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Country singer-songwriter Oliver Anthony made music history this year by becoming the first artist in history to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard charts without previously having a song on the charts. He is also the first living male songwriter to chart 13 songs simultaneously in Billboard's Top 50 Digital Song Sales.
A musical poet of the people, Anthony became an overnight national sensation with the release of "Rich Men North of Richmond," which has been dubbed the nation's "blue-collar anthem." But it resonates powerfully with Americans from all walks of life around the world.
The song has been streamed more than 77 million times on YouTube and more than 115 million across streaming platforms. Five of his other songs have made iTunes' Top 10, with "I've Got to Get Sober" reaching No. 3. "Ain't Got a Dollar" claimed the No. 1 spot on Spotify's Viral 50 list and No. 2 on ITunes.
Anthony is quickly changing the way musical artists release music and engage with their fans. He speaks directly to his fans through videos shot in his truck or surrounded by his dogs whenever the mood strikes. He doesn't rely on others to tell his story or interpret his intentions.
Earning comparisons to Bob Dylan, he is a truly authentic artist who speaks the truth for those who don't have a platform to reveal their struggles.
His passionate voice, featuring a unique and emotional rasp shaped by his personal battles, captures the despair of those living without hope, especially those who live in small-town or rural America. His songs address the nation's wealth gap, suicide rate, high taxes, and imbalance and abuse of power. Variety says, "It almost seems as if Oliver Anthony hadn't come along, someone would have had to invent him."
"Rich Men North of Richmond" has been embraced by people on both sides of the political aisles. For instance, "Rich Men North of Richmond" was recently played at the beginning of the first Republican presidential debate, which was ironic given that some of the people onstage were the same people Anthony addressed in the song.
"'Rich Men North of Richmond' touches on my time in Western North Carolina working in the factory. It talks about some people that live north of Richmond, Virginia, who I'm sure you're very aware of, who make life a little more difficult than it should be," he said.
Of course, he knows of which he writes and sings. Anthony, 31, lives off the grid in a camper in Farmville, Va., with his wife and two children (with another one on the way in November). He's been public about overcoming addiction and depression.
He dropped out of school at age 17 and later earned a G.E.D. before working industrial jobs in Virginia and North Carolina. He was unable to work for about six months in 2013 after an accident at a North Carolina paper mill fractured his skull. More recently, he worked in outside sales in manufacturing before his music career exploded.
"I found an outlet in this music," adding that he "started getting messages from people saying how much the music was helping them with their struggles in their lives."
Oliver Anthony sounds exactly like he does on the radio. He’s personable and interacts with the audience all while giving an amazing performance. If you’re wanting a flashy concert with all the bells and whistles then he isn’t the performer for you, however if you’re wanting to actually hear the man sing and be able to understand every word make sure you buy tickets!
It was amazing. Oliver Anthony gave me goosebumps, it was awesome. I do wish the venue had more screens to be easier to see who is on stage.
First my seats were so far back, I couldn’t make out who was onstage (Jumbotrons would be beneficial). As soon as I heard the opening act start a guitar solo, I instantly knew it was Chris Davisson! They killed it! Then I was skeptical about how good Oliver would actually be live…he put on one of the best shows I’ve ever seen! His guitar player was outstanding too!
First off, it’s great that Oliver Anthony used local talent as his warm up band. The Davisson Brothers were excellent!! Oliver Anthony sounds incredible live! Definitely no lip syncing. I’m still amazed at the sound quality for both bands. I loved that OA read excerpts from the Bible without preaching. I’d pay to see both bands again. OA seems like such a good guy. Very humble for such an amazing talent!! I loved the show, and so did my best friend who attended.
He put on a good show and sounds great live. This was more of my husbands concert than mine but I genuinely enjoyed the experience.
Oliver put on a great show and I can’t wait to attend more of his future concerts
Oliver Anthony was amazing!! He put his very soul into the music and you can just tell! Sounds even better live, and can’t wait for him to come back into town! His openers were the Davisson Brothers Band and they were outstanding also! Loved the Virginia, country, bluegrass feel to their music! They were also very funny! Loved their voices and also got to hear him yodel a little 😂
Best concert!! Oliver Anthony is a wonderful artist. Tickets were a great price. We will definitely come to see him again when he comes back to Greensboro.
Oliver Anthony is a wonderful musician and songwriter! Great show! He puts the focus on his music and it shows. Hope to see him again, hopefully at a different venue. The seats at Greensboro coliseum are too narrow with no drink holders or place to put anything.
I wish he had sung more of the songs from his YouTube solos. He sang his songs that were very blusie. I had the blues myself after he finished these songs.
Very nice venue with comfortable seating. . The show was great. Oliver Anthony did not disappoint.
Best concert I've seen in a long time It was like a jam session with some buddys, and Chris brings a good message to the people, which is respected 💯 Every word hit the heart Felt like i got my money's worth Great show
Oliver Anthony knocked it out of the park. He's a down to earth guy. His music is great.
Oliver Anthony is the kind of soulful sound we need. His unique voice with the music he plays will make the hair on your neck stand up and your heart race. A true story teller and amazing performer. He is authentic country and I hope he stays true to his roots!
Loved oliver anthony!! Seats were not the most comfortable your knees were on seats in front of you. And person in front putting his arm around gf kept touching knee
The Oliver Anthony show was spectacular! He had a very simple show, not all fluffed up, his sound was amazing. You could clearly hear each word that he sang. The way he spoke during the show made it feel like it was a more intimate show for a few dozen and not thousands.
What an awesome concert! No gimmicks, pyrotechnics or wardrobe changes. Just a Real guy singing Real songs about the Real world we live in! The intimate setting of just the guys with their instruments made it feel authentic. Loved that he started with Amazing Grace and read scripture several times💕 This is what Real music is about!!!
Awesome Concert! Oliver is a gifted musician and a very humble person!!! We really enjoyed the show!!
I thought the concert was a lot of fun. Oliver was interacting with the fans and sounded really good. I would definitely go see him again.
One of the best I have been to in years. The venue was clean, the food cost was not outrageous. Oliver Anthony played for over 90 minutes straight.
