Oliver Anthony’s exit from the music industry may be as swift and unexpected as his entrance.
The “Rich Men North of Richmond” singer says he’s stepping away from the industry, but that doesn’t mean he’s done with music.
Anthony exploded the public conscience in July 2023 when the RadioWV YouTube channel released an acoustic video of him singing “Rich Men North of Richmond.” The following month, the song debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Last Easter, he released his debut album, Hymnal of a Troubled Man’s Mind.The 32-year-old didn’t announce much of his decision while replying to a fan who commented on a recent social media video. On November 2, he will perform a hurricane relief concert in Morgantown, West Virginia. This is part of a new rural revitalization project he is leading.
Below is that post and what he said afterwards.
In response to the comment, “The music industry is all about doing the right thing,” Anthony replied, “I’m trying to get out of the music industry. It’s a big joke.”
Credit Whiskey Riff for first breaking the news from the 360+ comments that followed this post. Anthony’s plan, he says, is to focus on itinerant ministry.
“It’s all part of this rural renaissance. It’s completely DIY, so we have to work on it piece by piece," he shares.
It’s not clear what part of the music industry he will give up. Since his exit from “Rich Men,” he has given few interviews and remains unsigned, despite rumors that he has received very lucrative offers from record labels.
Touring and songwriting are still on the table, but maybe he’ll find another way to publish or distribute?
Anthony says to those who have similar questions, “I’m going to continue releasing music as I always have.” “I am only legally established as a ministry.”
Anthony’s last release was “Cowboys and Sunsets,” which was released on platforms such as Spotify in June. He has been touring heavily all year and just announced a major European tour in early 2025.
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Gallery credit: Billy Dukes
See photos of Oliver Anthony’s Ryman Auditorium debut
On Wednesday (February 21), Oliver Anthony performed the first of two consecutive nights at the Mother Church, aka Ryman Auditorium, in Nashville, Tennessee. Flip through the gallery below to see “Richmond North’s Millionaires.” The star stepped onto the sacred stage for the first time.
Gallery credit: Carena Liptak