Oliver Anthony Says He’s Leaving Music Industry Only 14 Months After Success Of “Rich Men North Of Richmond”

In a new YouTube video posted on Tuesday (October 29), Oliver Anthony revealed that he is going to distance himself from the music industry. Anthony says he will still continue to write songs, but he will focus most of his creative efforts on traveling ministry work instead. This move comes a little over one year since his viral sensation song, “Rich Men North of Richmond,” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. “I’m in the process of getting out of the music industry. It’s a big joke,” says Anthony in the video, filmed at the “infamous spot” in a Virginia field where his music career was born. “The plan is to eventually change my entire focus to traveling ministry work. It’s all part of this Rural Revival thing. I just have to go at it in baby steps since it’s completely DIY. No, I’ll still be releasing music just like normal, I’ll just be set up legally as a ministry.” (People)