John Rich

John Rich is an American country music singer-songwriter, record producer, and entrepreneur known for his contributions to the country music industry and his ventures in business. Rich was a member of the country band Lonestar, where he played bass guitar and alternated as lead vocalist with Richie McDonald. He co-wrote two of the band's singles, "Come Cryin' to Me" and "Say When," with the former reaching number one on the charts. After leaving Lonestar, Rich self-released the album "Rescue Me," inspired by cancer patient Katie Darnell.

Rich later partnered with Big Kenny to form the duo Big & Rich, releasing three albums on Warner Bros. Records and ten singles, including the number one hit "Lost in This Moment." The duo's debut album, "Horse of a Different Color," achieved triple platinum status and became a significant commercial success. Rich is a three-time ASCAP Songwriter of the Year, with more than 14 Top Ten hits for artists such as Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Gretchen Wilson, Jason Aldean, Taylor Swift, and Big & Rich. He co-wrote notable songs including Gretchen Wilson's "Redneck Woman" and Faith Hill's "Mississippi Girl." His solo work includes the album "Son of a Preacher Man," which produced two charting singles, including the Top Ten hit "Shuttin' Detroit Down."

Rich co-created the Muzik Mafia movement in Nashville, a weekly musical showcase that contributed to the rise of several country music artists, including Gretchen Wilson. His television work includes hosting the first season of the reality show "Gone Country" on Country Music Television, followed by two additional seasons. Rich also served as a judge on "Nashville Star" on NBC. He won "The Celebrity Apprentice," raising $1.3 million for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the highest amount raised by any contestant in the show's history.

Rich expanded into business with the Redneck Riviera lifestyle brand, which includes an apparel line, a boot line, a bar in downtown Nashville, a jerky line, and a spirits division featuring American-made whiskies. Rich Records achieved four consecutive number one hits on the Billboard and iTunes all-genre singles charts, with all net proceeds supporting the military charity Folds of Honor. In 2026, Rich was appointed by President Trump as Special Envoy for American Landowners, with a focus on advocating for landowners facing pressure from large-scale wind and solar development projects.

Rich is also known for his "Speak and Sing" events, where he serves as a keynote speaker, sharing insights from his experiences in the music industry, entrepreneurship, and patriotism. His career bridges artistic innovation and business leadership, establishing John Rich as a prominent figure in Nashville and the broader country music landscape.