The History Behind “Ol’ Red” – It’s Not Just A Blake Shelton Song
Oliver Anthony rang in the New Year by sharing a unique cover of a classic country song, “Ol’ Red.”
Many people associate “Ol’ Red” with Blake Shelton these days. Shelton released his recording in 2002 as the third single from his debut, self-titled album.
The song reached the 14th spot on the Hot Country Songs chart. It has since been certified 2x Platinum by the RIAA.
Shelton also released a music video to accompany “Ol’ Red,” which was filmed at the Tennessee State Prison. That video has over 100 million views on YouTube alone.
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“Ol’ Red” is considered one of Shelton’s signature songs. He even has a chain of Ole Red restaurants inspired by the track, with locations in Nashville, Orlando, Las Vegas, and more.
But Shelton wasn’t the first singer to record “Ol’ Red.” George Jones was the first to sing it, and his recording debuted in 1990. Kenny Rogers followed Jones’ lead and released his own rendition of “Ol’ Red” in 1993.
Oliver Anthony Covers “Ol’ Red” In A Coal Mine To Ring In The New Year
Oliver Anthony is one of the latest artists to cover “Ol’ Red.” He shared his version of the song in a video he posted on social media on New Year’s Day (January 1).
Anthony gave things a unique touch by opting to perform “Ol’ Red” inside a coal mine in West Virginia. The performance appears to have been filmed during the same session that was featured on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve on ABC. Much to fans’ surprise, the program aired a video of Anthony singing his viral #1 song, “Rich Men North of Richmond.”
Fans thoroughly enjoyed Anthony’s rendition of “Ol’ Red.” Some of the comments on the Facebook video of his performance included:
“This is how to really use your talent. For the little man, not sold out arenas. It makes me love your music even more.”
“Man this is cool. Total Americana. He’s bringing back blue collar pride and some soul.”
“He includes the working man in his songs. That’s why he appeals to so many!”
“Awesome acoustics in that Mine, Love it!!”
“Better than the original if I must say so myself.”
radiowv, who’s worked with Anthony on filming several performances, commented:
“Fun Fact: This mines is only 44 inches high in the sections that the men work in, however, the miners cut us out a 7 foot high section just so we could perform for them. Hats off to anyone who is working in a mines that is that low in height, it is surely not for the weak or faint hearted.”
Check out the video below to watch Oliver Anthony sing “Ol’ Red” in a West Virgina coal mine.