RICHMOND, VIRGINIA: Oliver Anthony, the country singer whose song 'Rich Men North of Richmond' appealed to blue-collar workers, apparently earns $40,000 a day from his self-released hit after turning down a record deal and a $10 million offer from boycotted beer brand Bud Light.
Since its release on August 11, the song, which tells the story of a man who sells his soul while "workin' all day" and suffering because of elitism, inflation, and excessive taxes, has shot to the top of the music charts.
According to the American music trade journal Hits, most of Anthony's subsequent windfall came from downloads on iTunes and streaming services like Spotify.
Streaming and audience analytics platform Chartmetric reports that the Virginia country boy's song is being streamed about 2 million times each day.
It's unclear how much of the remaining $40,000 daily income Anthony receives in royalties from streaming sites like Spotify, which are said to pay musicians about 4 cents for each stream.
Oliver Anthony allegedly turned down $10M offer from Bud Light
Anthony has attracted attention lately for taking a bold stand on a subject beyond art, not for his artistic ability.
Anthony allegedly made the shocking decision of rejecting a lucrative $10 million endorsement truce with Bud Light, one of the top beer brands in America, in a move that has rippled throughout the business. His justification, "I won’t go woke," made his choice all the more amazing.
The term "wokeness" describes a greater awareness of societal inequalities, particularly those related to race, gender, and sexual orientation. While many have praised this trend for bringing important societal concerns to light, it has also come under criticism.
Anthony's alleged decision to reject the endorsement agreement has drawn both support and condemnation. His determination to remain true to his convictions and not participate in what he sees as an inauthentic marketing plan has earned him admirers.
However, critics claim that he missed an opportunity to interact with and perhaps have a positive impact on a well-known company.
Anthony explained in an exclusive interview, "I believe in authenticity, in standing up for what’s right, and not just going along with something because there’s money on the table. Bud Light’s approach doesn’t align with my values, and I can’t endorse something I don’t believe in."
Anthony's position currently marks a crucial turning point in this continuing discussion. His choice to reject $10 million on moral grounds has raised the bar for endorsement agreement participants and established a new industry norm for truthfulness.
Internet hails Oliver Anthony over the Bud Light rumors
Oliver Anthony's admirers took to social media to praise the country singer over the alleged news of him turning down a $10 million Bud Light endorsement deal.
One fan wrote, "FANTASTIC! I'm sure, through his songs, he's saying he has principles, and I'm positive he STICKS TO THEM! We ALL have to do this!!!!"
A second X (formerly Twitter) user wrote, "A man all about his principles- a rare thing these days."
A third one chimed in, "BudLight is desperate beyond measure offering Oliver Anthony 10 million advertising deal. (He turned them down btw)"
Another one claimed it to be unconfirmed and wrote, "Not one confirmed notice of this anywhere. It's all on right wing media unconfirmed postings. MAGA believes anything they are told without honest back up by the originator. Wishful thinking. Just like believing Rump is innocent of all charges."
Someone else claimed, "You people just believe anything you read. The last thing Bud Light would do right now is get involved in anything political."
One more user wrote, "Country Music Star OLIVER ANTHONY reportedly turned down 8 MILLION DOLLAR deal from BUD LIGHT, remarks “I’m not a F*GGOT”"