A Virginia factory worker has become an overnight sensation after a video of him performing a soulful rendition of his workers’ anthem went viral.
Oliver Anthony, a Farmville-based singer, has gained popularity with fans after his song “Rich Men North of Richmond” was shared online.
The clip shows Anthony emotionally churning out every word of his “terrifying” song while strumming his guitar.
The lyrics include: “Lord it’s a damn shame / What the world has reached / For people like me and people like you / I wish I could just wake up and it wasn’t true / But it is, oh, it is.” .”
Anthony Oliver’s emotional performance of his original song “Rich Men North of Richmond” went viral
In just three days, more than 1.5 million people watched him sing online
With his dog by his side, he continues, “Living in the new world / With an old soul / Those rich men north of Richmond / God knows they all just want total control.”
The video was viewed more than 1.5 million times in just three days on radiowv’s YouTube channel.
Thousands of viewers took advantage of the comments section to praise the musician and his ability to convey emotion through his lyrics.
“I’m a 39-year-old Iraqi veterinarian and construction worker and I struggle like a dog to take care of two kids and keep a farm running when I’m not working 11 hour days,” shared a new fan.
“This hit so hard today I had to stop my old Peterbilt and burst into tears. ‘Preach, brother.’
“This song touched my soul deep and I can’t wait to hear more,” applauded another.
“Absolutely superb,” said another.
“I haven’t heard a scary original song in decades. “You speak for millions of us,” admired one.
‘So brilliant! You sing it with truth and soul and say it like it is! Man, this is what America needs. It makes me feel like we have our voice back. “Bring it on,” said another.
Thousands of people have praised the singer for his distinctive voice
Anthony lives in Farmville with his three dogs and hopes to one day raise cattle
He cites Hank Williams Jr as one of his biggest influences
Among the reactions, one man, Jason Howerton, said he spoke to Anthony about his passion for music.
He shared that Oliver had previously struggled with his mental health and had drunk alcohol to cope with his pain.
“In deep desperation, about a month ago, Oliver got on his knees and burst into tears.”
He decided to get sober, and about 30 days later his luck changed when he was asked to record “Rich Men North of Richmond” for YouTube.
Now that the video is viral, Howerton says there are plans for Oliver to record his first album.
His music has touched many, including that of TV presenter Laura Ingraham.
“Haunting sound and commentary on what has happened to the American working class,” she posted on Twitter.
After thousands of tags and mentions, Oliver thanked everyone for their support on his Facebook page.
“I’m so grateful for the support my music has received so far,” he wrote.
“I’m working on scheduling gigs and will post a calendar as soon as it’s available.”
People continued to express their support, encouraging him to keep going and sharing his “amazing” talent with the world.
People continued to express their support and encourage him to go ahead and share his “incredible” story with the world.
“The passion in your eyes!” Totally blown away by this song and the artist. I can’t wait to see you on the big stage one day.’
The off-grid farmer has been sharing music on his YouTube channel regularly for five months.
He lives with his three dogs on a property that he wants to convert into a cattle ranch.
According to Anthony Hank Williams Jr. as one of his biggest influences.
Fans can listen to his music on Apple Music, Spotify and Pandora.