John Rich Once Again Challenges Hidden Conservatives in Country Music: “Garth Brooks Shows Strong Belief in Joe Biden”

2025-03-01 08:00:06 By Mary Garcia

John Rich

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John Rich

John Rich taking the country music industry to task.

John Rich's political leanings are widely known, but he's among a select group of prominent conservatives in the country music scene. At least, those who are vocal about their beliefs…

Naturally, if you peruse any liberal media outlet, you'll encounter discussions about the racism and sexism prevalent in the country music scene. Homophobia and xenophobia often get thrown into the mix as well. However, apart from John Rich, who else in the country music realm openly identifies as a conservative? Where are the supposed alt-right, Trump-admiring Republicans that are supposedly permeating this problematic genre?

Jason Aldean, Travis Tritt, Aaron Lewis, and Hank Williams Jr. are all icons in the music scene, each with their own unique contributions. However, Jason Aldean stands out as the one who consistently dominates the charts and fills large arenas. While Kid Rock is a vocal figure, his career extends well beyond just country music.

The reality is that the country music scene lacks a significant number of well-known conservative figures. In contrast, there are several prominent liberal artists such as Willie Nelson, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Garth Brooks, Jason Isbell, The Dixie Chicks, Tyler Hubbard, Brothers Osborne, Kacey Musgraves, Maren Morris (did she abandon the “toxic” genre?), Tyler Childers, Sturgill Simpson, and many others who exist beyond the mainstream spotlight.

John Rich is perplexed, particularly since his private discussions suggest a very different reality.

Following the news that Carrie Underwood will perform “America The Beautiful” at Trump’s inauguration, Rich took to to X to praise Underwood for not being afraid of standing up for what she believes in, while calling out “top tier artists” who support Trump but won’t admit it publicly:

"There are numerous prominent country artists who back Trump, and I really hope they gather the courage to speak up and make their voices heard. Staying silent just to please the record label isn't exactly rebellious. Carrie Underwood is showing you all up."

He makes a valid point when he says that choosing to remain silent due to concerns about being canceled or upsetting your record label isn't inherently rebellious. It seems he had specific individuals in mind but opted not to name them. However, I believe that not every artist in country music is required to engage in political discussions if they prefer not to. Some simply aren't interested in the political landscape…

Earlier today, it was also revealed that Parker McCollum will perform the inauguration, so props to him for being willing to stand on business.

Nevertheless, John began to reflect on this a bit more and appeared to target the A-listers who continue to speak out, even though they often express their political views in private discussions.

He commended Carrie Underwood for her readiness to take the stage and appreciated her explanation for her decision to perform. However, he reiterated his curiosity about why numerous country music icons remain passive. He also took the opportunity to commend Brad Paisley and Garth Brooks for their courage to take a stand, even if it was for a cause he does not personally support.

He remarked:

"This made me reflect on country musicians I know for certain are staunch conservatives and back Trump, yet haven't spoken out publicly. I began to contrast them with some artists in the country scene who have openly aligned themselves with the opposing viewpoint."

I began to contemplate why Garth Brooks feels such strong conviction about figures like Joe Biden, to the extent that he would perform at Biden’s inauguration, embracing Hillary Clinton with a warm bear hug while singing on stage. Similarly, I wondered why Brad Paisley would join Jill Biden in Nashville to establish a Covid vaccination site, encouraging everyone to fulfill their patriotic responsibility by getting vaccinated, all while promising to play some music and inviting people to come down and participate.

I may not share the same views as those individuals, but I have to respect their determination to take a stand and act on their beliefs. Brad was a strong advocate for vaccines alongside Jill, while Garth focused on supporting Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton. So, I'm left wondering, where are the prominent conservative figures in country music? Where are the A-listers?

He urged artists to speak out and assert themselves, emphasizing that they no longer need to fear being canceled.

Currently, Aldean, Kid Rock, and Carrie Underwood are set to take part, along with Aaron Lewis and other artists who will be present. However, there are some major names that I’m aware of who need to step up, and I honestly can’t wrap my head around it.

I’m saying Trump secured the popular vote by a significant margin, and he claimed victory in every key swing state. What are you worried about? Your record label? You're too influential to be silenced. If anything, your fanbase is likely to grow… just look at Jason Aldean’s success.

Anyway, I want to extend my congratulations to Brad Paisley and Garth. Even though I may not see eye to eye with them, I admire their commitment to stand alongside Joe Biden and Jill Biden in advocating for vaccines and promoting what they believe is significant. However, I believe it’s equally important for other perspectives to be acknowledged.

It's not rebellious to just sit back and stay silent. You can't profess your admiration for Johnny Cash, Kristofferson, Willie, Waylon, Tanya, Loretta, and countless others while claiming to walk in their footsteps if you choose to remain quiet. Bless you and bless America, but it's time to find your courage.

Certainly! It's common knowledge where Willie stands on various issues, and both Cash and Kristofferson weren't afraid to express their opinions on social matters that may not align with John Rich's perspective. However, it's true that these icons openly shared their thoughts, and perhaps country music could benefit from a bit more of that candidness, regardless of political affiliation.

This clip of Brad Paisley was posted in the comments, and I have to say… I’ve always been a huge fan of Brad. I even got myself a Telecaster because I aspired to play guitar just like him. I've seen him live several times, but honestly, this really highlights the complete misinformation we were given by Fauci, the CDC, and the mainstream media.

Armor, Brad? So you're saying the vaccine was like armor? That's hilarious…

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