Oliver Anthony’s journey from rural obscurity to the top of the music charts is a story that’s still unfolding—and it just keeps getting more remarkable. The independent singer-songwriter, who shot to fame with his breakout single “Rich Men North of Richmond,” is once again making headlines, this time for the staggering financial windfall his viral success brought him—and for the unconventional path he’s chosen since.

A New Hit, “Scornful Woman,” and a Fanbase That Won’t Quit

Just this month, Anthony released his latest single, “Scornful Woman,” and it wasted no time climbing to the number one spot on iTunes. The track, a gritty southern rock ballad, has already racked up millions of streams on Spotify, proving that Anthony’s grassroots appeal is here to stay. For fans who’ve followed his journey since that first viral moment, the new release is another sign that he’s not slowing down—even as he charts a course far outside the music industry mainstream.

From Unknown to Undefeated: The “Rich Men North of Richmond” Phenomenon

It was only a couple of years ago that Oliver Anthony was just another independent artist, recording music on his own land and sharing it with a modest online following. That all changed in 2023 when “Rich Men North of Richmond” exploded onto the scene. Uploaded to the RadioWV YouTube channel, the song became an overnight sensation, amassing millions of views before it even hit streaming platforms. By the time it landed on Spotify, it was clear something special was happening.

The numbers are now the stuff of legend: over 300 million streams on Spotify, more than 200 million views on the original YouTube video, and a historic debut at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Anthony became the first artist ever to see his very first single go straight to the top of the chart—a feat that stunned industry insiders and thrilled his rapidly growing fanbase.

Controversy and Criticism: The Double-Edged Sword of Virality

Of course, with that kind of attention came plenty of controversy. The song’s lyrics, touching on working-class struggles and referencing everything from fudge rounds to political disillusionment, sparked heated debates across the internet. Critics, including fellow musicians like Jason Isbell, weighed in, with some suggesting Anthony should have taken a different creative path. But the backlash seemed only to fuel the song’s popularity, turning it into a cultural flashpoint and cementing Anthony’s status as a voice for the overlooked and unheard.

A Life-Changing Payday

For all the noise, nothing prepared fans—or Anthony himself—for just how lucrative that first hit would be. Appearing recently on the Joe Rogan Experience, Anthony revealed the jaw-dropping amount he received from his first royalty check for “Rich Men North of Richmond.”

“The first check from Richmond was $800,000,” Anthony told Rogan. “I could have lived a long time off that money, you know. I don’t need a whole lot. That was crazy—that was a decade or more of work for me, easily. So I was like, ‘Heck yeah, I’m good.’”

It’s the kind of windfall most independent musicians can only dream of—a life-changing sum for a song recorded on his own property, without the backing of a major label.

Turning Down the Industry—and Turning Toward a Higher Purpose

What makes Anthony’s story even more compelling is what he chose to do next. At the height of his viral fame, he publicly turned down multi-million dollar record deals, opting instead to remain independent. But that was just the beginning of his unconventional journey.

Last year, Anthony announced he was stepping away from the traditional music industry to focus on ministry through what he calls the Royal Revival Project. “I’m in the process of getting out of the music industry. It’s a big joke,” he said. “The plan is to eventually change my entire focus to traveling ministry work. It’s all part of this world revival thing—I just have to go at it baby steps, since it’s completely DIY.”

He explained that while he’ll continue to release music, he’s restructuring his career so that it operates as a ministry. The vision? To bring live music and spiritual revival to small towns across America, bypassing the corporate dominance of Live Nation and Ticketmaster and stimulating local economies by using local vendors and musicians.

Building Something Different—On His Own Terms

With $800,000 in the bank from just one song, Anthony now has the freedom to pursue his vision without compromise. And the continued success of tracks like “Scornful Woman” shows that his fanbase is more than willing to follow him on this new path.

“I have this vision,” Anthony said. “I want to create a routing schedule that runs parallel to Nashville, circumvents the monopoly of Live Nation and Ticketmaster, and goes into towns that haven’t had music in them in a long time. It stimulates their economy, showcases their culture, and uses local vendors and local musicians.”

A New Model for Independent Artists?

Oliver Anthony’s story is a testament to the power of authenticity, grassroots support, and the courage to walk away from industry norms. As he continues to release music and build his ministry, he’s showing other artists—and fans—that there’s more than one way to make it in the music world.

With a chart-topping new single, a devoted following, and a mission that goes far beyond fame or fortune, Oliver Anthony is redefining what success can look like. And if the past few years are any indication, his story is only just beginning.