#232 John Rich - Big & Rich Country Star Performs Unreleased Song LIVE
In this episode of the Shawn Ryan Show, country music star John Rich shares his journey from a working-class background in Texas to Nashville stardom. Rich details his early musical experiences, his time with the band Lone Star, and his eventual success as part of Big & Rich, including how their hit "Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy" helped reshape country music's landscape.
The conversation explores Rich's Christian faith and its influence on his songwriting, particularly in works like "Earth to God." Rich also discusses his views on changes in the country music industry, his efforts to combat child exploitation through music, and his involvement in founding Old Glory Bank with Dr. Ben Carson and Larry Elder as an alternative to mainstream banking institutions.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Sep 2, 2025 episode of the Shawn Ryan Show
Sign up for Shortform to access the whole episode summary along with additional materials like counterarguments and context.
1-Page Summary
John Rich's Path to Music Success
John Rich's journey from the Texas Panhandle to Nashville stardom exemplifies American determination and work ethic. Growing up in a working-class family, Rich's musical journey began at age 15 when his family moved to Tennessee. There, a chance connection to Ricky Skaggs' tour bus driver opened his eyes to the possibilities of a music career. Rich honed his craft playing in honky-tonks and contests throughout his high school years.
His first breakthrough came with the band Lone Star in the 1990s, where he served as bassist and co-leader, contributing to their success with hits like "Come Crying to Me." However, tensions over Rich's rising prominence led to his departure. After a brief unsuccessful solo career, Rich found his true calling when he partnered with Big Kenny to form Big & Rich. Their hit "Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy" and their "Music Mafia" shows transformed country music's landscape, bringing Rich both financial security and creative fulfillment.
John Rich's Faith, Spiritual Warfare, and End Times Views
Rich's Christian faith, which began with his baptism in a horse trough at age eight, remains central to his identity and worldview. His songwriting, particularly in works like "Earth to God," reflects his spiritual perspective. Rich sees contemporary society through the lens of spiritual warfare, describing it as a battle between good and evil. He emphasizes the importance of Christians independently studying Biblical end-times prophecies, particularly encouraging believers to examine passages like Matthew 24 and 2 Thessalonians 2 without relying solely on pastoral interpretation.
John Rich's Activism and Advocacy Against Sociopolitical Issues
Rich has taken strong stands against what he perceives as "woke" culture infiltrating country music. He notes how the arrival of executives from LA and New York changed Music Row's landscape, leading to content he believes contradicts country music's traditional values. Despite facing professional consequences, Rich has maintained his stance on these issues.
His advocacy extends to fighting child exploitation, inspired by his paternal instincts and reflected in songs like "The Righteous Hunter." Rich has also co-founded Old Glory Bank with Dr. Ben Carson and Larry Elder, offering what he describes as a conservative alternative to mainstream banking, protecting customers from "debanking" based on their political views. The bank has seen significant growth, suggesting to Rich that many Americans seek financial institutions aligned with conservative values.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Rich's baptism in a horse trough at age eight signifies a unique and unconventional religious experience. This event typically involves being immersed in water as a symbol of spiritual cleansing and rebirth within certain Christian traditions. The use of a horse trough instead of a traditional baptismal font or body of water may reflect a more rustic or informal setting for the ceremony. This personal and early encounter with faith could have had a significant impact on Rich's spiritual beliefs and identity.
- John Rich's stance against "woke" culture in country music reflects his opposition to what he perceives as a shift towards progressive ideologies influencing the genre. He believes that the traditional values and themes of country music are being compromised by the influence of executives from urban areas like Los Angeles and New York. Rich's criticism of "woke" culture in country music is rooted in his desire to preserve the authenticity and heritage of the genre against what he sees as dilution by contemporary societal trends.
- John Rich's advocacy against child exploitation is a cause he actively supports to combat the mistreatment and abuse of children. Through his song "The Righteous Hunter," Rich sheds light on the importance of protecting children and seeking justice for victims of exploitation. This advocacy work reflects his commitment to using his platform to raise awareness and support initiatives aimed at preventing and addressing child exploitation issues.
- John Rich co-founded Old Glory Bank with Dr. Ben Carson and Larry Elder as a conservative alternative to mainstream banking. The bank aims to provide services aligned with conservative values and protect customers from being penalized for their political beliefs. This initiative reflects Rich's activism and advocacy efforts in areas beyond music.
- "Debanking" based on political views is the practice where individuals or businesses are denied banking services or have their accounts closed due to their perceived political affiliations or activities. This can happen when financial institutions, under pressure or based on their own policies, decide that a customer's political beliefs or actions are too controversial or high-risk. Essentially, it involves being excluded from the financial system due to one's political stance, which can have significant implications for individuals or businesses in terms of managing their finances and accessing essential services. This practice has raised concerns about financial discrimination and the impact it can have on individuals' ability to participate fully in the economy.
Get access to the context and additional materials
John Rich's Path to Music Success
John Rich’s rise to music stardom is a quintessential story of American work ethic and determination, set against the backdrop of a tough upbringing in the Texas Panhandle and ignited by a chance encounter with Nashville’s country music scene.
John Rich's Texas Roots and Tennessee Move
John Rich's Working-Class Roots in Texas Panhandle
John Rich's saga begins in earnest in the Texas Panhandle, an area known for its flat, windy expanse and the arduous lives of cowboys and oil rig workers. John’s upbringing was amidst hard workers, including family members deeply etched by the sun's harsh brutality. He grew up to respect hard work and associate it with gratification.
At 15, John Discovered Nashville's Country Music Scene After Moving To Tennessee With His Family
Despite a childhood steeped in hard labor—from helping maintain a garden amid the unyielding wind of the Texas Panhandle to tending to hogs with his father—John saw music as a hobby. That perception shifted dramatically when he moved to Tennessee at 15. In Tennessee, a friend's connection to Ricky Skaggs' tour bus driver opened his eyes to the viability of a music career.
John's introduction to Nashville, country music's heartland only minutes away from his new home, sowed the seeds for his future in music. His home life, including moving to Dixon after his parents’ divorce, played a pivotal role in shaping his character and resolve.
John Honed His Talents In Music By Playing Guitar and Singing At Honky-Tonks and Contests in High School
Rich's profound connection with music began with learning guitar from his father. His youthful infractions were curtly disciplined by taking away his cherished guitar, the very medium that would later become his life's work. By his teenage years, Rich was recording songs from the radio onto cassettes and replicating them note by note on his guitar. With a legitimate driver's license in hand at 16, he navigated the honky-tonks of Nashville, competing in talent contests. His gigs at Opryland USA, where he emulated country greats, honed his performance skills and led to a serendipitous meeting with Dean Sams, founder of the band Lone Star.
John's Early Career With the Band Lone Star
John Boosted Lone Star's Success in the 1990s
As bassist and co-leader of Lone Star, Rich was part of the band's ascent in the 1990s. His songwriting prowess was affirmed with "Come Crying to Me," a number one hit and a hefty royalty check. His marriage aligned with this era, marking a personal milestone amidst professional victory.
Tensions Over John's Success Led To His Departure
However, the band's dynamics were strained, especially given John's rising success and the tension it caused with experienced bandmates. A physical altercation precipitated his dismissal from Lone Star, forcing him to begin anew.
After Lone Star, John Reinvented as a Solo Artist
Embarking on a solo journey, Rich signed a deal in hopes of proving his worth sans Lone Star. The effort was short-lived, and his singles never climbed past the lower tiers of the charts, leading to another career termination.
John's Breakth ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
John Rich's Path to Music Success
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can reflect on your upbringing to identify core values that drive your work ethic, just as a strong work ethic was instilled in John Rich. Write down the values you were taught as a child and consider how they influence your current work habits. For example, if punctuality was emphasized in your family, think about how this has shaped your professional reliability.
- Explore local music scenes or art communities to ignite a passion similar to how John Rich discovered Nashville's country music scene. Attend open mic nights, art gallery openings, or local theater productions to immerse yourself in the creative energy and find what resonates with you. You might discover a new interest or talent that could lead to a fulfilling hobby or career path.
- Reinvent yourself by stepping out of your com ...
Get access to the context and additional materials
John Rich's Faith, Spiritual Warfare, and End Times Views
John Rich’s deep spiritual convictions extend beyond his music, influencing his worldview and interpretation of current events in relation to Biblical prophecy.
John's Christian Faith: Influence on Life and Work
John Rich’s profound Christian faith fundamentally shapes his identity and approach to life and work, drawing upon values instilled from an early age.
Baptized In a Horse Trough, John Committed To Christ Young
John was baptized in a horse trough when he was eight years old, following his commitment to Christ during one of his father's home-based church sermons. This childhood dedication to faith has remained a core part of his personal and professional identity. As John reconnected with Christianity after years of living as the ultimate prodigal son, he applied the lessons of his time away toward meaningful goals, realigned with his beliefs.
Faith Central to John's Identity and Worldview
Rich's songwriting, as shown in his piece "Earth to God," reflects his spiritual perspective, especially amidst the chaotic backdrop of the 2020 riots and lockdowns. His faith persists in his daily decisions, guiding his understanding of unexpected life events as part of a divine plan. John's interactions with influencers like Charlie Daniels and Jordan Peterson have reinforced his commitment to living according to the teachings of Jesus Christ and advocating for what he sees as the foundational truths underpinning his country, faith, and way of living.
John's Beliefs on Spiritual Warfare and End Times
Rich stands firm in his views of an ongoing spiritual conflict and maintains a vigilant stance on matters of eschatology, asserting the need for personal Biblical discernment.
John Sees a Battle of Good vs. Evil, With Darkness Opposing God's People
John Rich's perception of today’s societal landscape is framed as a battle between good and evil, one he interprets as spiritual warfare. Drawing parallels from Biblical narratives and his personal experiences of feeling abandoned by God, Rich asserts that there's a continual conflict, with darkness actively opposing God's followers. He presents this through considerations of evil influencers in society and defines his mission to fight against the harming of innocents, which he sees as symbolic of this larger struggle.
End-time Prophecies: Christians Must Discern and Resist the Antichrist
John Rich discusses the importa ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
John Rich's Faith, Spiritual Warfare, and End Times Views
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can create a personal reflection journal to explore how your spiritual beliefs intersect with current events. Start by writing down your thoughts on a recent news story and then connect these thoughts with relevant passages from spiritual texts. This practice can help you understand your own perspective better and see how your spirituality informs your worldview.
- Develop a playlist of music that resonates with your spiritual beliefs and the concept of spiritual warfare. Choose songs that reflect themes of hope, resilience, and the battle between good and evil. Listening to this playlist during challenging times can serve as a reminder of your convictions and provide comfort.
- Organize a small group study session with friends or famil ...
Get access to the context and additional materials
John Rich's Activism and Advocacy Against Sociopolitical Issues
Country music star John Rich is leveraging his platform to speak out against what he identifies as deleterious societal and political changes. Concerned with a variety of issues from "woke" culture to child exploitation, Rich's outspokenness has shaped both his music and business ventures.
John's Opposition To "Woke" In Music and Culture
John Rich has experienced firsthand the shift in the country music scene and has firmly positioned himself against the infiltration of what he perceives as liberal, anti-Christian influences in the industry, particularly noticing changes in attitudes and expectations within the Nashville music scene.
Country Music Increasingly Controlled by Liberal, Anti-Christian Influences
Rich noticed changes on Music Row with the arrival of executives from LA and New York, a shift that altered the landscape of country music significantly. This change affected everything from song selection to artist management, and in Rich's view, heralded the "woke" war on culture.
John Opposed Drag Queens, Progressive Messaging at Country Music Awards
During events like the CMT awards, Rich was surprised by the inclusion of elements such as drag queens, which he believes are inconsistent with the traditional, family-oriented nature of country music. These cultural elements, in Rich's view, were pushed from the top down, aimed at waging a war on culture through music.
John's Anti-Woke Stance Cost Him Opportunities, but He Stayed True To His Principles
Rich admits that his candidness on sociopolitical issues has cost him financially and led to backlash from his record label, which attempted to curtail his freedom of speech and imposed restrictions on what he could say or sing about. Nevertheless, he has prioritized his principles over his pocketbook, choosing to set an example for his sons about the importance of standing firm in their beliefs.
John's Advocacy Against Child Exploitation and Abuse
John Rich's advocacy extends into the domain of protecting children against exploitation and abuse, an issue he views as a profound and pressing moral cause.
John Disturbed by Diddy's Claim Of Owning Children's Souls
Rich was deeply disturbed by Sean Combs' (Diddy) claim that he owns the souls of children, a statement that struck Rich as diabolical. He sees the protection of children not just as a physical battle but as a spiritual one, calling for righteous anger and action among Christians.
Inspired by a Father's Instinct, John Wrote "the Righteous Hunter"
Rich draws inspiration from his paternal instincts to craft music that resonates with those determined to protect their families from harm. His song "the Righteous Hunter" symbolizes the fight against child exploitation and emphasizes his belief in the necessity of strong, possibly lethal, and uncompromising defense against any threat to children's safety.
John Sees Child Exploitation As a Spiritual Battle For Christians, Requiring Righteous Anger and Action
Believing that America will face divine judgment for its role in child exploitation, Rich frames the fight against such atrocities as a spiritual battle. It is a call to action for fellow Christians to engage with moral conviction and to understand the urgent need to engage in this fight with fierce dedication.
John's Entrepreneurial Efforts to Support Conser ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
John Rich's Activism and Advocacy Against Sociopolitical Issues
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- John Rich opposes what he perceives as the influence of liberal, anti-Christian values in country music, particularly in the Nashville music scene. He believes that the industry has shifted towards embracing elements that he sees as contradictory to traditional country music values. Rich has been vocal about his concerns regarding the changes in attitudes and themes within the country music industry.
- The influx of executives from LA and New York into the country music scene brought about significant changes in the industry's landscape, impacting aspects like song selection and artist management. This shift altered the traditional dynamics of country music, leading to a perceived dilution of its core values and cultural identity. Executives from these regions often have different perspectives and priorities compared to those traditionally associated with Nashville, influencing the direction and content of country music productions. The clash of these differing influences has sparked debates within the industry about authenticity, artistic freedom, and the evolving nature of country music.
- John Rich has expressed opposition to the inclusion of drag queens and progressive messaging in country music, believing that these elements are not in line with the traditional, family-oriented values typically associated with the genre. He sees the presence of such cultural elements as a departure from the roots of country music and a reflection of broader societal shifts that he perceives as detrimental. Rich's stance on these issues has led to disagreements within the industry and has influenced his approach to his own music and advocacy efforts.
- John Rich is known for his advocacy against child exploitation and abuse, viewing it as a critical moral issue. He has expressed deep concern over statements made by individuals like Sean Combs (Diddy) regarding children. Rich believes in the importance of protecting children from harm and sees this advocacy as a spiritual battle that requires righteous anger and action. His song "the Righteous Hunter" reflects his commitment to defending children against exploitation and emphasizing the need for unwavering protection.
- John Rich was disturbed by Sean Combs' (Diddy) claim of owning children's souls, viewing it as diabolical. Rich sees protecting children as both a physical and spiritual battle, emphasizing the need for righteous anger and action among Christians. This incident inspired Rich to create music that reflects the fight against child exploitation and the importance of defending children from harm with unwavering determination.
- "The Righteous Hunter" is a song written by John Rich that symbolizes the fight against child exploitation. It reflects his belief in the necessity of strong, possibly lethal, and uncompromising defense against any threat to children's safety. Rich draws inspiration from his paternal instincts to craft music that resonates with those determined to protect their families from harm. The song emphasizes the importance of taking a firm stand against those who seek to harm children.
- John Rich co-founded Old Glory Bank as a response to concerns about censorship of conservative voices in mainstream banking. The bank aims to provide a fina ...
Counterarguments
- The concept of "woke" culture is subjective, and what may be perceived as liberal or anti-Christian by some could be seen as progress or inclusivity by others.
- The changes in the country music scene might reflect a broader cultural shift towards diversity and inclusion rather than a targeted "war on culture."
- The inclusion of drag queens and progressive messaging in country music events could be viewed as an expansion of the genre's audience and an embrace of different perspectives.
- Standing by one's principles is commendable, but it is also important to consider the impact of one's words and actions on others, and whether they contribute to a respectful and inclusive dialogue.
- Advocating against child exploitation and abuse is universally supported, but framing it as a spiritual battle for Christians may exclude non-Christian allies who are equally committed to the cause.
- The claim about Diddy owning children's souls could be a misinterpretation or exaggeration of his words, and it may be important to seek clarification before drawing conclusions.
- While creating music inspired by paternal instincts is valid, it's important to ensure that the messaging does not promote violence or vigilantism, which could be harmful.
- The creation of Old Glory Bank addresses a concern for some customers, but it's import ...
Related Shortform Content
Get access to the context and additional materials
Create Summaries for anything on the web
Download the Shortform Chrome extension for your browser
