John Rich Archives - Nashville Music Line

‘Love Lives On’ tells survivors’ stories in words and music

New song, album honor families of fallen service men and women

By Preshias Harris

Country music has a big heart. Singers and songwriters come together at the drop of a cowboy hat to donate their time and talent to a worthy cause. Causes don’t get much worthier than the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS).

Love Lives On is the title of a new album with all net proceeds from the album going to TAPS, but it is more than that. The songs on the album tell the personal stories of the sacrifice of both the fallen warriors and also the families who must live with their loss.

The album comprises 10 original songs that feature Vince Gill, Billy Ray Cyrus, John Rich, All-4-One, The Gatlin Brothers, Lonestar and many more. It is set for release over the 2020 Memorial Day weekend. However, “Love Lives On,” the album’s lead single and title track, will drop on March 20 and can be pre-ordered now via links at https://www.lovelivesonmusic.com/

Inspired by personal tragedy

John Rich expands Redneck Riviera brand, launches “Pursuit” TV show

Performs at party with Cowboy Troy

By Preshias Harris

John Rich has gained international stardom, first as a member of the band Lonestar, then as a solo artist and as one half of the duo Big and Rich with Big Kenny with hits such as “Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy.” He’s also a successful music producer and songwriter and part of a loosely formed group of artists known as The MuzikMafia.

Perhaps less well-known is the fact that Rich is a successful entrepreneur who has developed an entire line of products under the Redneck Riviera brand. This includes the Redneck Riviera Bar and BBQ, a restaurant and live music venue on Nashville’s Lower Broadway. He is also a generous philanthropist who has raised millions of dollars for charities, including Folds of Honor.

John Rich and I have known each since 1991. We met at a storage locker facility when he was a member of Texassee, a group that would evolve into Lonestar. I needed to get a special dress out of my locker that I wanted to wear to the CMA Awards. John was at a nearby locker getting the band’s drum kit out of storage. He graciously climbed over everything to get my dress for me – almost splitting his jeans as he did so!

Redneck Riviera brand expands

John Rich gets excited as he talks about his Redneck Riviera products. Photo: Preshias Harris

On January 11, John held a party at his Nashville home, named Mount Richmore, to celebrate the second anniversary of his Redneck Riviera whiskey that has proved to be a remarkable success in a crowded liquor market.

I joined John and members of the media as he introduced his newest products, a beverage named Howdy Dew and a line of meat snacks named Redneck Riviera Jerky. He also announced more details about his new show, set to run on Fox Nation, titled “Pursuit! With John Rich.”

John Rich says “Shut Up About Politics!”

Granny inspires new Redneck Riviera whiskey

When does John Rich find time to sleep? He is currently running numerous parallel ventures, any one of which would be a full-time career for most people.

A solo recording career, his association with Big Kenny as the hit-making duo Big and Rich, rolling out the Redneck Riviera brand (including his restaurant on Nashville’s Lower Broad), fundraising for the charity Folds of Honor, starting up the all-American-made Redneck Riviera Whiskey, and now a Special Reserve blend named for his dear old Granny… But wait, there’s more, as they say in the informercials. John also has the No. 1 song on the Country download charts with a quirky story behind it.

“A blank sheet of paper is the most boundless thing you can ever look at. The Declaration of Independence started out as a blank sheet of paper. The Bible started out as blank sheets of paper. Songs are blank sheets of paper before you turn them into something.” – John Rich

We sat down to catch up with John at his unique Nashville home, aptly named Mount Richmore, and we were joined by John’s 87-year-old grandmother who is affectionally known as Granny Rich.

Granny Rich inspires strong work ethic

Yes, the same Granny Rich who is the inspiration for Redneck Riviera Granny Rich Reserve, the new addition to John’s line of whiskey. John admitted that your grandmother wouldn’t be the first person you’d normally go to when you’re thinking about launching a new whiskey. But as he pointed out, Granny Rich isn’t your normal grandmother. Continue reading “John Rich says “Shut Up About Politics!””