Farmville, Virginia singer/song writer Oliver Anthony took the country by storm with his song "Rich Men North of Richmond." His angst filled ballad lays much of today's misery at the feet of our elected leaders in Washington, D.C.
Oliver cited his political neutrality in a video. I will take Oliver at his word. That said, the Red Political Team quickly embraced his song.
Insane Red Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene tweeted.
“This is the anthem of the forgotten Americans who truly support this nation and unfortunately the world with their hard-earned tax dollars and incredibly hard work."
The singer worked third shift in a North Carolina factory and found that experience wanting. Greene's district comes close to the Georgia-North Carolina line but does not meet it.
Greene may wish to listen to Oliver's words about workers not being paid fairly for hard work over long hours. Marjorie purchased Taylor Construction in 2002. Employee reviews on Glassdoor include:
...plan on working 6 days a week and over 65 hours a week drive time and mileage
Fast pace work and not enough time to take a break
There is absolutely no chance of advancement
Long Hours, Emergency work alot
...do not stand by there word
Many people will want to co-opt Oliver Anthony's message for personal or political gain.
Oliver said in a different video "You people are crazy" before inviting those close by to his performance at a Currituck, North Carolina Farmers' Market. He also said he was going to take things slow and it might be a while before anyone hears from him.
Oliver has the attention of the Rich Men North of Richmond. He also has the attention of the country. What will he do with it?
His next song may be "It's Hard to Be Yourself when Everyone Wants a Piece of You."
Update: ZeroHedge wrote Oliver is living in Appalachia. Sorry, Farmville is in the Piedmont of Virginia, not Appalachia. I worked in Farmville for a time in the 80's and recently celebrated my mother's 89th birthday in a Farmville restaurant with family. I will do a post on aspects of that trip later. Oliver deserves time and space before I write it.
Update 8-14-23: Oliver's faith is clearly a key aspect in his life. He may wish to consider the Rev. Billy Graham grew to regret the time he spent in the political arena. He said that time would have been better spent being with family or preaching the gospel.
Adam Taggert of Wealthion created a video on the sudden, massive embrace of Oliver's message. It's titled "Oliver Anthony's 'Rich Men North of Richmond' is the War Cry the Working Class Has Been Waiting For." Adam posited Oliver might be the next Bob Dylan or Joan Baez. I hope Adam is right.
Update 8-15-23: The enigma that is Oliver Anthony continues to captivate the U.S. Variety wrote about the instant smash:
But for others who consider the demographics of where Anthony comes from, region-wise if not so much subgenre-wise, it’s not so startling to hear Appalachian music that takes a rightward view.
They could have picked up on the timeless presence of the young singer, whose lyrics have as much gravel and grit as his voice, or his charm and innocence as he thumbs his way through social media that jars with a Blue Ridge Mountain life otherwise unmarked by modernity.”
Farmville is not in Appalachia, like Tazewell or Big Stone Gap. I find it odd that the Appalachia narrative continues to be foisted on Oliver Anthony.
Maybe Oliver was raised in Appalachia or his factory work in North Carolina was in that region. There is very little information on Oliver's life before instant stardom. It will be interesting to learn more about the person.
Mashable added a little to the sparse file on Oliver Anthony. I expected a story on Oliver in the Farmville Herald but nothing yet.
Update 8-16-23: COOPWB reported:
Born and raised in the charming town of Farmville, Virginia, Oliver Anthony has always been deeply rooted in his love for music. His undeniable talent and dedication led him to Nashville in 2021, where he embarked on a quest to make his mark in the country music scene.
There is a disclaimer at the end of the article in regard to its veracity.
Update 8-17-23: Oliver is playing at the North Street Press Club on August 23rd. The restaurant holds 300 and tickets are sold out.
The restaurant manager said:
“He’s a local guy. He’s performed here before. He’s from here,” Dowdy said. “People are happy for him."
Organizers said, “In his own words, Oliver is about writing songs and petting dogs. Let that be the vibe you bring with you should you choose to attend this historic event. It is the biggest thing to hit Farmville since the rail road arrived.”
Update 8-22-23: Billy Bragg released "Rich Men Earning North of a Million" in response to Oliver's hit.
Update 8-25-23: The "Rich Men" used Chris/Oliver's song as a prop during the Insane Red Team debate. Chris/Oliver said he found that "funny" and "aggravating" as he'd written the song about them (politicians of all political stripes).
The video of his performance at the North Street Press Club is worth the listen.
37:08: "And the Republicans and Democrats, Lord I swear they're all just full of crap"
Update 8-28-23: Blue Team Senator Chris Murphy scolded his party for its negative reaction to Chris/Oliver and his smash hit song. It behooves one to know something before saying something.
Update 9-22-23: Chris/Oliver signed with a Nashville based agent.
Update 3-26-24: Oliver Anthony will play in at Cook's Garage in Lubbock on April 6th.
