Anthony performed twice in four days in Farmville, Va., which he calls home and where locals say he is a “genuine, God-fearing man.” He was mobbed by fans.
“We fixed him up with a good guitar when he showed up back then and was so good that the whole place perked up and I wanted him to stay for more but he just left,” Knapp, 52, a Marine veteran and local musician, told The Post. Anthony warmed up on a loading dock with his aptly named guitar, a Gretsch G9220 Bobtail Round Neck Resonator, before Saturday night’s gig on Fourth Street.“He was such a humble guy.
“One guy came from California. I’ve met a lot of people in the music industry but never anyone like him. I don’t even think what he’s singing is political. He’s singing for all of us.” According to his Facebook posts, he dropped out of high school and worked in factories in the Marion County, NC area until 2013 when he suffered an injury on the job and moved back to Virginia.
His Facebook page lists Farmville as his current location but very few people in town seem to know him nor does he have any family ties here. “I hate to see that song being weaponized,” he said. “I see the right trying to characterize me as one of their own and I see the left trying to discredit me, I guess in retaliation. That s–t has got to stop.”
Prince Edward County voted 51.9 to 46.3 for Joe Biden in 2020, while Cumberland County — Farmville is the seat of both — voted for Trump 56.8 to 41.9.Farmville, on the Appomattox River, is not Appalachia, although Anthony has referenced himself being from there. It is a college town and it and the surrounding area backed Joe Biden in 2020.The town’s historic district boasts restored warehouses and upscale restaurants and bars. The town, population just above 7,000, is home to two colleges.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
What Oliver Anthony Music’s ‘Rich Men North of Richmond’ Has in Common – and Doesn’tHit Songs Deconstructed analyzes the Hot 100’s new leader.
Read more »
Oliver Anthony says hearing his song during presidential debate 'cracks me up'Musician Oliver Anthony shared his reaction to his song getting airtime during the Republican presidential debate.
Read more »
Oliver Anthony Addresses ‘Rich Men’ Discussion During GOP Debate: ‘I Wrote That Song About Those People’“The one thing that has bothered me is seeing people wrap politics up into this,” the singer said a 10-minute clip posted to YouTube.
Read more »
Oliver Anthony Music’s ‘Rich Men North of Richmond’ Debuts on Country Airplay Chart“I think we are meeting the expectations of our listeners,” says one programmer playing the Hot 100’s new No. 1.
Read more »
Oliver Anthony dismisses 'aggravating' GOP debate stage praise'It's aggravating seeing people on conservative news try to identify with me, like I'm one of them,' Anthony said Friday.
Read more »
Oliver Anthony slams politicians co-opting 'Rich Men North of Richmond'Country musician Oliver Anthony is blasting politicians for trying to commandeer his viral hit 'Rich Men North of Richmond': 'I wrote the song about those people.'
Read more »