by PAUL ADKINS, Sports Editor
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Country music star John Rich has joined the lineup of talent for the upcoming Friends of America rally at Holden. Photo/internet
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HOLDEN -- It just won't be Hank, Sean and the "Motor City Madman."
Sponsors of the “Friends of America” rally have announced the addition of country music artist John Rich to the list of performers for the free Labor Day concert at Holden.
Rich’s single “Shuttin’ Detroit Down” swept the nation as a populist anthem that gave voice to millions of hard-working Americans during one of the biggest economic meltdowns in our nation’s history.
“It’s appropriate that John Rich has chosen to join the ‘Friends of America’ concert and rally to honor the men and women whose hard work and dedication has made America the greatest nation on earth,” said Don Blankenship, Massey Energy Chairman and CEO, in a written statement.
“Through his music and powerful lyrics, John gives a voice to the men and women of America who keep our country strong and productive. Our goal with the ‘Friends of America’ concert and rally is to voice our support for American workers and the American way of life and John Rich will help us do exactly that.”
The 35-year-old Rich, a Texan, is a former member of the group Lonestar. His hit "Shuttin' Down Detroit," went as high as No. 12 on the Billboard Country Chart in April. Another single, "The Good Lord and the Man," peaked at No. 59 on the country chart last month.
In 2007, Rich hosted the first season of "Gone Country" on CMT, which featured celebrities such as Brady Bunch actress Maureen McCormick, singers Bobby Brown, Sisqo, Julio Iglesias Jr., Dee Snider, Carnie Wilson and American Idol runner-up Diana DeGarmo as they try to become songwriters with the help of Nashville songwriters as the celebrities are paired together with the songwriters. The show was filmed at the former home of Barbara Mandrell. He has hosted two more seasons since then.
Rich also served as a judge on the 2008 version of Nashville Star on NBC along with Jewel, singer-songwriter Jeffrey Steele, and host Billy Ray Cyrus.
The rally’s entertainment also features country music legend Hank Williams Jr., Halfway to Hazard, Taylor Made and others.
Sean Hannity, a nationally-syndicated radio host and Fox News TV host is a featured speaker as well as Lord Christopher Monckton, a former science adviser to former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
Rock music legend, conservative activist, gun rights advocate and hunting enthusiast Ted Nugent will emcee the event.
The “Friends of America” rally will be held on Monday, Sept. 7, from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. The rally will be located on 22 Mine Road near the Logan/Mingo county line.
The event will be free and open to the public.
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You must register online for your free guest pass.
To register for your guest pass and for more information visit the Friends of America Rally online atwww.friendsofamericarally.com.