Oliver Anthony, the songwriter behind the hit song “Rich Men North of Richmond,” has skyrocketed to the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 songs chart. This unexpected success has thrust Anthony, a humble musician from Appalachia who claims to be “nothing special,” into the national spotlight. Released independently on August 11, “Rich Men” is a country-folk tune that speaks to the struggles of the working class, grappling with inflation, high taxes, and perceived elitism, which has drawn criticism from liberal critics.
Anthony’s rise to fame began when a video of him, sporting a distinctive red beard and strumming a guitar, went viral on social media. Influential users, particularly in conservative circles, started sharing the clip, leading to widespread attention. This newfound attention begs the question: Who is Oliver Anthony? What is his real name? In reality, the singer-songwriter’s birth name is Christopher Anthony Lunsford. In a lengthy Facebook post, Anthony clarified that he uses the name Oliver Anthony as a tribute to his grandfather, who was born and raised in 1930s Appalachia. His grandfather’s life was marked by hardship, with dirt floors and the challenge of raising seven children.
Regarding his preference for his viral stage name or his birth name, Anthony expressed that both are acceptable to him. He admitted that he now goes by Oliver due to his widespread recognition. However, his friends and family still refer to him as Chris. Oliver Anthony hails from North Carolina, having grown up there and dropping out of high school at the age of 17 in 2010. He obtained his GED while residing in the small town of Spruce Pine, NC. Throughout his time in western North Carolina, he held various jobs in local factories, culminating in a position at a paper mill in McDowell County. This job was both physically and mentally taxing, requiring him to work night shifts six days a week for a relatively low wage.
Anthony’s journey as a musician began after a life-altering incident in 2013 when he suffered a severe fall at work, resulting in a fractured skull. The injury prompted him to relocate to Virginia to be closer to his family. Due to the complications arising from his injury, it took him approximately six months to fully recover and return to work. Once he regained his health, Anthony worked in outside sales within the industrial manufacturing sector, allowing him to connect with countless blue-collar workers during his travels throughout Virginia and the Carolinas.
An astute observer of the struggles faced by the working class, Anthony expressed that he had spent the last decade hearing a recurring narrative. He observed that people were tired of feeling neglected, divided, and manipulated. Anthony’s personal circumstances further illustrate the challenges faced by many in the working class. Despite having paid $97,500 for his property in 2019, he still owes around $60,000 and currently resides in a modest camper he purchased for $750 from Craigslist. These hardships have shaped his outlook on life and informed his music.
While Anthony’s song and message have garnered viral attention, he remains humble, describing himself as a mere musician with a guitar. In a recent Facebook post, he opened up about his struggles with mental health and addiction, revealing that he considered himself a flawed individual. He acknowledged the sadness he felt witnessing the world’s current state of division and expressed concern for the future of what he believes is the greatest country on Earth. Anthony lamented the impact of the internet on society, describing it as a divisive and detrimental force that infects the minds of individuals. Throughout his journey, he expressed that his music has served as an outlet for his own mental health struggles and depression, resonating deeply with millions of listeners who connect with the raw emotions conveyed in his songs. He believes that this style of music represents a return to authenticity and sincerity that should never have been abandoned in the first place.
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