It’s a three-peat performance for Rich Records, as John Rich’s label has scored the #1 spot on the all-genre-singles sales charts at iTunes and Billboard in 2020 and 2021 with all releases. “Shut Up About Politics,” “Earth To God,” and “Santa’s Gotta Dirty Job,” have all connected with the listeners. Additionally, net proceeds from the tracks benefit Folds of Honor.
There is always a story behind the song and with John Rich’s award-winning pen, he is keen on addressing a topic, whether it is a tongue in cheek approach or a simple and poignant prayer, he seems to always hit the mark and generate interest in his words.
When John was joined by the top-rated “The Five” ensemble during a Nashville visit, Greg Gutfeld wanted to write a song with John about ‘being over the political landscape.” In pure Rich fashion, he crafted a tune within a day with the input from Gutfeld, recorded the song with the crew and within a week it was released, went straight to #1 and stayed there for some time.
Fast forward to later in 2020, Rich was awakened by a dream where he heard an “SOS” type ringing in his head. Unable to go back to sleep, he grabbed a pen and guitar and wrote the simple and expressive prayer “Earth To God.” It quickly climbed the single sales chart to #1 upon release.
Yes, the pattern continues with “Santa’s Gotta Dirty Job,” with “Dirty Jobs’” Mike Rowe. Rowe joined Rich as a guest on his popular Fox Business series “The Pursuit with John Rich” this fall and they began talking about Christmas. Of course, the subject turned to what a dirty job Santa has and an obvious play on Rowe’s popular show. Fast forward 30 minutes and Rich pretty much had the song written. Add another week to the mix and you have Mike Rowe in Nashville singing lead on the song that also features the legendary Oak Ridge Boys. Another #1, knocking out some of today’s music world’s most successful and popular acts out of the #1 spot on the charts.
“It always begins with the idea, wherever it may come from,” says John Rich. “When these ideas become reality, whether a tongue and cheek lyric, a prayer of hope or just a fun play on words, if it connects, it is a winner. Fortunately, all three of these connected in unique ways to the listener and for that, I am thankful and proud. But honestly, being able to have friends like Greg and Mike totally in on it is such a win. Thanks to everyone involved, including my great friends and partners at Fox who have really engaged and helped promote all of these songs. And for all the net sales providing funds to my charity of choice Folds of Honor is icing on the cake.”
About John Rich
Armed with confidence, ambition and determination, John Rich is a multi-platinum hit generator and music industry leader whose creative talents are matched only by his business savvy. He is also a proud father of two sons and recently celebrated his 13th wedding anniversary. Whether through a raucous party anthem or a sober reflection on hard times in the heartland, Rich’s ability to capture the American zeitgeist in song has made him one of the most successful and prolific entertainers in the music business today. And in 2011, Rich impressed Donald Trump and American TV audiences with his business acumen and leadership skills, winning NBC’s The Celebrity Apprentice and raising $1.5 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Now, the multi-faceted Rich is applying his talents to his latest venture, a lifestyle brand called Redneck Riviera that launched in 2014 with an apparel line geared to what he dubs the ‘WORK HARD PLAY HARD' crowd. The idea struck Rich after visiting the stretch of Gulf Coast affectionately known by the same name. In just 6 short years, the brand offers apparel, a boot line, a bar in the heart of downtown Nashville on Lower Broadway, a jerky line, and an impressive spirits division that serves up three American made whiskies (Redneck Riviera Whiskey, Granny Rich Reserve, Honey Apple) offered nationwide. In addition to the spirits, a specialty canned, ready to drink beverage called “Howdy Dew” is being introduced into the market in mid 2022. Additionally, Rich has teamed up with Red Gold for his 1776 BBQ sauce and has a variety of beef snacks through partnership with Jack Links in thousands of retail outlets across the USA.
Along with all of these successes, Rich found time to host a show on Fox Nation, the streaming service for Fox News called The Pursuit! With John Rich that launched in early 2020. The show became one of the services’ most popular series and is now showing on Fox Business Prime as one of the flagship shows of the network's new original programming launches of 2021. The guests range from Wynonna Judd to Heisman Trophy winner Eddie George, Wolfgang Puck, Adam Carolla and Mike Rowe, to Jake Owen, Candace Owens, Jimmy John, Tim Tebow and many more. The show
continues to stream on Fox Nation as well.
Additionally, Rich continues with his songwriting acumen as he weaves through his Big & Rich sold out concerts, numerous speaking engagements and hosting his Fox Business show. Rich’s INDEPENDENT record label has scored 3 #1 songs on the Billboard and iTunes all-genre singles charts during 2020 and 2021. All net proceeds to the songs benefit the military charity Folds of Honor. The organization provides a scholarship fund to children and spouses of fallen heroes.
Rich’s musical resume includes serving as co-lead vocalist for the multi-platinum selling country act Lonestar, and currently as half of the groundbreaking country duo Big & Rich with partner Kenny “Big Kenny” Alphin. He is a three-time ASCAP Songwriter of the Year, notching over 14 Top Ten hits for artists including Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Gretchen Wilson, Jason Aldean, Taylor Swift and Big & Rich. As a producer, Rich has
worked with Randy Owen of Alabama, Jewel, JOHN Anderson, Gretchen Wilson and numerous developing acts. Rich co-created Nashville’s Muzik Mafia movement, a weekly musical showcase that helped launch country music stars including “Redneck Woman” Gretchen Wilson and was captured in the book Muzik Mafia. His television credits include creating and hosting CMT’s Gone Country series and serving as a judge in 2008 on NBC’s Nashville Star.