthony Says Music Industry Is A ‘Big Joke’

Country star Luke Combs organized the star-studded fundraiser, Concert For Carolina, to help victims of Hurricane Helene. The October 26 concert includes Eric Church, Sheryl Crow and others to raise money for those impacted by the hurricane that hit the Southeastern U.S. in September.

The devastation extended into Tennessee and as far as Virginia. While Combs organized a fundraiser with mega stars, Oliver Anthony plans his own concert to raise money for those affected in Virginia. He took to social media to reveal plans for a benefit concert in Morgantown, West Virginia. The lineup for the November 2nd concert includes the Davisson Brothers, Mikele Buck, Zack Runyon and an unnamed special guest.

Oliver Anthony vowed to keep the ticket prices at $25, with all money going to benefit victims of the hurricane. One fan praised him in the comments. They wrote, “Oliver Anthony is literally everything that is right in the music industry!!! Just a genuine good dude! Keep it up brother!”

The singer replied to the comment with some shocking news. He is getting out of the music industry. Why?

Shocking Reason He’s Quitting

Oliver Anthony basically faded from public view after his viral fame wore off. He continues to release new music on social media, but his moment seems to have passed. The singer called the music industry a “big joke,” but didn’t elaborate on why. Perhaps he’s disillusioned by how quickly his star burned out.

So, what does he plan to do next? The singer, who famously recited bible verses during his Grand Ole Opry debut, plans to focus on spreading God’s word.

“I’m in the process of getting out of the music industry. It’s a big joke. The plan is to eventually change my entire focus to traveling ministry work. It’s all part of this Rural Revival thing. I just have to go at it in baby steps since it’s completely DIY,” Oliver Anthony said of his next move.
Credit: Instagram
He did assure fans that he will continue to put out new music. What do you think of him quitting the music industry? Sound off in the comments.