John Rich first found mainstream success in the country band Lonestar as its bassist and occasional lead singer. But after recording two albums with the band, they parted ways in 1998. Rich remained on BNA Records as a solo artist, but his first two singles failed to crack the Top 40, and the label did not release the album. After becoming somewhat disillusioned with the music industry, Rich co-founded a collective of musical outsiders known as the MuzikMafia, which began playing in the small Nashville bar Pub of Love. His like-minded companions included “Big Kenny” Alphin, Gretchen Wilson, James Otto and Jon Nicholson. When Rich teamed with Big Kenny to form Big & Rich, they caught everybody by surprise with a double-platinum debut, thanks to the hit “Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy).” Rich also co-wrote Wilson’s anthem, “Redneck Woman,” as well as “Here for the Party” and “When I Think About Cheatin’.” His writing career continued to explode with cuts by Jason Aldean, Faith Hill, Wynonna and many others. In 2006, BNA finally released Rich’s solo album, Underneath the Same Moon. Guests included Alphin, Sara Evans, the Fairfield Four and Delbert McClinton. In 2010, he released the single “Country Done Come to Town.” John Rich continues to be a force of nature, and to perform live.
