2006年VOA标准英语-John Rich Debuts Solo Album（在线收听）

By Mary Morningstar
Washington
25 March 2006

  
  
John Rich is best known as one-half of the popular Country duo Big and Rich. Most of his fans also know that before he formed Big and Rich, John was a member of the multi-platinum group Lonestar. But, most people don't know that he tried to launch a solo career after leaving Lonestar in 1998. VOA's Mary Morningstar has this report on the debut solo album by John Rich that has finally been released.

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John Rich recorded his first and only solo album "Underneath The Same Moon" in 1999. At that time, he was signed to BNA Records, which has just released his solo project. John co-wrote 10 of the album's 11 tracks. He also included a cover of the Bryan Adams hit, "When You Love Someone."

"Underneath The Same Moon" features many well-known guests, including Delbert McClinton, Sara Evans, The Fairfield Four and his current singing partner Big Kenny, who sings with John on this track called "I Pray For You."

"I Pray For You" was one of two singles released from John's solo album. Neither song caught on with radio, and plans to release "Underneath The Same Moon" were shelved. The frustration of not being given an opportunity to prove his talents as a solo performer led John to team with Kenny Alphin and other non-conformists in Nashville's so-called Muzik Mafia. Country music's modern "outlaw" movement also includes multi-million-selling singer Gretchen Wilson and Country rapper Cowboy Troy.

So, does John Rich plan to leave the success of Big and Rich behind to continue a solo career? Not likely. The duo's 2004 debut album, "Horse Of A Different Color," sold more than two-million copies in the United States alone. And, they plan to spend most of 2006 performing concerts throughout the U.S. in support of their second CD, "Comin' To Your City."