John Rich, an American country musician, singer-songwriter, and TV personality, has a net worth of $25 million as of 2023. His rise to fame began in 1992 as a member of the country music group Lonestar. With the group, he recorded the hit singles “No News” and “Come Cryin’ to Me,” which he co-wrote. After leaving Lonestar in 1998, Rich embarked on a solo career and eventually formed the country duo Big & Rich with Big Kenny in 2002.
Early Life and Education
John Rich was born on January 7, 1974, in Amarillo, Texas, to Judy and Baptist preacher Jim. As an adolescent, he attended Dickson County Senior High in Tennessee.
Lonestar
After moving to Nashville, Rich met the country music group Texasee and eventually joined the band, which later changed its name to Lonestar. Rich served as the bass guitarist, and the band’s original lineup consisted of Richie McDonald, Michael Britt, Randy Rainwater, and Dean Sams. Lonestar soon signed to BNA Records and released its eponymous debut album in 1995, which spawned the number-one country hit single “No News.” Lonestar went on to release its second album, “Crazy Nights,” in 1997, which was the band’s last album to feature Rich.
Solo Career
Rich left Lonestar in 1998 and released his first album as a solo artist, “Rescue Me,” in late 2001. About five years later, he released “Underneath the Same Moon,” which had been recorded in 1999. He followed that up with his most commercially successful album yet as a solo artist, “Son of a Preacher Man.” The album peaked at number 16 on the Billboard 200 and at number three on the Top Country Albums chart. Its most successful single was “Shuttin’ Detroit Down.” Rich went on to release the EPs “Rich Rocks” and “For the Kids” on the same day in 2011.
Big & Rich
In 1998, Rich befriended fellow country music singer Big Kenny. The two began collaborating, and in 2002 formed the country duo Big & Rich. Their first album, “Horse of a Different Color,” came out in 2004 via Warner Bros. Nashville. It was a major hit, reaching number six on the Billboard 200 and number one on the Top Country Albums chart, and spawning multiple hit singles including “Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)” and “Holy Water.” Big & Rich had further success with 2005’s “Comin’ to Your City” and 2007’s “Between Raising Hell and Amazing Grace.” The latter album included the single “Lost in This Moment,” which became the duo’s first number-one song on the Hot Country Songs chart. Big & Rich subsequently went on hiatus. They returned in 2012 with the album “Hillbilly Jedi.” The duo next released “Gravity” in 2014 and “Did it for the Party” in 2017.
Other Collaborations
Both as a solo artist and with Big Kenny, Rich has collaborated with a myriad of artists over the years. He has done production for Gretchen Wilson, Jewel, John Anderson, and Keith Anderson, and has co-written singles for Gretchen Wilson, Jason Aldean, and Faith Hill, among many others. Meanwhile, as part of Big & Rich, he has collaborated with such artists as Martina McBride, John Legend, Bon Jovi, and Cowboy Troy.
