Two weeks ago, unknown singer Oliver Anthony’s live performance of his original song Rich Men North of Richmond was posted on YouTube.
Since then the controversial anti-woke song with lyrics about high taxes, obese “welfare cheats” and elite child traffickers has amassed over 32 million views and counting.
In fact, the unknown overnight star is currently No 1 on trending for music on the video website.
And if that wasn’t enough he’s become the first-ever artist in US chart history to top the Billboard Hot 100 with no prior entries.
Meanwhile, the track is No 1 on iTunes and currently sits at No 64 in the UK charts but appears to be rising.
The caption for the Red Men North of Richmond viral video reads: “When I first came across Oliver Anthony and his music, I was blown away to say the least. He had a whole collection of songs that I could listen to for hours.
“Oliver resides in Farmville, VA with his 3 dogs and a plot of land he plans on turning into a small farm to raise livestock. We have a whole mess of songs set to release of Oliver for your viewing and listening pleasure, he is truly special and notes his biggest influence as Hank Williams Jr.
“Oliver wants to give hope to the working class and your average hard working young man who may have lost hope in the grind of trying to get by.”
Anthony has since had a frenzy of music labels trying to get him to sign a record deal, but the viral star admits that he wants to take things slow and has promised some live shows.
The singer, who lives in an off-grid $750 camper, recently said: “Everyone in the ‘industry’ is rushing me into signing something, but we just want to take things slow right now. People in the music industry give me blank stares when I brush off 8 million dollar offers. I don’t want 6 tour buses, 15 tractor trailers and a jet. I don’t want to play stadium shows, I don’t want to be in the spotlight.”
