Country Singer Oliver Anthony Reads Bible before Performing Viral Hit
Caleb Parke : Aug 16, 2023
Calebparke.com
"That's the beautiful thing about this country, even an idiot like me can make something happen. If I can do it, you can do it." -Oliver Anthony
[CalebParke.com] Oliver Anthony, who became an overnight country star for his viral song "Rich Men North of Richmond," read a portion of Scripture before performing his song over the weekend. (Screengrab Image)
Now with millions of views, the virtually unknown Farmville, Virginia artist knocked Jason Aldean's "Try That in a Small Town" off the No. 1 spot on iTunes with his "blue-collar anthem," according to Billboard.
Hundreds gathered to see Anthony perform his new hit for the first time at the Morris Farm Market in Currituck County, North Carolina Sunday.
Anthony told journalist Jason Howerton he reached out to God for help from alcohol addiction and mental health struggles. About 30 days into his sobriety, someone reached out to record his song and a few days later it went mega-viral.
WATCH: Country Star Announces He's Leaving Music for Christian Ministry
"That's the beautiful thing about this country, even an idiot like me can make something happen. If I can do it, you can do it," he told the crowd as he opened his Bible.
Anthony said he "felt compelled to share" Psalm 37 and read verses 12 to 20.
12 The wicked plot against the righteous
and gnash their teeth at them;
13 but the Lord laughs at the wicked,
for He knows their day is coming.
14 The wicked draw the sword
and bend the bow
to bring down the poor and needy,
to slay those whose ways are upright.
15 But their swords will pierce their own hearts,
and their bows will be broken.
16 Better the little that have righteousness
than the wealth of many wicked;
17 for the power of the wicked will be broken,
but the Lord upholds the righteous.
18 The blameless spend their days under the Lord's care,
and their inheritance will endure forever.
19 In times of disaster they will not wither;
in days of famine they will have plenty.
20 But the wicked will perish:
Though the Lord's enemies are like the flowers of the field,
they will be consumed and they will go up in smoke.
The audience that spanned acres applauded.
As someone who grew up on country music, I can say it's refreshing to see an artist who is authentically country. Country music on the radio has strayed so far from its roots.
Oliver, you got me to listen to a country music song again. I'm just one of many rooting for your continued blessings and success!
RELATED:
- Country Music Star Re-Enlists Into Army at 59: 'God Bless America'
- Luke Combs Brings Young Fan Battling Cancer on Stage to Sing 'Fast Car'
Caleb Parke is the SMG managing editor. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and connect with him at calebparke.com Subscribe for free to Breaking Christian News here