The Texas native, most recently known as one half of the multi-platinum Warner Bros. Records duo, Big & Rich, has been honing his writing skills for years. He has made a name for himself as an artist in his own right, a producer, an award-winning songwriter, judge on Nashville Star (NBC), and host of the smash hit series Gone Country, CMT’s highest-rated series to date.

In addition to his accolades as a performer and songwriter, Rich has helped other artists catapult to stardom along the way. Currently named one of People Magazine’s most powerful people in the music industry, John has managed to create his own musical movement better known as the “MuzikMafia.”

Several years ago, Rich, Big Kenny, and a group of friends began playing out together. What started out as a group of musicians throwing casual jam sessions at a local Nashville haunt, evolved into a band of brothers (and sisters) – the MuzikMafia. Gradually, the movement turned into one of the most exciting scenes in Nashville. Other founding members include multi-platinum selling artist, and the Academy of Country Music’s female vocalist of the year, Gretchen Wilson, Warner Bros. Records artists James Otto, who debuted # 3 on the Top 200 chart in April 2008 and Cowboy Troy. Eventually it led to the pairing of John Rich and Big Kenny – thus creating Big & Rich.